Packing for travel can feel like more of a headache than it needs to be. Packing, fitting everything, and the carry-on limit are all big worries. Here are five simple rules you can adhere to in order to streamline your packing and help stave off anxiety before you travel.
1. Make a List Before You Start Packing
The travel association said 42 percent of American travelers forget an oversized item on trips. It’s logical; you want to have the list so that you don’t forget something crucial, even more so when you decide to go for stress-free packing.
You will want to begin checking things off your list in the days leading up to departure. Sort by the type of items—clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents to make an ultimate travel packing list of the essentials you can count on.
2. Choose Clothes You Can Mix and Match
Even if you pack only four or five outfits for a seven-day trip, you don’t need a suitcase that weighs 50 pounds. Opting for versatile attire eases packing and saves precious space. The majority of clothing can be dressed up or down. This is a great way to gradually learn how to pack light for travel.
3. Roll Your Clothes and Use Packing Cubes
If you ask the Transportation Security Administration, which suggests a pair of decent packing cubes or compression bags to help keep your bag organized and make it easier to pack stress-free.
Packing cubes keep similar items together; for example, all your shirts are in one cube, so there is no need to sift through everything to find what you need. This is particularly beneficial for multi-stop trips where you may need to unpack frequently.
4. Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On
Checked-bag delays can occur even with a carefully planned itinerary. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends stowing essentials in your carry-on to aid a stress-free packing routine. Pack the medication, chargers, documents, and change of clothes.
Be sure to adhere to carry-on packing rules for air travel, including the T.S.A.’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Keeping these basics within arm’s reach will help keep you relaxed if your main luggage doesn’t make your flight.
5. Leave Some Extra Space
A good rule of thumb is to leave 10–15 percent of your bag space empty. This method makes packing less stressful, because you have space for souvenirs and any unexpected purchases.
The overpacker’s bag frequently results in unwelcome baggage fees or a struggle to push an overstuffed bag closed. Extra room also provides air for your clothes to breathe, so that you have no packing problems on your journey home.
Pack Smart and Enjoy the Journey
Traveling light isn’t just about saving space—it’s about freeing your mind. It enables you to concentrate on the most important aspects of your life: exploring new locations, living in the moment, and creating lasting experiences that can be unpacked long after the bag is put away.
