I love to travel, but I used to HATE packing. Anyone else relate to the analysis paralysis of trying to get organized for a trip?

As a military family of four, packing a suitcase can get a little tricky.

I felt overwhelmed trying to pack for each person individually but also figure out how to keep items separate. Before I implemented these five organizing packing tips, I forgot very important pieces of clothing, such a underwear and pants!

With summer travel in full swing, packing for a trip can be a daunting task. However, with a little organization, it can become a breeze.

Here are five effective ways to organize your packing starting from start to finish so you can easily pack what you need and find it when you need it.

1. Make a Checklist

• Create a Detailed List: Start by listing all the items you’ll need for your trip. Break it down into categories like clothing, toiletries, shoes, hair tools, makeup, and accessories. For a pre-made packing list, try this one. Using a checklist helps you organize your packing from the start.
• Check Off as You Pack: As you pack each item, check it off your list. This helps you keep track of what you’ve packed and what still needs to be packed.
• Factor In How Many Days You’ll Be Gone: It’s important not to overpack. Summer items are smaller and you can afford to pack too much, but with the colder seasons come around, one sweater could take up as much space as four tank tops. For pants, try to wear the same ones between 2-3 times. Tops may only be worn once during the summer heat, something to consider when packing.
• Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe is a set of items that can be worn in a variety of ways to create many outfits. Creating a color palette such as all neutrals, black and white, and complimentary colors, is an effective way to create a variety of outfits with just a few select pieces.

2. Use Packing Cubes

• Compartmentalize Your Items: Packing cubes are a great way to keep your suitcase organized. Use different cubes for different types of items, such as tops, bottoms, socks and underwear, toiletries, and accessories.
• Easy Access: Packing cubes make it easy to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase. Just pull out the cube you need.
• Clear Cubes: Packing cubs can come in all kinds of materials, but the clear ones make identifying your items much faster and easier. I have three sets of these packing cubes from Amazon.
• Color Coded: For multiple family members, consider choosing a color or pattern that belongs to each person. This will allow you to consolidate packing cubes in the same suitcase and maintain awareness of which cube belongs to which person.

3. Roll Your Clothes

• Save Space: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save a significant amount of space in your suitcase.
• Reduce Wrinkles: Rolling also helps reduce wrinkles, so your clothes look fresher when you unpack.
• Visibility: Rolled clothes are easier to see at a glance, making it simpler to find specific items.
• Travel Steamer: In the event that items are wrinkled, this portable steamer can quickly smooth all creases and wrinkles.

4. Pack by Category

• Group Similar Items Together: Keep all your toiletries in one bag, electronics in another, and clothes sorted by type or outfit. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
• Use Small Bags: Utilize smaller bags within your suitcase to keep items separated and organized.
• Magnetic Travel Capsules: Keep shampoo, conditioner, body wash, pills, and more separate and organized with these magnetic travel containers.

5. Layer Strategically

• Heavy Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items like shoes and electronics at the bottom of your suitcase to create a stable base.
• Light Items on Top: Layer lighter items on top of the heavier ones to prevent them from being crushed.
• Fill Gaps: Use smaller items to fill gaps and spaces, maximizing the use of your suitcase’s capacity.

Starting with a checklist, using packing cubes, rolling your clothes, packing by category and layering – you will be able to streamline your packing and find more time to book excursions and sightseeing tours. This is a great start to a stress-free experience.

A little preparation and organization can go a long way in ensuring you have everything you need and can easily access your items during your travels.

Happy packing!

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