PACKING — Blog — Amanda Warren

Planning a vacation is an exciting time, and one of the best parts is deciding what to wear, especially if you have a few new outfits! However, packing for a vacation can oftentimes also lead to a little stress. It doesn't have to be that stressful. With a little preparation and my five quick packing tips, you can be sure to have the perfect wardrobe for your dream vacation. In this blog post, we'll discuss the key things to consider when planning that vacation wardrobe. I will also provide five easy packing tips I have found to be the best ways to help you pack quickly and efficiently.

Travel Essentials

Planning a vacation wardrobe can seem like a daunting task. After all, you want to look stylish, but also stay comfortable and functional while traveling. There are some key pieces you should always consider packing when planning a vacation wardrobe. A few versatile, coordinating tops and bottoms are a must-have when it comes to packing for any vacation. Choose items that are lightweight and breathable, and can be easily mixed and matched for a variety of occasions. Comfortable, breathable shoes are also essential for any vacation wardrobe. A light jacket or wrap is a great way to layer up for cooler evenings, and a swimsuit for those days spent at the beach or pool. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

When it comes to packing for a vacation, there are a few items you should always remember to bring. Travel-sized toiletries are essential, as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other necessary items. A small, lightweight bag or backpack is perfect for carrying around your day-to-day essentials. You may also want to consider packing a few items of jewelry and/or scarves for a more stylish look. Don’t forget to pack a small medical kit, as well as a power bank and phone charger, any necessary adapters for electronics, and a camera and/or laptop. A few books or magazines, a water bottle, and an extra set of keys, are all essential items to have on hand.

These 5 quick tips will help you plan the perfect vacation wardrobe and key items and pack them all efficiently. By following these tips, you’ll have a stress-free vacation and look stylish for all of your adventures.

1. Wear the Bulkiest Items

Planning a vacation wardrobe can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to pack light. To make the process easier, here are five quick packing tips that will help you create the perfect vacation wardrobe.

First, choose lightweight items that can be layered easily. A thin t-shirt and a cardigan are great options because they’ll keep you warm without taking up too much space in your suitcase. Additionally, pack items that can be easily dressed up or down, like a pair of jeans and a nice blouse. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are also recommended as they breathe better and are generally more comfortable.

When it comes to sweaters and jackets, the bulkiest items keep in mind that these are the items that will take up the most room in your luggage, so it’s best to be judicious when selecting them. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes that can be worn during the day and out at night. Don't underestimate the importance of a comfortable shoe as you probably will be doing much more walking than you're accustomed to.

By following these five quick packing tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect vacation wardrobe that will have you looking stylish and feeling comfortable no matter where your travels take you.

2. Pack Your Shoes at the Bottom of Your Suitcase

Be sure to pack your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. This is a great way to keep your suitcase organized and maximize the amount of space you have. Place your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase and then stack the rest of your items on top. This will keep your clothes from getting dirty and will also prevent your shoes from taking up too much space.

Another great tip is to fill the inside of your shoes with socks. This makes sure the shoes don't lose their form in your suitcase and also helps with space in your suitcase. Another great way to pack undergarments & socks is to fill them inside of any additional purses or hats you may be packing in your suitcase for optimal space saving.

3. Pack Toiletries

Bring travel size toiletries for a vacation. This will save you space and reduce the weight of your luggage. Make sure to include items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner. For convenience, opt for single-use packets of products such as shampoo and conditioner.

Save all of your beauty samples for travel. I am forever getting sample sizes of makeup and facewashes from Ulta, Lovelyskin and other beauty-based stores, so I always save them to take with me on travel. Especially tiny perfumes, I always pick that on my Sephora gift, because I never want to take a full perfume incase it spills, anything it touches is a goner (they have oils in perfumes that will ruin your clothes)!

If you plan on being in one place for an extended period of time, consider bringing a few extra items such as a razor, tweezers, and nail clippers. These are items that you may not use every day, but they are still important to have on hand. Don’t forget to include a small first aid kit with items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. This will ensure that you’re prepared for any minor issues that may arise during your trip.

4. Roll Your Clothes

Maximize space in your suitcase while also keeping your clothes wrinkle-free. Rolling your clothes is an easy and efficient way to maximize space in your suitcase and keep your clothes wrinkle-free. When you roll each item of clothing, begin at the hem and roll the fabric up until you reach the shoulders. To keep your clothes from unrolling, you can secure them with a rubber band or use packing cubes. (Be aware that a rubber band will leave a mark on your clothes, so I suggest adding them tightly together and they will stay in place perfectly. Or if packing for a child with smaller clothes the packing cubes may be your best bet! Rolling your clothes can also help you to quickly identify each item and find what you need quickly. Rolling your clothes can save you plenty of space, so you can bring more items with you on your vacation.

5. Be Sure To Try It All on

Start by creating a packing list based on the length of your trip and the type of activities you plan to do. Keep your wardrobe simple and choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. Don’t forget to bring layers, such as a cardigan or light jacket, so you can adjust to any changes in the weather. Pack items that can transition from day to night, like a nice dress or a blazer and dress pants.

Once you have outfits narrowed down before you are rolling each piece of clothing to add to your bag be sure to try on the outfit. This will make sure you don't forget things like accessories, shoes and if that outfit needs a different undergarment than the others. This also ensures that you still like the outfit you may not have owned in quite a while.

Additional Packing Tips

Above are my planning tips for vacation wardrobes & 5 quick packing tips. You can never have too many tips, and i'm always learning as I go, so here are a few extras that you will find helpful. Always pack toiletries, underwear and two changes of clothes in your carry-on. I try to keep one change of clothes casual like a gym outfit and one that’s regular clothes. There is nothing as frustrating as the time we had where our bags were literally stuck on the plane that wouldn’t take off to Paris from NYC and we spent 2 nights and a full day in the airport not sure if we would ever make it to Europe. We had no extra undergarments or my contact case but luckily I had a workout outfit in the right suitcase.

Leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs and purchases that you may pick up during your travels. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of a shopping spree with no room to store your finds because you were overpacking. Separate items that you will need on the plane, such as your passport, wallet, and phone, from the rest of your items. Make sure to carefully pack any essential items, such as medications, chargers, and your passport. Plan out your outfits in advance so you know exactly what you need to pack.

When it comes to packing, it is important to start early and plan your outfits in advance. For an even more efficient way to pack every time get together a checklist of items, you will always need when leaving home. Choose items in neutral colors, such as white, black, gray, or navy, like a capsule wardrobe with pieces that coordinate well together. Then add some personality with colorful accessories and special items. Look for items that are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about ironing your clothes while you’re away.

Lastly, be sure to have everything printed out you may need, or if you like less clutter have it all saved in your emails on your phone under flagged emails. This makes it so much easier to find confirmation numbers and tickets when sightseeing once you reach your destination.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, these five quick packing tips will help you get organized and ready for your upcoming adventure. By selecting the right items and packing efficiently, you’ll have more time to enjoy your vacation.