5 Best Packing Tips For Your Next Vacation
When you pack for a vacation, do you open a suitcase, start thinking about what you will need off the top of your head, and then start tossing it in? Many of us have been in that boat. But as with other seemingly non-technical activities, there are certain hacks that will allow you to vastly improve your packing abilities. After researching the information out there, certain tips rose to the top as the most effective, worth-while, awesome tips out there. Here are the top 5.
1. Make A List
Yes, it sounds annoyingly obvious! But this is a step that so many people forget to do. Ten minutes of preparation can save you time in the packing process, can ensure that you don’t forget a vital item, and can help you pack things in an order that optimizes your suit-case capacity. In order to make your list, get your vacation itinerary out. With this as a resource, think about what clothing and gear you will need for each item. If you will be away for more than a week, plan on doing laundry at your destination. For each unique item on your itinerary, jot down the items that you will need.
2. Roll Your Clothing
Roll your clothing items instead of folding them. This minimizes creasing and wrinkles, and also uses your space very efficiently. When you roll items, try to make them as small as possible. Some people even vacuum seal the items once they are packed!
3. Keep Size and Weight Limits In Mind
The airline limits on baggage has changed recently, and many airlines have reduced their limits to account for fuller flights. Instead of assuming that you will be allowed one personal bag to put under your seat, and one “small-ish” suitcase that will be stored in an overhead compartment, check your airlines website to be sure that you know the latest policy. If your airline states a specific measurement requirement for carry on items, be sure to measure your bag and purchase a new one that meets the specifications if needed. Airlines are becoming more strict about this rule. If you plan on sending some of your bags straight to your destination, be aware that you might be charged for this by weight, and plan accordingly.
4. Organize Small Items
Store travel sized toiletry items in one zip lock bag. Keep electronic items in their own, separate bags. Wrap chords (like phone charger chords or headphone chords) into a tight, organized singular unit within each bag. Instead of searching through a tangle of chords and lotion bottles when you arrive at your vacation destination, you will have everything separated and organized. Clear zip lock bags also make the security check smooth, as agents can easily view what kinds of bottles and electronic items you have.
5. Keep It Clean
Packing sneakers or sandals? Make sure that the soles of your shoes are covered with something disposable, such as a spare plastic bag. This cuts down on any scuff marks or stains that your shoes would produce against other clothing items. If you pack food, make sure that it is also separated and contained. You can flip light clothing inside out so that it does not get marked up by dark items next to it. You can pack a good smelling item in with your main clothing compartment (like a drier sheet or small satchel of potpourri) so that your clothes still smell fresh and clean even after a long journey.
These tips can also help you pack for a business trip! If you are a small business owner, you might find that you are on the road quite a bit. Learning how to pack correctly makes a big difference! Capital Alliance offers many resources to small business owners, including a free guide about marketing strategies. Capital Alliance is a company that works to empower small business owners. Whether it is for business or pleasure, learning the little tips that make a big difference can be a game changer. Try these packing tips out and see what you think!