What is the best strategy to packing for vacation?

Question

I hate hate hate packing whether for a week, or a weekend... is there anyway i can pack which would lessen how stressed out i get?

Answer 1

I put an outfit on my bed for each day I will be gone. From the socks or nylons all the way up to my earrings. I pack all my clothes the night before. I try to limit the pairs of shoes I take. They go in plastic bags with the clothes. Then my jewelry goes in my jewelry bag and into my makeup kit which goes in my personal stuff bag(blow dryer, deodorant, hairspray etc) I always pack this bag last so I can brush my teeth last and put on deod after showering before I leave. Each outfit gets literally rolled up like a towel and put in my suitcase. Rolling does better than folding them. I have a very small iron I leave in my suitcase. When I pull out an outfit I have the socks/nylons, underwear, bra, belt etc, all together.

Answer 2

Making a list, and only packing What's On The List..works best for me.

I hate packing so much, that when I went to study abroad for over a year, I still wasn't even halfway packed the night before I left.

Answer 3

Make a list throughout the week prior. Keep it with you, so that if you think of anything that you are missing, you can jot it down really quickly. Then when it is time to pack, you have your list. Make a quick run to the store if you need something there, and then you should be set! It wont take long if you have your list and check everything off as you go.

PS. you can also organize your list in terms of rooms, such as "bathroom ammenities," "getting ready," "shirts," etc. Then just go from category to category while packing. :)

Answer 4

make a chart for all the days/nights that you need clothes. fill in each spot with a top/bottom/shoes - it's ok to repeat each thing once or twice (more for shoes and jeans). I tend to stick to either things that go with black or brown for the entire trip - less shoes and belts and bags (if you're picky like me about that kind of stuff). then pack an extra shirt or two just in case. It's MUCH MUCH easier to get dressed when you have a limited wardrobe too!

for toiletries, just put things in your toiletry bag as you use them a few days before you're leaving (you can take them out again if you need them, but put them back!!) and you should have everything you need.

Answer 5

I would make a list of all the clothes, accessories, toiletries etc. Then you would not forget anything, that should help reduce the stress. Just stick to the list.

I know this sounds odd but it works for me. Take your old underwear and treat it as disposable, that also makes some room for stuff you might want to buy while you are there.

Answer 6

Sometimes making a list helps. You make a list of the things you plan to wear based on how many days you are planning to be away. Also it's good to have a separate list of the toiletries you need so you don't forget to pack such necessities as deoderant!

Answer 7

Lay out everything that you think you will need - then look for mix and match combinations - put the other stuff back in the closet - then close your eyes and pack half of the mix/match combinations. Done deal - remember you are packing for you - and what comforts you - if you are packing for the impression of others
- disregard this and pack everything you originally laid out! LOL

Answer 8

Make one bag that you take trip after trip. As you reuse it over the years it will start to collect 'stuff' you find you need. Aspirin, anti-acid, etc. Don't unpack the 'stuff' after the trip. Dirty undies yes, 'stuff' no.

Use out side pockets for fast attack stuff you need on the bus, plane car. Music, magazines.

Your one bag should be a place for many smaller bags.

Lay out stuff by each day before it goes in the bag. Pants, socks, etc.

Alway take a small towel, hitch hikers guide. Always take a swim suit. Stuff.

Answer 9

Just start by dressing yourself and adding a few more clothes. At least you'll have one outfit. You'll have money if you take your wallet, always keep your keys in your pocket and your all set. Take only what you can carry. No more than one suitcase. Better to wear dirty clothes than get stuck in an airport with no one to move your suitcase. The idea is to have fun. Don't worry. If you have clothes and money you'll be fine. You can always buy extra stuff you forgot. If you are flying wear slip on shoes and bring a book to read in case your seatmate is a bore.

Answer 10

Just an idea.......take along some spare grocery bags for dirty clothes and also some ziplocs for small things.