by Samantha Leonard | Samantha Leonard Designs
Most people either LOVE packing or despise it. Because I have found a system the works very well for our family, I fall into the NOT hating packing camp. I am sharing my favorite suitcase packing tips for both the packing lovers and haters alike. Let’s get you packed for your best vacation yet!
- Packing cubes are a must! Some of you have probably heard this more times than you can count, but I am going to add one more to your count! Do not just toss your clothes willy nilly into your suitcase or carry-on! If you organize them, you will have a much easier time finding them when you arrive to your destination. I keep one or two packing cubes for my clothing, one for my daughter’s clothes, and my husband even uses one. You can separate your clothing into categories like under wear and socks in one cube, pajamas in another, and every day clothes in another cube. Game changers!
- Roll those clothes tightly. Speaking of game changers, if you are folding your clothes, you need to stop it! (kidding, but not actually kidding) Rolling your clothes neatly and tightly gains you so much room! Trust me! My mom taught me this at a young age. Out of rebellion, I have tried folding to see if I could get the same packing result…just don’t even bother. Roll away!
- Toiletries should be bagged at all times and keep them separated from non-liquid items. No one likes shampoo on their toothbrush. Sometimes, I will even put a piece of plastic wrap over the opening of the toiletry bottles, and then screw the lid on top of that. Practically foolproof way to prevent a spill. I like to use gallon size bags to hold hair product bottles and other liquid filled containers.
- Bring a separate bag for dirty laundry. I do not like my dirty laundry floating around my suitcase nor do I like trying to remember what is clean versus what is dirty when unpacking at home. I always bring a trash bag, and set it up in the closet at the place we are staying and we just pop our dirty clothes in there. When we get back from our trip, I have one trip to the laundry room with the bag in hand.
- Keep items you will need upon arrival separated and at the ready. For example, let’s say you know you may arrive at your resort before your hotel room is ready and want to swim while you wait for you room. Pack a a dedicated, easy-to grab bag in your suitcase or carry-on with swimsuits, sunscreen (TSA approved size for carry-ons), flip flops, and whatever other items you may need for your pool time. This way you are not the person with their suitcase flung open on the floor of the hotel lobby or bathroom, frantically looking for these items. Bonus tip: bring a wet bag like in case you decided to swim on the day you leave. Throw your wet suit in the bag without worrying about it leaking into your suitcase. You can even pack the swim items in it to start with. Talk about an easy grab!
- Pre-select outfits for young kids and pack them in their own little bags. I find gallon freezer bags to be the perfect size for this, plus you can easily label them with a permanent marker. This also takes the stress out of picking out an outfit every morning. For example, my daughter loves Disney characters, and we plan to meet some of them on our Disney World trip. I have a general idea of when we are going to be at each park. She is going to meet Sleeping Beauty at Epcot, and so we will wear her Sleeping Beauty inspired outfit on the day we go to Epcot. I will put this outfit in a bag a label it with the day of the week she will wear it. In each bag, I include: socks, underwear, the outfit, and hair accessories.
- Keep a pouch just for devices and chargers. I like to keep my chargers and small devices all together in one bag. We like to travel with our Roku stick for easy access to our shows when on vacation. I keep this along with an extra phone charger, and any other chargers in a single pouch. If we are ready to just chill for an hour upon arrival to our destination, I just grab my electronics pouch, and pop the Roku stick into the TV. Easy peasy.
- Bonus Tip: Attach an Airtag or similar tracking device to your suitcase and/or car seat/stroller if checking these items onto a plane. If your luggage gets lost, you will know exactly where it is, and have a better chance of getting it back sooner.
Whether you have a trip already booked or you are just dreaming of one, I wish you the safest travels and the most fun! Happy travels, friends!
While we can’t pack your suitcase for your, we can can hold your hand during a greatly therapeutic decluttering session, and then send you off to live your wonderful life while we put together a maintainable organized system at your home! Send us a message to get started today!
