Ahead & Consider Your Gear
Traveling can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. You want to make sure you have all the essential items while avoiding taking too much. Just like many things in life, there is an art to packing for travel. From picking out the right luggage, to knowing which items you need and which you can leave at home, these life-hacks will help you keep calm and collected when preparing for your journey.
Choose the Right Luggage
Before you start considering the items you need to pack, it is important to choose the right luggage to suit your needs. Generally speaking, soft duffle bags are ideal for activities like camping and hiking. Backpacks are excellent for carrying items around with ease, but if you are travelling by plane you may want to opt for a suitcase with wheels, as these are designed specifically for air travel. Think about how many items you need to take with you on your trip. If you anticipate bringing a lot, it is best to choose a suitcase with ample space. Check to make sure your chosen item is lightweight to avoid unpleasant surprises at the weigh-in when you arrive at the airport.
Lay Out All of Your Essentials
It is essential to make sure that you are organized with all the items you plan on taking with you. Take everything out of your bag, and lay out all of your essentials. By having a clear view of all the necessary items, you can quickly figure out which items are the non-essentials and choose which of these you will actually need. For instance, if you are going to be away for a week, you may need to bring extra socks and underwear, but you can get away with bringing fewer t-shirts.
Pack Multiple Layer Clothes
When travelling, it is best to pack multiple layers of clothing. This will allow you to adjust your outfit depending on the weather. You can add layers to your outfit to stay warm, or take bits and pieces off if it gets too hot. Avoid bulky items that take up a lot of space in your suitcase and don’t forget to also consider the activities you will be engaging in on your trip; are you going trekking or hitting the beach? Make sure you pack enough clothing to suit all occasions.
Split Some Items with Friends
If you are going away with friends, it is always wise to split certain items between you. Between four people, for example, you can informally agree to each bring one camping item like a tent, stove, chairs and lamp. This can help to save a lot of space when packing, and also allows everyone to chip in and make sure you have what you need.
Pack What is Essential
When you are deciding what you need to bring along, think about what you are likely to need. Consider your personal items like medication, toiletries and makeup; you want to make sure you leave some spare space for anything you may pick up en route. Don’t forget to also bring items like a phone charger and any travel-focused items such as tickets or passports.
Create an Electronics Bag
You may have an array of electronic gadgets, so it is always a good idea to pack them all together. Gather together all chargers, remote controls and any other electronics that you plan on taking with you. This is beneficial, as you can easily find the items you need when you get to your destination. It also saves time when packing and unpacking.
Use an ‘essentials’ System
Create a system that stores important possessions in one area so that you can easily access them when needed. This includes items like the car keys and wallets. This can be achieved by investing in a pouch or simple tote bag. This makes it easier to grab what you need, and you won’t risk losing any essential items in the process.
Take Notes on Packing Lists
When packing, it is always a good idea to make a list beforehand to make sure you don’t forget anything. You can keep the list with you at all times, ticking off items whenever something has been packed away. Once you have arrived, make sure you do the same but in reverse. It can be tedious, but it does help to ensure that you don’t leave anything behind.
This too Shall Pass
Stress can make packing seem more difficult, so it’s important to stay calm. This is especially true if you have suffered from luggage problems in the past. The key is to enjoy the moment and know that it won’t last forever. Also make sure to consider the tips above to help make the process go more smoothly and stress-free.
Packing for travel can be a challenge, but with some smart tricks you can make sure you take all the right items and leave all the wrong ones behind. Invest in the right luggage and plan ahead with your packing list. Split items between friends, and use an ‘essentials’ system along with an electronics bag. By following these steps you will be able to pack with ease and make the most of your travels.
