You might have put off packing for your trip until the last minute. This then leads to overfilling your bags to make sure you covered your bases. Yeah—we’ve all been there, stuffed them as much as we could too.
It’s time to pack light this time.
So, next time you are travelling, whether by yourself or with the kids, master these steps to help you lighten the load and making packing a breeze.
Make a Master Checklist
You can create a checklist for each member of the family on your smartphone or simply write one up on the computer or a piece of paper. Some of the major must haves you will need for the trip are medications, eyeglasses or contacts, electronic chargers and cords. Make sure to add some of the next necessity things, such as basic clothing, underwear, and something to sleep in. Then list the toiletries. Be sure to also include any first-aid-kit items like ibuprofen, antihistamine, bandages, and tweezers. An external battery is also very useful if your phone battery is about to die.
In case your baggage doesn’t make it to your final destination, consider packing one days’ worth of clothes for each person on the trip into a carry-on baggage.
Roll Clothes
Instead of folding your clothes, roll them up. Rolling clothes saves space and keep your clothes still in neat condition.
Stack any bras on top of one another. Fold them in half and tuck underwear inside to save space and maintain the shape of the bra cups.
Turn any jackets and button-down shirts inside out before rolling.
Wrap belts inside a collar of a shirt to preserve shape.
You can fill socks with breakables, such as perfume and cologne, in zip lock bags then pack them into shoes.
Tip: Layout the clothes you are considering to bring on your bed—pair two to three tops to every bottom for mix and matching. For younger children, make sure to pack extra in case of spills.
Organize with Packing Cubes
Packing cubes can help organize your items easily, such as clothes and other items. There are a variety of sizes and colors out there. You can use certain colors for each family member. It makes it easier to identify what is what and whose is whose.
Add the Extras
Some items you might consider packing and having while you travel.
- Playing cards
- Sharpie
- Thermometer
- Travel detergent
- Ziplock and garbage bags
- Extra earbuds
- Cell phone charger
- Sunscreen
- Razor
- Toothbrush
- Sunglasses
- Hand cream
- Lip balm
- Travel blanket
- Emergency snacks
Keep Up-to-date with TSA
Be sure to keep up to date on the latest traveling information at TSA.gov before heading off on your next destination.