Packing is one of the most stressful things about travel. In this post I’ll tell you a few of my most helpful tips to reduce packing stress.
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With the amount of traveling that I do I shouldn’t even have to think about what to pack anymore. But unfortunately, I suddenly turn into a stressed first time traveler as soon as I start packing. It’s like I completely forgot what even the basic travel items are!
It’s very easy to get caught up in the details, overthink every item and overpacking is a very likely thing to happen.
If this sounds like you too, keep reading to learn how to not be like this anymore and go on your vacation relaxed.
My tips to reduce packing stress
Start packing on time
Oh man, the times I wished I had a time machine so I could start packing days earlier… When you’re already stressed about what you should be packing, time stress is the last thing you need.
Starting early also gives you the time you need to find out that one top you really want to pack is still dirty, so you can wash, dry and iron everything ahead of time.
Have a checklist ready
Have a general checklist ready that applies to any vacation. List everything from general clothes, toiletries and travel documents.
You could also list the things you need to do before you leave, like turn down the thermostat, give a spare key to the neighbor or water the plants.
This way you won’t forget the important things.
Read more: Help, I Forgot My Passport! What Can I Do?
A general packing list also helps me keep track of the things I missed on previous trips. For example, I now always pack a few freezer bags or sandwich bags. I’m one to bring my own sandwiches for lunch, but I never had anything to put them in. I couldn’t just always keep wrapping everything in tissues!
If you go on a specific vacation regularly, like a ski trip, you could make one specific for that too.
I found this amazing excel sheet by TrumpExcel for you to print out or use digitally. Just double click the box in front of the item you packed and a checkmark will appear, so it’s very easy to see what you have and haven’t packed. You can obviously edit the sheet to your personal needs. Simply add or delete a few rows, or edit them.
Read more: How To Camp In Your Backyard (With Checklist)
Pack what you think you need, and then half it
When it comes to packing, I can be your stereotypical woman. I just grab everything I like and put it on the bed. But then I end up with 13 shirts when I’m only going away for 7 days. That just doesn’t make sense! It also fills up your limited suitcase space really quickly.
My rule of thumb is to put everything I think I want to bring on the bed and then put half of it back. This way I end up with only the things I need.
Remember you can always buy the things you forget
It’s okay to forget your shower gel, a toothbrush or some earplugs (for when you end up in a noisy hotel room). Sometimes you find out you needed an extra T-shirt anyway. Most, if not all destinations have stores with these items.
Try not to stress too much about these things. Stop losing sleep and simply pack what you can immediately think of. You’ll figure out the rest!
Get a luggage scale
To prevent yourself from having a pricey surprise at the airport, make sure your bags stay under the weight limit. I got one a while back and it has been an amazing purchase.
They are small and weigh next to nothing, so they are a perfect staple for all your flight travels. Most of these scales can tell you the weight in pounds and in kilos, so there won’t be a question when you’re traveling internationally.
I not only use it when I’m home, but I also bring it with me in case I’m buying souvenirs I want to bring back home. If I got some heavy things, I know to just wear an extra layer of clothing when going to the airport.
Get a luggage scale from Amazon here ($10,99)
Read more: 7 Tips To Pack Light For Your Trip
Extra stress-reducing tips
When you’re packing, think about how you’re packing your things. Keep the items you need quick access to in separate, easy to get to pockets. You don’t want to have to go through your entire, neatly packed bag to find your flight tickets.
Pack valuables and fragile items in your carry-on luggage if possible. You’re mostly in control over your carry-on luggage, so you can make sure nothing happens to it or gets lost.
This is one of my biggest reasons why I want to get to the gate as early as possible. When you’re one of the last people to board, the crew might ask you to check in your bag (for free) or it get’s put far away from your seat, so you have less control over your bag.
Same thing for one set of clean clothes and basic toiletries. Put it in your carry-on. In the case that your checked luggage gets lost or is delayed, you always have an extra day of clean clothes so you can comfortably figure out how to get your bag.
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Travel is sometimes already stressful enough. I hope these tips will help you reduce your packing stress, so you can enjoy your vacation as stress-free as possible!
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