7 Tips on how to pack light for your next vacation

Have you ever come home from vacation and realized that you didn’t wear half the clothes you had packed? Think about all the extra weight you have carried along the whole trip! There is something very fulfilling in knowing that you packed in a smart way. Here are some great tips to help you find balance and pack lighter.

#1- CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUITCASE

Start by choosing the smallest bag that you are comfortable carrying. Your choice will determine not only the amount of stuff you can pack, but also the amount of souvenirs you will bring back.

#2- DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Research your destination. What’s the climate like at the time you will be there? What activities are you planning to do? If you need specific equipment, is there a way that you can rent it at destination? Does your accommodation provide anything that you have packed (e.g. toiletries, hair dryer, etc.).

#3- MAKE SMART CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR CHOICES

Choose low maintenance items that don’t wrinkle much and can be layered and washed easily (now it’s not the time for dry clean only piecesJ!). Bonus point if you bring multi-purpose items. My go to pieces are jeans because I can use them during the day with sneakers and at night time I can dress them up with a fancy top, blazer and heelsJ. Also try to choose a pair of heels that can go with all the outfits you are planning to wear going out at night! And don’t forget to wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes in transit to lighten your load.

#4- PLAN YOUR CLOTHES COMBINATIONS WHILE PACKING

This trick has helped me tremendously with packing lighter! Spread the clothes you want to bring on your bed and do all the outfit combinations for the amount of days you are away, including all the accessories, and take pictures of each outfit, so that at destination you will not struggle with what to wear and whenJ

#5- BUY OR RENT WHEN YOU GET THERE

If your destination allows it, plan to buy your toiletries and rent your special equipment upon arrival. Otherwise consider the travel size version of your favorite products.

#6- PLAN TO DO LAUNDRY

Bring a week’s worth of clothes and plan to do laundry at destination, either using a hotel service, by going to a Laundromat or washing by hand.

#7- USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Consider using an e-reader instead of bringing books and magazines.

Services like Amazon Prime give you access to the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library that would allow you to check out books without purchasing them. Apps on Smartphones such as maps, notepads, flashlights, and cameras help you further cut down on your packing list.