Top 8 Tricks for Packing!

Packing can be a very daunting process for a long trip and even for a short getaway. You have to decide what to wear, what shoes, and what your mood might be on a certain day often a week or more out. Then add in packing for your loved ones and you might just need a vacation from prepping for your vacation.

Below are a few tips we would love to share to take the stress out of packing for your vacation!

NEVER start the day before! Always build in some time to gather what you will need. If we are headed on a week trip with the kids I always start at least a month before. I grab a basket or Rubbermaid tote and start gathering my must take items (that I don't need everyday prior to the trip). This saves me from the last minute shuffle.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. In today's hurried world it's common to lose a bag when flying. It's stinks, but happens. Protect yourself from a really bad start to your vacation. For my family of 4 I pack 1 outfit (including undies) in a carry on. If each of us is taking a carry on I'll pack our pjs too.

Baggies! They just became your best friend! I put everything into a baggie. All of the chargers go into a gallon baggie and into my carry on. For the kids I put an outfit together with socks and undies and put them into a gallon sized baggie. Flatten it, as you are squeezing the air out seal it. I don't use the slide top type, I get the zipper and sometimes the double freezer kind. You will be amazed at how much room you have in your suitcase if you do this!

Rolling. Rolling works really well if you don't have bulky sweaters, jeans and polos. Fold your clothing lengthwise and roll into a cylinder shape. I've tried this on European trips and it does save space if done properly.

Try the Retail Fold. I worked at The Disney Store and we had a Disney fold. I know it sounds crazy and well it was. But the point is we could put a lot of tshirts on a shelf because we did the Disney fold. When you fold your tops this way you keep the wrinkles to a minimum and you flatten the cloth as much as possible. I demonstrate in the images below:

Make your clothes do double duty. Are you headed on a cruise where you need a nice outfit for dinner? If so pack a lightweight black skirt that can be paired with a tshirt by day and dressed up with a blouse and scarf at night. I do this even at Disney World with shorts. I always wear a tshirt/tank top during the day (because it's hot) and change into a polo or nicer blouse for the evening because I want to feel nice for dinner.

Make a plan. I know it's nice to wing it but it's very difficult to pack when you do. Plan out your days so you know what you need to take. Make a list so that you can check off the items you need to purchase and the items you've already set aside to pack. Keep that list close by your box so you can keep an eye on what you need.

If you travel often, consider purchasing a good toiletry bag. One that holds the items you need every time you travel. Keep it packed and ready to go with fresh items so that you don't have to rely on your everyday toothbrush or your little bottles of shampoo. Having to fill little bottles at midnight before a 6am flight is no fun, believe me!

Now, you should be able to travel the world now! Have a fabulous vacation and if you like our tips be sure to share on Facebook!