Simplified Suitcase

Packing tips and trips for your next getaway

Planning your next trip to escape the cold NY weather? Need to go away for a quick business trip? Weekend plans at your favorite ski lodge or winter cabin? Regardless of where your 2019 travels are taking you, we have you covered with packing tips and tricks that will turn your stressful and overwhelming travel prep to a breeze!

First, choose your destination! Are you traveling somewhere hot or cold? Will you need an array of different clothes for different weather types. Rain, snow? Check extended forecasts to make sure you’re well prepared!

Once you know where you’re headed and what the weather situation is like, I highly recommend utilizing packing lists to make sure you don’t leave a single thing behind. There is nothing worse than reaching your destination and feeling that quick sense of panic that you’ve forgotten a toothbrush or deodorant. Simplified offers our customized packing lists that you can purchase for $15 through our website! What makes our packing lists different than other basic outlined packing lists is the customization between hot and cold destinations. We also tailor to moms and include all the essentials you’ll need to cater to your kiddos along the way! Once my packing list is filled out, I like to grab a laundry basket or create a little space where I set aside everything I want to bring with me. After I have everything set aside, I go through my “want” pile and compare it to my packing list. Do I really need 4 extra t-shirts? Your packing list will help you narrow down what you want to bring versus what you should actually bring.

Actually packing away your clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and other necessities depends on the suitcase you’re bringing, and if you plan to check your bag or carry-on. If you’re bringing a dufflebag or a hard cased luggage, it all depends! Personally, I am obsessed with my new Away carry-on luggage. I got the Bigger Carry On size in blush with the matching packing cubes and I couldn’t be more in love. The dual compartments that are hard cased on the outside lets me feel comfortable with packing delicates and more fragile pieces since I know they won’t get squished in the tight overhead bins. I couldn’t recommend these suitcases more, but I know the price point could be a little unappealing. Definitely don’t go out and break the bank if you’re not a frequent traveler, make the best of what you already have!

I like to pack away my cosmetics and toiletries first since that is typically the most bulky/oddly shaped packing cube for me. On longer trips, I like to bring along my own blow dryer, but for a shorter trip I deal with the hotel dryer. When I don’t bring my own dryer, I like to bring along a curling wand and some texturzing spray, these go into my first packing cube along with a smaller toiletry bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, perfume, sunscreen, Chapstick, and some mini shampoo and conditioner bottles. I’ll always squeeze in a small cosmetic bag with just the essentials: some tinted moisturizer, nighttime mositurizer, concealer, and some blush. I also like to pack some eye cream since the air travel always drys out my under eyes. Don’t forget your contact lenses, glasses, and any medications!

Next I pack the second-most bulky item which would be my shoes. Again, depending on where you’re going your shoes will differ. Shoes are one of my weaknesses, so I try to limit myself to only two to three pairs of shoes on a trip. This may seem excessive to some people, but I’m working on it. Don’t forget to utilize the empty space inside sneakers to pack away pairs of socks, utilize every space possible!

Once shoes are in I’ll pack any extra bags, purses, or clutches I intend to wear out while on vacation. Again, utilize the space within, and store each purse/clutch inside one another. Store jewelry or intimates inside the innermost purse to optimize the space you have.

Now for the fun part - start rolling those clothes up! I’ve tried a ton of different ways to fold my clothes. But I find that even if you use the komari or file cabinet fold approach - the wrinkles make it all not worth it! I’ve found when I roll my clothes it creates a lot less work for me once I reach my destination. No one wants to waste time ironing while you’re on holiday. I’ll typically fold bulkier items like sweatshirts or jackets, since rolling those take up a lot of space. Then I layer the rolled clothes on top of them inside a separate packing cube. This makes for easy organization once I reach my hotel since I could pull all my packing cubes out and place them directly into the drawers or closet.

My biggest tip that I keep in mind when I’m packing is to keep minimalism in mind. Pack two tops to every bottom, this saves on space and prevents you from overpacking.

Once you’re done, zip that baby up and print out those boarding passes. Remember to RELAX, you are on vacation! In the event your forgot that toothbrush or deodorant, there will always be a store near your resort, or a convenience store in the lobby of your hotel where you can scoop some up. Make the best of your vacation by not panicking over the packing! You will survive!

I have some quick pointers to keep in mind while you’re packing, some of which that are included on my Simplified packing lists. Hope you find these helpful, and safe travels!

1. Wear your heaviest items on the plane to avoid an overpacked and overweight luggage.

2. Pack your toiletries in a transparant packing cube or Ziploc. Some airlines are now requiring you to pull these out while going through security. Keep them towards the top of your carry-on for easy grabbing.

3. Pack your clothes inside out, just in case anything gets a little dirty or dusty during travel.

4. Put some dryer sheets in your luggage to keep your clothes smelling fresh once you arrive at your destination!

5. Tie a bright colored ribbon on your checked luggage to help it stand out on that turnstile in the airport! Makes it easier to find what’s yours and gets you out of the airport a lot quicker.

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