Select the items you'll need for your trip based on the activities planned and the climate. A business trip, for example, will require dressier clothing and fewer items of travel gear than a trip to Disney World.
Choose five mix-and-match outfits for your trip and lay them out on a bed or on the floor. Rather than bringing five bottoms, bring two or three skirts, pairs of pants or shorts that you can wear with everything. If you're traveling for business, add a couple of casual items for after-work activities.
Lay accessories next to each outfit, along with undergarments, pajamas and socks. Select inexpensive, mix-and-match accessories such as costume jewelry or items like a pashmina that can serve as a scarf, sarong or travel blanket. Men should bring a tie for each day if participating in formal business meetings.
Add a swimsuit for warm weather trips, along with sandals or flip flops, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Bring two or three pairs of shoes, including the pair you have on your feet when traveling. If you'll be touring or engaging in outdoor activities, a comfortable, broken-in pair of walking shoes is a must.
Choose travel-sized toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant and lotion. If you'll be in a hotel, you can leave shampoo, conditioner and soap at home. Stow toiletries in zip-top bags (double bag them to safeguard against spills) and place them next to your outfits.
Roll your casual clothing up and place it in the suitcase. Stuff socks inside of your shoes and place them in plastic bags along the edges of the suitcase. Fold more formal items like dress shirts and pants or blazers and place them on top of the rolled clothing.
Place your toiletry bag(s) in the suitcase's interior zippered pouch, if it has one. Otherwise fit your toiletries in wherever there is room along the sides of the suitcase.
Add guidebooks, phone chargers, a travel alarm clock and any other small objects last. Items like books can be placed in your suitcase's outside pockets or tucked in wherever there is extra space.
