A list keeps you from forgetting important items such as toiletries and electronics. First, you should list your necessities that are easy to forget such as a toothbrush and medications. Next, you should list all the electronics you plan to take with you including a laptop, cell phone and MP3 player. You should write down each charger separately on your list to avoid leaving behind a charger. Lastly, you can list must-have clothing items and possible outfits to eliminate unnecessary clothing that could crowd your suitcase.
Before you start pulling everything off the closet hangers, you should stop to think about exactly what you will need. First, you should set aside the most important clothing items including underwear and socks. Next, you can use your list of must-have clothing items and possible outfits to start making clothing choices. You can pare down your clothing by creating outfits that will mix and match. Outfits that mix and match around a basic color such as black or brown help you bring fewer pairs of shoes and belts.
Clothes and shoes take up the most space in a suitcase. You can save on space by packing your shoes at the bottom of the suitcase or wearing the shoes that take up the most space on the travel day. For clothing, you can either roll up each clothing item like a sleeping bag or arrange outfits into separate plastic bags. Both methods cut down on wrinkles and keep your outfits organized together.
You should consider ways to minimize your toiletry and personal items to save space. A small plastic baggie of travel-size toiletries items will usually suffice for a short trip and will fit nicely in your carry-on luggage. You can delegate who will bring the bulky personal items such as a hairdryer or hair curlers if you are traveling with friends or family. You can save more room for souvenirs by planning to share these items.
Your carry-on luggage is a great place to tuck away items such as books that you could not fit in your checked bags. Your carry-on luggage can also include small toiletry items and your electronics. You should carry your electronics in separate padded bags to keep them organized and safe. Also, separate bags for your electronics give you easy access at any security checks you may encounter.
