Pack Smarter, Travel Easier: Summer Vacation Organization Tips

Summer is here and school is out. For many, that means summer vacation and travel! Before the fun can begin, you have to decide what to pack. Here are some tips to make it a little bit easier.

How to decide what to pack?

Instead of telling you exactly what to pack, I want to give you a couple of ideas that should help you make smart decisions no matter your destination!

What do you use every day?

Many times when vacation comes along, we lose ourselves. We get excited for the fantasy self: I’m going to wear this hat that I’ve never worn a day in my life! I’m going to wrap this scarf around my head and look elegant driving down the road in a convertible! I’m going to change my clothes many times and need the perfect outfit! The reality is, many of these items are untouched and come home from vacation unworn. Save space by packing only what you use every day: your favorites, your comfortable shoes, your daily toiletries.

Just In Case Items

When it comes to packing for vacation, we often find ourselves throwing in various items "just in case" which take up valuable space, add unnecessary weight, and are rarely used. Consider where you are traveling to. Most of us are going to destinations that have grocery and drug stores located nearby. Many of these just in case items are available cheaply and quickly if you actually need them while you are traveling, sometimes even in the on-site gift shop. Over time, you will likely find that you didn’t need those extra items anyway. By refraining from carrying the just in case items, you may find yourself coming up with a creative solution in the moment, which can lead to a sense of adventure and fulfillment.

“You need less than you think”

The full quote is actually “We need much less than we think we need” by Maya Angelou. When packing, I alternate between chanting “What do I use every day?” and “You need less than you think". These two ideas help you reduce the excess and stay focused on what you actually need. I have found this quote to be true in many areas of my life.

What’s the Perfect Bag Size?

Rather than stacking your belongings and searching for a bag to accommodate them, try determining how much space you are willing to allocate for your things. Begin by selecting a luggage size that is both practical to carry and suits your needs, then consciously downsize your items until they fit within that chosen bag. If your travel requires carrying your own bag for any length of time, you will be glad you did!

What are some items I probably don’t need?

One of the biggest culprits of unused items in our luggage is excessive clothing. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need multiple outfit options for each day. However, in reality, we often end up wearing our favorite comfortable clothes repeatedly, leaving many items untouched. Stick to versatile pieces and plan your outfits wisely to avoid overpacking in this category.

Shoes can be bulky and heavy, yet we often feel compelled to bring several pairs for different occasions. The truth is, most vacations don't require a vast shoe collection. Assess your activities and destination carefully, and opt for one or two pairs that can cover your needs, such as a comfortable walking shoe and a versatile pair for dressier occasions.

Travel-sized toiletries may seem adorable and convenient, but we often pack more than we actually need. Hotel amenities often provide the basics, and purchasing some items at your destination can be more practical. Optimize space by decanting products into smaller containers and sticking to the essentials to avoid carrying around a bag full of unused toiletries.

Books, magazines, and other forms of entertainment are popular travel companions. However, with the availability of e-books, streaming services, and access to digital content, carrying a stack of physical reading materials often goes to waste. Embrace the digital age and save space by loading your preferred entertainment onto a tablet or e-reader.

Vacations near the beach or pool can tempt us to bring our own towels, floats, and other gear. While it's great to have personal items, such as snorkeling gear, evaluate whether the destination offers rentals or if the accommodation provides these amenities. Bulky towels, in particular, take up valuable space in luggage when they could easily be provided at your destination.

Leave the unnecessary weight behind and savor the freedom of traveling lightly.

Organizing tip: where to store your luggage

When it comes to organizing your living space, maximizing the use of available storage areas is key. One perfect storage option for luggage is your very own closet. Finding an ideal spot to store it when not in use can help maintain a clutter-free home. The closet offers a convenient and accessible solution, keeping your luggage protected and easily retrievable for future trips. If you use packing cubes (smaller zipper bags to organize your items) or other travel pouches and toiletry cases, these should be stored right inside your luggage. Then, when you get out your suitcase for your next trip, you will have everything you need right at your fingertips!

I hope you are able to enjoy traveling often and these tips make packing a breeze. I love the feeling of being on vacation and not having anything I have to do. My goal is to bring that feeling to you and your home through a clutter-free lifestyle, we all need more #vacationlife!