Everyone dreads the whole packing process for a trip or a long vacation. Getting everything in order can be a major drag. People do not realize it, but there are certain processes to follow that can make this whole cycle a lot easier. “What to pack? ” “Where to put it? ” “Do we have room? ” This can be a major headache unless you follow the correct procedures of packing for a trip. Therefore, it is necessary to give oneself sufficient time, at least a week, for the entire packing process. For most people, packing can begin with just throwing everything together at the last minute.
Giving themselves time, and properly making a list of everything needed, can make this process come together smoothly. It is not hard to forget things or misplace things, so making labels and remembering where everything is at is important. As a result, this can make planning for a vacation more organized. Making a checklist of all the necessary items is a great place to start. Vacationers should round up the family and discuss this together. Start with the most important things such as the appropriate clothing, hygiene supplies, shoes, toiletries, etc. Sufficient luggage will do wonders for packing everything neat and tidy.
Depending on where the vacation spot is, proper clothing and shoes are mandatory. Mark all of these things off the checklist. With nice spacious luggage, packing for a vacation should be a breeze. Over-packing and hauling around luggage that is too heavy is dreadful. Are twenty extra shirts or two extra pairs of shoes that will not be worn really needed? With the correct planning and proper luggage, the packing can begin. Travel size containers are a necessity to begin packing. Pack all the toiletries such as soap, hair care, toothpaste and brushes, hair supplies, make-up, blow dryers, and curling irons.
Also, travel size toiletries will come in handy as the trip is only a week long. These fit inside the travel containers very nicely, and are extremely convenient. Check off everything on the checklist as the packing unfolds. As for the clothing, there are ways to pack it in order to save as much room as possible. Lay two or three items of clothing on top of one another and roll them up like a sleeping bag. This process will save a ton of space, and will also prevent wrinkles. If the weather is warm, take enough swimsuits, but do not go overboard. Bring sandals, but only take one or two pairs.
If cold, take only the amount of sweaters or jeans/sweats that will be needed. These clothes are more bulkier and take up more room. Saving as much room as possible is key in the packing process. Color coordinating outfits can save space as well. Pack a pair of pants that match with two or three shirts. Take a pair of shoes that can go with three outfits. If possible, reusable compression bags can save a ton of space. By taking out all of the air in these after storing the items, especially bulky items, it is amazing the storage space that is saved.
Along with saving space, also take steps to prevent spills and messes. Shoving things into luggage without putting them into sealable containers can cause spills and leaks. Using airtight bags and plastic containers will prevent this. Pack a few extra bags to put the dirty clothes in. Getting clean clothes and dirty clothes mixed together is also a bad idea. Labeling all of the containers can prevent things from getting mixed up and lost as well. Finally, using the right form of transportation is important, especially if there is a lot of luggage.
Cramming everything in the trunk of a Ford Escort is not going to work. If possible, try to borrow or rent a bigger vehicle. It is a lot nicer to have room for comfort, especially if it is a long trip. Also, the things that are in the trunk or back seat will not get broken or wrinkled. Do not forget to take plane tickets if traveling by air. Airplanes are so much easier to travel on, but there are limits in what can be taken. It can become quite expensive to take more luggage than allowable on the plane. So make sure to pack accordingly for an airplane ride or a vehicle ride.
With all of these steps followed properly, there can be a lot of time, space, and money saved. Nobody likes to pack for vacations, but using the correct steps should ease the stress of over-packing or forgetting things. Everything is on the checklist, and that is the main part of the packing process. Double check the list, and make sure all the main necessities are checked off. Read all the labels, and separate things accordingly one final time. Hopefully this helps for all the soon-to-be vacationers! Do not forget the sunscreen and sunglasses. Enjoy the trip!
