20 PACKING TIPS - MAKE YOUR TRIP MORE ENJOYABLE

Pack like a Pro - 20 tips on packing



Create a packing list
·   The most important thing you can do is create a packing list.  Visit our website and subscribe to get our favorite packing list.  www.travelingmovesme.com  It alleviates a ton of stress.
·   Double check your list twice before leaving


     Choose the right luggage 
·   We prefer clam style luggage.  It allows you to pack both sides.  As you wear your clothes you can move the dirty clothes to one side keeping the clean clothes fresh.
·   Expandable luggage is great just in case you pick up a few souvenir’s.  Warning – know the airline weight rules
·   Pick a bag with 4 wheels because they are more stable when overpacked.  We hate having to pick our bag up because it keeps falling over.
·   Choose the lightest bag possible so that you don’t give up precious weight.  If you start with a bag that weighs 8 pounds, then you start with a weight handicap. 

     Use packing cubes
·   Packing cubes are a great way to keep everything organized.  Pick ones with different sizes for the best fit.
·   You don’t have to spend money on packing cubes – you can just save the bags from curtains or sheets as an alternative.  They work great too.
·   Incorporate Ziploc bags with the packing cubes for intimates, bathing suites, socks, etc.

      Roll your clothes
·  Maximize the space in your luggage by rolling your clothes instead of folding them
·   Rolling your clothes not only saves room but it keeps your clothes from getting horribly wrinkled
·   Roll an outfit together so you can just pull out a roll and have your top and bottom already matched

      Bring a tote
·  Totes are perfect for the items that you need easy access to such as medicines, earbuds, electronics, jewelry, etc.
·  Transfer items from your luggage to the tote when yrou luggage is overweight
·  Keep all your paperwork in the tote so you have it close when you need it
·  Most airlines will count the tote as your personal item – just keep it within the size restriction limits (usually around 18 X 14 X 8)
·   Place your quart Ziploc baggie with your 3 ounce liquids in your tote so you don’t have to rummage through your carry-on


 Use fabric softer sheets

·   Fabric softer sheets keep your luggage smelling fresh.  Pack one in each packing cube.  Place a couple others randomly in your suitcase.
·   Rub them on your clothes to prevent static cling
·   Place one in each shoe to combat odor

  Don’t forget a luggage scale
·   Many airlines now have a weight limit that cannot be exceeded, and others will charge high fees if you exceed them.  A luggage scale is a must these days.

  Don’t overpack
·  We try everything on before we pack it to make sure it fits and is comfortable.  If it is not comfortable you won’t end up wearing it. 
·   Go easy on shoes.  They can weigh your bag down and take up a lot of room.  If we plan to take boots, then we wear them on the plane to save room in the suitcase. 
·   Pick a pair of all-purpose shoes such as Tieks (www.tieks.com) for her or Timberland for him.
·   Plan to do laundry and take only a few outfits.  If you must wear something twice it’s not a big deal

  Take at least one set of earbuds
·   Sometimes in coach the airlines will charge for earbuds.  Take your own so you can enjoy the in-flight entertainment.
·   Download the White Noise app to your phone to help drown out any unwanted noise so you can sleep.
·   Listen to music on an electronic device

  Download any needed Apps
·   Download any needed apps to your phone or other electronics before you go in case you don’t have access to Wi-Fi on the flight.
·   The Kindle app is great so you don’t have to lug a book around.  Just remember to download some books before you go
·   There are other great apps available for travel such as city guides, offline maps, language apps, etc.  Do some research and have them before you go

  WetWips are essential
·   They are great to sanitize the seat tray, arm rests, and seat belt buckles on a plane
·   Once you get to the hotel sanitize the door knobs, phone, and coffee maker
·   Use them to freshen up during or at the end of a long flight
·   Some countries won’t provide napkins – WetWipes are even better than napkins
·   They make a great replacement for toilet paper

  Stick to a carry-on when possible
·   Be a minimalist.  Take as little as possible.  It is so much easier to travel with just a carry-on and a tote or backpack.
·   Avoid the extra charges for extra luggage, they can add up quick
·   Know the airline fees for checked or carry-on bags
·   Your luggage won’t get lost if you carry it on

  If you are heading overseas take electrical adapters
·   Not all electrical plugs are the same worldwide.  Use this website so you know what you need.  http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ The inexpensive ones work the best.  You can easily find them on Amazon
·   Don’t bother with step-down converters.  We have never had any luck with them.  They melt within the first 48 hours.
·   NOTE that any small appliance such as razors, curling irons, hair dryers, flat irons, etc must be dual voltage.  If they are not then they will blow up. 
·   Most small electronic like phones, laptops, Kindles, etc are usually fine

  Remember a small umbrella
·   Getting wet can be miserable.  Chances are at some point it will rain at your destination.  Bring an umbrella and be prepared
·   Choose a light weight on that folds for easy transport
·   If you are going someplace windy then make sure the umbrella can withstand the winds

  When traveling overseas make a copy of your passport
·   Pack one copy away from your actual passport.  The copy will be invaluable if your passport is lost or stolen
·   Give another copy to a friend or relative who will be staying home.  They can send a picture or a fax in case you don’t have either your passport or copy

        A fold-able reusable shopping bag comes in handy
·   Since I work for a grocery store I tend to collect reusable shopping bags from grocery stores throughout the world.  I always take one with me when we travel for dirty clothes, a shopping trip, or just to handle something that won’t fit in our luggage

        Pack some Tide Pods
·   We prefer to pack light and do laundry during the trip.  Tide Pods are great and easy to transport.
·   They are all in ones so you don’t have to worry about fabric softener or steal your fabric sheets that are freshening your luggage

    Include a scarf
·    A scarf can be used as a blanket on the plane, warmth when it is chilly out, cover-up for the shoulders or legs when visiting a holy place, or a small blanket for a picnic.
·   Be sure to pick a scarf that is a decent size and weight but not too bulky.  Stylish is always nice too.

Don’t wear your jewelry on the plane – pack it in your tote or backpack
·  Your jewelry won’t make it through security so pack it until you are through security and on the plane. 
·  Don’t pack your jewelry in checked luggage
·  We don’t even like to pack it in our carry-on in case they insist on taking the carry-on down below

     If you are planning on renting a car at your 
    destination take your GPS
·   Purchase a map for your destination and download it ahead of time to your GPS
·   Turn your GPS on as soon as you land so it can find a signal
·   If you don’t have unlimited data overseas then you won’t want to use maps on your phone


BONUS TIP:  FLAG YOUR BAG so you can easily recognize it!


Make your trip as enjoyable as possible by packing correctly!

#packlikeapro #packright #packlight #travelingmovesme

Comments

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