20 PACKING TIPS - MAKE YOUR TRIP MORE ENJOYABLE

March 24, 2017

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.