Packing for a trip takes a lot of work to top the list of fun activities. Of course, you look forward to the trip and visualize the journey, but packing before you leave is difficult, especially when it’s an emergency. 

Traveling without properly packing up will weigh you down. Also, you will incur more expenses because what would have gone into one suitcase will fill up three bags. 

However, you don’t need to worry because this guide will help you with great packing tips that will make you look forward to your pre-journey.

9 Tips to Make Packing Easier

Ready to look forward to packing for your next trip? Follow these tips below;

Declutter:

It’s normal to feel like you need everything. You feel you need everything until you sit to sort and declutter. Sift through your belongings, donate, sell, or trash stuff that has been unused for a long time to save money and space.

Use the right packing bag:

You should use the right packing bag for different belongings. For example, bubble wraps are ideal for fragile items, small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for light items, etc.

Fill in spaces:

One packing tip that seems trivial is, filling up spaces. Filling up holes is necessary because there will be no jostling and unbalance. Your belongings will stay put till you get to your destination, and cases of damage will be avoided.

Stack the right way:

When packing for a trip, stack heavy items at the bottom and place light items on top.

Be organized:

As much as you feel the urge to toss your belongings into a bag, stay organized. Fold and roll up properly, and store belongings categorically because it will prevent damage to fragile objects and make things even easier when arriving at your destination. You don’t need to tear out everything to get toiletries out.

Prioritize using inventory and checklists:

It is essential to take an inventory of the belongings you’ve packed to keep track and ensure safety. Checklists can be via a list, pictures, numbering, or labeling boxes. When packing for a trip, make a checklist and follow through with it. Although the list helps you know what you need and why, it also prevents impulsive packing, leading to excess luggage.

Prioritizing is putting the first needed wear on top. For instance, if you are attending a dinner event, as soon as the plane lands, your dinner gown should sit pretty at the top of the box.

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Roll and not fold:

Rolling clothes take up less space than folding them. There’s also a reduced chance of creases.

Rather than being faced with the problem of leaving out important clothing due to insufficient space, roll up clothes to get them all in.

Pack dual-purpose clothing:

To save space, pack stuff that can act for dual purposes, e.g., trousers that can pass for shorts, a scarf that can either compliment your dress, or used to wrap your head for the church, or be used to shield you from the chills of winter.

Have your kit and valuables handy:

When packing for a trip, ensure your valuables (money and jewelry) and your essential health kits (drugs, inhaler, glasses) are in your purse or handbag. It is unwise to leave these things in your luggage because luggage is kept in a section and might not be quite handy when you need them.

Now that you have been duly informed on how to make your packing less cumbersome, below are extra tips, especially for specific trips.

Packing tips for kids to make their traveling easier

If you’re not careful and well-armed with the do’s and don’ts, you’ll end up with stuff that will never go out of the bag, and you running to the store to get essentials you forgot to pack.

To get things well-packed for the kids;

• Get the kids involved in the packing. They may tell you what they want or what they will whine about.

Why is it important to make a list?

When preparing or packing for a journey, writing a list is one thing to pay attention to. As much as we take a mental note to get things done, we will only remember if we write it. What writing does is that;

• It saves time.
• You will remember the important stuff.
• It reduces stress. 

Going on a trip brings a lot of stress, especially when you can’t handle eventualities – traffic, delay, bad or no food, etc. You wouldn’t want to add unorganized luggage to the stress.

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Different Trips and Packing Tips.

It is important to know what you’re packing for and where. This will help you develop a more detailed list of what should and shouldn’t go into the backpack.

Below are some trips you can plan and what you should need. Note: You may add other items, but these basics should be there.

• Beach Vacation Pack swimwear, sunscreen, hat, sandals, sunglasses, and light clothes.
• Hiking trip: Pack sturdy shoes, backpack, hat, sunglasses, first-aid kit, and quick-dry clothes.
• City tour: Pack comfortable shoes, a light jacket, a camera, a cross-body bag, and clothes suitable for the weather.
• Business trip: Pack a suit or formal attire, comfortable shoes, a laptop, a charger, and any necessary documents.
• Road trip: Pack a map or GPS, snacks, comfortable clothes, a blanket, a camera, and a first-aid kit.
• Camping trip: Pack a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, mosquito repellent, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing.

Remember to check the weather forecast and planned activities to ensure you pack appropriate items.

Advantages of packing with tips.

Now that you know the tips for packing, below are what you stand to gain when you abide by them.

• It helps save space by efficiently using the available luggage space.
• Easy to access items packed in tips during the journey.
• It makes packing and unpacking easier.
• Protects delicate items from damage.

Disadvantages of packing without tips.

Apart from ending up with a stressed journey and ton of regret, other cons of not using packing tips are;

• Forgetting important items.
• Overpacking and having to carry heavy luggage.
• Increased risk of lost or damaged items.
• Need help organizing and finding things in luggage.

Conclusion.

To wrap this up, it is necessary to follow essential packing tips that go a long way to make packing for a journey easier and more enjoyable.

So, ensure you plan, make that packing list, and avoid overpacking by focusing on essentials.