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Clothes 



Start thinking ahead of time about what kinds of clothes you’ll need for your 
trip: going out clothes, beachwear, outfits for fancy occasions, etc. Go shopping if you need to while you 
still have time!



  1. Match up outfits before you start packing. Lay out the 
    clothes you want to pack before setting them in your suitcases. 
    Organizing your clothes by day and occasion will prevent you from forgetting 
    certain items, realizing you brought nothing that matches another clothing item, 
    and forgetting to bring enough appropriate outfits. Evaluating each outfit ahead 
    of time will also save you time once you’re on vacation, since you’ll already 
    have an idea of what you plan to wear each day and night.
      


  2. Put the heaviest items in first. Heavier items like wool, 
    corduroy, and denim should be place in 
    your suitcase before other items. They are more wrinkle resistant, so piling the 
    rest of your clothes on top of them won’t matter as much. Jeans, khakis, and 
    heavy tunics are also harder to stuff into your suitcase if you’ve already got 
    it mostly full, unlike tank tops and slinky dresses which can be easily stashed 
    in corners or laid out on the very top layer.
      


  3. Use underwear and socks as fillers. Stash your underwear 
    and socks anywhere they’ll fit. They’re great to use as filler space between 
    bulkier clothes to make sure you’re not wasting any space. Also, who cares if 
    your Calvin Kleins are a little wrinkled? 
    Just be sure to count out enough pairs before you start packing…especially if 
    you won’t be able to do laundry at any point during your trip.
      


  4. Take clothes that can be worn over and over. If your closet 
    will allow it, try to pack as many clothes that you can wear at least twice 
    without washing. Jeans, denim skirts, and khaki shorts usually withstand a 
    couple of wears, provided you’re not doing any rock climbing or have to stand 
    out in the sun all day. If you limit the amount of heavy clothing items, you can 
    stock up on plenty of layering pieces like tunics, lightweight tees and tanks, 
    and shawls or windbreakers 
    to give lots of variety to your vacation wardrobe.
      


  5. Avoid packing easy-to-wrinkle items. Material like linen 
    does not travel well. Unless you plan to do a lot of ironing during your trip, 
    avoid packing linen clothing, and instead opt for similar, cool materials like 
    featherweight cotton, seersucker, or eyelet cottons. You may have to fight some 
    wrinkles, but at least you won’t be spending all your time slaving away a hot 
    iron instead of enjoying your time off.
      


  6. Wear only one sweater or jacket the whole trip. If 
    possible, try to pack only one sweater and/or jacket for your whole trip. Unless 
    you’re going to Paris 
    Fashion Week
     in the winter, you should be able to get away with sporting the 
    same outerwear for a few days. You can jazz up your outfits with different 
    accessories to keep your look from getting too tired out too quickly. You’ll be 
    saving yourself a ton of extra packing space, so you can stock up on more fun 
    items like shoes and shirts. Even better if you decide to wear or carry your 
    jacket on the plane instead of forcing it into your luggage.
      


  7. Start rolling. Most experienced packers already understand 
    the significance of rolling your clothes to save major space in your suitcase. 
    Fold each of your shirts in half lengthwise, then start rolling it up from the 
    bottom hem up to the neckline. Do this with as many cotton and casual tops as 
    you can in order to leave space for your dressier items that need to lie flat. 
    Plus, rolled-up clothing items are more likely to fit side by side, allowing you 
    to easily spot your outfits once you’re ready to wear them, instead of having to 
    dig through layers and layers of stacked items.
      


  8. Tuck plastic around the top layer. Even if there’s no rain 
    or snow in the forecast, tuck plastic 
    around the final layer of clothing before you zip it closed. Old dry cleaning 
    bags work especially well, and won’t take up any extra space. You’ll need the 
    protective layer to prevent water from seeping in and damaging your clothes.
      


  9. Take outfits that you can mix and match. Picking out 
    outfits days or even weeks ahead of time seems like a foolproof way to organize 
    your packing, but it can be problematic. The weather can change suddenly, or 
    even more probably, your mood will alter and you won’t feel like wearing 
    whatever it is you picked out for that day. Pack plenty of mix and match pieces 
    so you’re wardrobe is flexible enough to match your mood. Try shopping at stores 
    like J.Crew 
    or Polo Ralph Lauren, which 
    supply new twists on classy basics.
      


  10. Pick day-to-evening outfits. If your trip requires you to 
    constantly change your clothes from one type of event to the next, you’re 
    probably pulling your hair out trying to find a way to fit double (or triple) 
    the amount of clothes into your bag. Instead of packing separate outfits for 
    each occasion, select simple ensembles that transfer easily from day to evening. 
    Stick to neutral shades like black, gray, or even white during the summer. 
    Changing shoes, accessories, and hairstyles will allow you to pack less but 
    still look appropriate, no matter the occasion.
      


  11. Bring Ziploc bags for dirty clothes 
    and underwear.
     To keep your dirty socks and underwear separate from 
    your clean supply, bring a few large Ziploc bags. Store them in a separate 
    pocket of your suitcase so you’ll never wonder which ones you should wear and 
    which you already have.
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Extras 



Get organized to avoid getting frustrated.



  1. Keep your library at home. There’s a right and a wrong way 
    to do your summer reading. Pack a book and/or a couple of magazines to read 
    while you’re in transit to your vacation destination and to look over during 
    down time, but don’t be tempted to throw in the entire contents of your 
    bookshelf. Select a paperback book to stash in your carry on bag, and if you 
    happen to finish it way ahead of schedule, pass it along to another reader or 
    donate it to the local library in 
    the city you’re staying. Feel free to pick up a new one, but keeping several 
    books in your suitcase will take up unnecessary space and add major weight to 
    your load.
      


  2. Stash portables in easy-to-reach pockets. If you have to 
    store your carry 
    on bag
     in the overhead bin, chances are it’s going to be shoved to the back 
    of a number of other bulky bags, or located somewhere 12 seats ahead of you. To 
    avoid having to go to even more trouble finding your in-flight entertainment, 
    make sure you know exactly where you’ve packed your iPod, reading material, and 
    snacks. Designate a certain bag and specific pockets for all the items you’ll 
    want to reach during the plane ride.
      


  3. Invest in an iPod or mp3 player. Schelpping around dozens 
    of CDs in a bulky binder and keeping track of an oversized Walkman or Discman is 
    sooo 10 years ago. If you travel frequently, go ahead and invest in an iPod 
    or mp3 player. They’re not even 
    that expensive anymore, and you’ll save yourself lots of space in your bag, not 
    to mention the frustration of searching for CDs every 30 minutes.
      


  4. Sneak in a portable iron. Even though you decided to ditch 
    the linen in the packing process, you may still need an iron. Some fancy hotels 
    provide one for you, but you might want to call ahead to make sure. If they 
    don’t, bring a portable 
    iron
     that won’t take up much space in your suitcase. Instead of wearing 
    wrinkled clothes during your vacation or business 
    convention, you’ll look and feel crisp, savvy, and professional.
      


  5. Small first-aid kit You can never be too prepared. You 
    should also keep a small 
    first-aid kit
     in your suitcase or carry on (if the contents comply with 
    security regulations) just in case. You might grumble about the extra room it 
    takes up, but as soon as someone slices their finger on an unruly suitcase lock 
    or gets stung by a bee waiting for the ferry, you’ll be glad you have it.
      


  6. Snacks As if peanuts could ever fill you up. Now, many 
    airlines are only serving tiny snacks to hungry passengers, no matter how long 
    the flight lasts. Pack some snacks to take along with you to fend off nausea and 
    irritability. You can choose to buy them at the airport, but you’ll be paying a 
    lot more than you would at your local grocery store. Try Nabisco’s 
    100 calorie snack packs
     or Nutri-Grain 
    bars
     to keep you going. You’ll stay satisfied and won’t be as likely to cave 
    in to the greasy fast food during your long layover.
      


  7. Save a little room for the presents you’ll bring home! 
    Reserve a little extra space for the goodies you’ll be bringing back after your 
    vacation. If you can, fold up an empty, soft duffel bag that you can fill up 
    just for souvenirs.

Things to Buy Once You’re There 



Not everything should be packed ahead of time.



  1. Laundry soap If you’re going to be able to do laundry 
    wherever it is you’re going, wait until you get there to buy laundry 
    detergent
    . Liquid soap will undoubtedly spill and ruin your belongings and 
    your luggage, while powdered versions also risk spilling and causing a mess.
      


  2. Sunscreen You should never forget to pack the sunscreen 
    before you head out to the beach, but you don’t need to pack it in your suitcase 
    next to all your pretty beachwear. If there’s a beach nearby, practically every 
    store will carry sunscreen, so just wait until you’ve arrived to make the 
    purchase. If you don’t use it all during your stay, leave it with friends or 
    relatives, or just throw it away.
      


  3. Kitchen, food and beverage items Perishable items might 
    spoil in your suitcase, or even worse, spill. Wait until you’re at your final 
    destination to buy things for the kitchen, food, and alcohol. Unless you plan on 
    consuming it during your flight, it’s probably best not to bring it at all.
      


  4. Anything you’re not sure you’ll need. If you’re not at 
    least pretty certain that you’ll need to bring your own beach 
    towel
     or other unwieldy items, don’t bother packing them. If you have to 
    shell out a few extra dollars for an item you didn’t know you needed to bring, 
    that extra room in your suitcase will more than make up for 
    it.
Gearing up for that big trip to Europe? A bachelorette party in Vegas? Or 
just going down the road to Grandma’s? If you’re planning to stay overnight 
during your next trip, you’re also probably getting yourself pumped up for that 
inevitable fight with your suitcase. Packing for any kind of trip can be 
frustrating, so we’ve assembled a list of 44 easy tips that will save you space 
and time and help you avoid another packing nightmare. 
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Accessories 



To avoid looking the same each day, have fun with your accessories. Stick to 
one color palette to minimize the amount of extras you bring.



  1. Stick to one color palette. To avoid bringing enough 
    accessories to satisfy both black-based and brown-based wardrobes, limit 
    yourself to one color palette. Black belts, 
    bags, shoes, and 
    hair accessories will go with most clothing items. If you simply can’t decide, 
    try going metallic. Silver and gold mix and match more easily than solid blacks 
    and browns.
      


  2. Bring one evening bag. Now that you’ve narrowed down your 
    day bag to just one purse, it’s time to do the same for evening. 
    Try a color like off-white or emerald that will go with many outfits but still 
    make your look pop.
      


  3. Jewelry: Use a separate 
    bag just for jewelry
     and place each earring, bracelet, and necklace in its 
    own pocket to avoid tangling. Just as you decided on one color palette with your 
    other accessories, try to stick to either gold or silver-based jewelry. Jewelry 
    is easier to mix and match, but limiting yourself to one general color scheme 
    will keep you from adding to the pile and taking too much.
      


  4. Perfume/cologne: It sounds simple, but picking just one perfume or cologne to bring with you on your 
    vacation will save you a lot of trouble. Take another look at your outfits and 
    determine which of your scents best compliments your style, as well as the 
    predicted weather pattern during your stay. (Hint: overly sweet scents are 
    nauseating in extremely warm, humid climates.) Put your bottle into a plastic 
    bag and then slip into a thick ankle sock for added protection. Surround with 
    other stable but soft items to prevent breakage.
      


  5. Silk scarves play up repetitive outfits. If you look into 
    your suitcase and all you see is boring shades of black, white, or brown, don’t 
    let the blandness of your vacation wardrobe frustrate you. Toss in a couple of 
    light, easy-to-pack silk scarves to add punch to your look. Brightly 
    colored scarves
     can work tied around your waist, neck, or even shoulders. 
    The best part? They don’t take up any room in your bag!
      


  6. Wrap shoes in plastic. To protect your shoes and your 
    clothes, wrap each shoe in a plastic grocery bag or dry cleaning bag. You’ll 
    keep your clothes cleaner and prevent shoes from scuffing against each other. 
    Pack your shoes anywhere they will fit, alternating between layers of clothing 
    and using socks and underwear as fillers space.
      


  7. Minimize swimwear. Bathing suits 
    hardly take up any space at all, but if you get carried away with different 
    cover ups, beach towels, and totes, you’re going to end up taking up way too 
    much room. Minimize your beachwear by throwing in no more than 4 bathing suits 
    and no more than 2 cover ups that can only be used at the beach. If you want 
    more variety, pack a couple of extra tank tops that you can wear on or off the 
    sand.
      


  8. Pack a case for your glasses and/or sunglasses. If you’re 
    not going to wear your glasses or sunglasses on the plane or in the car, make 
    sure you pack them in a special case for protection. Your bags are probably 
    stuffed with clothes, shoes, and other odds and ends that could topple on top of 
    your pricey shades and scratch or even break them before you arrive at your 
    final destination. Save yourself the heartache and invest in a simple case like 
    one 
    of these
    , from the Sunglass Hut.

  9. Personal items. Don’t forget to pack your extra special 
    personal items. Whether it’s prescription medicine, sanitary items, or anything 
    else, you may or may not have a chance to restock your depleted supply as fast 
    as you’d hoped. Carry medicine with you on the plane, making sure that the 
    amounts correspond with the strict carry on restrictions.
      


  10. Evaluate your lingerie situation. Unless you’re headed on a 
    romantic honeymoon or anniversary trip, you probably don’t need to stuff your 
    suitcase with hoardsof fancy lingerie. If you can’t sleep unless you’re dressed 
    to the nines in a favorite teddy, pack your silk 
    and satin pieces
    , foregoing other, heavier items like fluffy terry robes and 
    loungewear.
      


  11. Make a list of what goes with what. To avoid pulling your 
    hair out trying to decide which shoes are supposed to go with what pants or 
    which tie your 
    wife picked out for your poor, color-blind self, make a list of items as you 
    pack that go together. If you really think you’re going to be confused, 
    delicately pin a tie to its corresponding shirt in an inconspicuous place, or 
    loosely tie a belt around its matching pants.
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Makeup & Personal Hygiene 



Stick to the basics and go mini to avoid overpacking unnecessary items.



  1. Use a separate 
    bag or tote
    .
     Pack your personal hygiene items — shampoo, deodorant, 
    dental care, shaving items — in a separate bag from your clothes. You’ll reduce 
    the risk of spilling all your gooey products on your clothes and shoes, and it 
    will help you stay organized.
      


  2. Buy 2-in-1 Frizz control shampoo and conditioner. 2-in-1 
    shampoo and conditioner will alleviate the burden of lugging around an extra 
    bottle of hair product. Choose a frizz-control kind, like 
    this one from Pantene
    , to reduce the amount of time and product you’ll have 
    to spend on your hair outside the shower. Most of your frizz fighting battle is 
    won with your shampoo anyway, not with waxes or sprays.
      


  3. Go mini. Whoever invented trial 
    size beauty and bath products
     was a genius. Stock up on mini lotions, 
    shaving creams and gels, toothpaste, loofahs, and more to make packing personal 
    hygiene as easy as possible.
      


  4. Only bring product that will shorten your beauty prep time. 
    If your hair is normally wavy but you like to wear it straight, chances are you 
    have to enlist the help of a blow dryer and hair straightener each day. To avoid 
    weighing down your travel totes with unnecessary hair care items, only pack 
    products that eliminate steps in your usual regimen. For instance: try letting 
    your hair go wavy during vacation. Bring a styling 
    mousse
     that lets you skip the blow dryer and straightener, yet keeps your 
    locks looking luscious.
      


  5. Stick to one makeup trend for day and one for night. Think 
    of your makeup as being another accessory. Stick to one trend for daytime and 
    one for nighttime. You’ll save yourself a lot of space if you only bring half 
    your makeup arsenal with you on 
    vacation.
      


  6. Go oil-free. Laura 
    Mercier’s stick foundation
     is heavy enough to cover up bad blemishes but 
    light enough to keep your facefrom breaking out and looking greasy. Traveling 
    can make pimples appear easily, so using a makeup that’s fresh and simple will 
    not only save space in your makeup bag, it’ll help your skin adjust to its new 
    surroundings more smoothly.
      


  7. Use the same product for lips, cheeks, and eyes. 
    All-purpose makeup
     is a traveling girl’s best friend. Use the same product 
    for lips, eyes, and cheeks and watch your beauty prep time be cut in half. 
    You’ll also be able to perform quick touch ups more easily if you’re dealing 
    with one little make up case, instead of a whole trunk full of goodies.
      


  8. Stick to the basics. Whatever your morning hygiene and 
    beauty regimen, it’s best to stick to the basics when you’re traveling. There’s 
    no need for a pumice stone or time for an all out wax. Bring moisturizing lotion 
    that’s appropriate for every part of your body, use tweezers 
    to get through your in-between days, and bring disposable razors instead of an 
    electric 
    one
    , if possible. If you can get away with it, wash your hair every other 
    day to save yourself time and make your trial size shampoo bottles last longer. 
    You don’t want to look like The Ugly American as you make your way down the 
    streets of Paris, but sticking to the basics will make your suitcase lighter and 
    give you more time to enjoy the sights.
      


  9. Wrap liquids and gels in plastic. Wrap each liquid and gel 
    product in its own Ziploc or plastic bag. If anything spills, every item that’s 
    packed in the same bag will get sticky as well.
      


  10. Double check carry on restrictions. Before you start 
    packing, check the Transportation Security 
    Administration Web site
     to double check with items you can and cannot bring 
    with you on board the plane. After stocking up on all those trial size items, 
    you won’t want to have to throw them away because they’re not packed in a 
    see-through plastic bag!
      


  11. Keep like items together. To keep you better organized, keep like 
    items together in different travel bags
    . Pack makeup and jewelry together, 
    ties, belts, and bags together, and shower items together. This system is to 
    help you avoid bringing 3 separate bags into the bathroom every time you shave 
    your legs or fix your hair. If your shampoo isn’t packed alongside your bath 
    soap, you’ll be hopelessly confused.
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