We are all guilty of overpacking for a weekend getaway or vacation. This is something that gives me, (a packing expert) anxiety. I’ve mastered the art of packing light especially with only a carry-on. Many have asked how can I pack for 10-20 days with minimal items, it’s easy and help you with that.
Destination
If you’re planning a trip to a warmer climate, you know that packing boots or heavy fabric items is not the right choice. Be proactive and pack according to the 10-day forecast or Look up the average weather for the month. This will give you a great guide when packing your suitcase.
Planning your outfits
Something that I learned while planning for my 20 day trip to Europe was, take photos of your outfits that you love and will wear. Everyone now a days has a smart phone and can easily look up current trends with clothing. Every time I purchase something new I like having a photo of it in my “look book” located on my iPhone. Keep in mind while planning your looks, not to forget your shapewear.
Fitting all “your stuff” in your Suitcase
Growing up we would overpack and then some. We are so accustomed to overpacking so much as a “security blanket” for that “just in case moment”. Trust me if you forger something its not the end of the world, you can always go shopping. If you plan on taking only a carry-on, downsize your toiletries, trust me you do not need 20 eyeshadows or full-size shampoo bottles. Remember 3 ounces in a small clear Ziplock baggie.
Marie Kondo your items
This is probably my favorite part of being a packing expert is putting it all together. Once I have all my looks, shoes, and toiletries gathered, I start folding everything small. This is something I’ve been doing for years. I try to utilize my suitcase by unzipping the lining and laying things flat on the bottom.
Do’s and Don’t
- Do – Wash, iron and fold clothes neatly
- Don’t -Pack dirty clothes and wrinkled
- Do- Pack according to season
- Don’t – Take items you’re not going to wear
- Do- Create a color theme of your looks
- Don’t- Forget the lint roller
- Do- Pack outfits that are transitional from Day/Evening
- Don’t – Wear bring an excessive amount of footwear – WHYYYYY!
Do you really want to haul around your suitcase
Last winter I was in Paris and I knew the weather was freezing, but after Paris I went to Greece where the high was 75 degree. You would think traveling from a colder climate to a warmer one I’d require a bigger suitcase for sweaters. This was not the case, layering was in my favor.
I only brought with me my single carry-on and handbag as others boarding my flight had multiple pieces of luggage, heavy coats and other crazy things. I was thinking to myself, “Why the heck to people overpack and what is in their bags”? When taking a long a long flight you want to be in a calm state of mind with no worries and hassle. This is a goal of mine and something I like to share with others.
Reason Why people overpack
I interviewed several people in person and via social media and this is what they had to say:
– I like options
– Weather plays a factor, prepare for the unexpected
– Just in case
– Biggest problem is taking too many pairs of shoes
– SHOES!
– Eating on vacation and not fitting in clothes, so multiple sizes
– Indecisive
– Make up and toiletries weigh down suitcase
-You never know what’s going to happen
Be your own packing expert
I’d love to see your photos of your suitcases tagging me on social media #beautyunpackedexpert. With winter coming I challenge you to pack only essentials and really thinking about what you need to take on that short trip. Stay tuned for my upcoming trip to Europe in the winter, can you guess how many sweaters I’ll take?
Thanks for reading my blog xo,
Ang – Beauty Unpacked
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