Packing – it’s one of those things that makes you want to pull your hair out. Trying to get everything you need for a trip into a bag or a few pieces of luggage is a nightmare. Overpacking results in heavier loads and higher costs, but packing too light could mean you left something important back home. There has to be a method to the madness, but what? Hopefully, these packing tips will make things more manageable for you on your next trip.

Use Packing Lists

Packing for a trip based on memory alone could cause you to forget something essential. Therefore, everyone should use a packing list. You can download packing list templates for free online that encompass the basic things you need for travel. Then, you can add personalized items (like medications, reading glasses, or work-related docs) to the list that are specific to your needs. Ensure you’ve checked everything off on the list before leaving for your trip.

Compact Is Best

Compact sizes are best when packing toiletries, cosmetics, and other small essentials for vacation. For dental care on the go, you’d pack a travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush, and refillable floss picks. Try to find convenient size shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and makeup kits as well. You can always purchase small clear containers and transfer daily-use products. Just ensure it complies with airport travel guidelines.

Packing Cubes

Throwing things into a bag or luggage without rhyme or reason will lead to headaches during your trip. It takes up a bunch of space, wrinkles your clothes, and increases the chances of something leaking, getting lost, or damaged. Packing cubes are a lifesaver that many travelers live by. These are organizational bags in different sizes designed to fit everything from your skincare and makeup products to your clothes and shoes. Using these help protect your belongings during travel, saves space (mainly compression packing cubes), and cuts down on stress.

Versatile Shoes & Neutral Clothing

Clothes and shoes take up the most space when packing for a trip. You can conserve space and save money by selecting versatile shoes and neutral clothes for vacation. You reduce the number of things you need to take with you by opting for shoes that can go with multiple outfits.

Neutral clothes mean mixing and matching some of the same pieces to make multiple outfits. For instance, denim shorts can go with more tops than a pair of pink shorts. When selecting your outfits, choose neutral bottoms and get creative with your tops and accessories to make different looks. That way, you don’t have to take your entire wardrobe with you.

One Bag Challenge

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, the less baggage you have, the more you save. Why not try the one bag challenge. You and your travel companions can’t take any more than one bag with them on vacation, which will save a lot of space and money. Although it may seem impossible, using cosmetic bags, purchasing travel-size products, opting for versatile shoes and neutral clothes, and rolling your clothes are all packing tips that make it easier to fit everything you need in one bag.

Do You Really Need It?

When packing for travel, ask yourself if you really need everything you’re trying to take. For instance, maybe you’ve packed some books to read on the plane or car ride. Why not download the digital version and leave the books home. Are you planning to cook on your trip? Instead of packing groceries to take with you, shop for them once you arrive to conserve space.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could snap your fingers and arrive at your travel destination with everything you need? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Although packing can be a pain in the neck, there are several ways to simplify the process. Using suggestions like those provided above, you can conserve space, save time, money, and travel with ease.