Packing Tips and Methods

I'm back again with more packing insight! If there seems to be an excessive amount of packing-related posts across any of my social media platforms, I apologize. Packing is just something I enjoy. I like reading about it, writing about it, watching videos on it, and everything in between. However, I don't think we talk about packing over here a lot and I've learned a ton of new stuff from what type of suitcase to use to what should actually be going in your bag to how to maximize space. This post is also coming at a great time because spring break is coming up soon. Let the packing begin!

The first step to packing is picking out your suitcase(s) and any extra bags you may need. Typically you only need 1-2 suitcases. Anymore than that I consider an excessive amount. Unless the trip is a couple months rather than days or weeks. For most trips, I'd recommend a carry-on suitcase but there are instances where you need a larger suitcase as well. I have two carry-on suitcases. One is a soft-sided Vera Bradley suitcase with 365° wheels (meaning the spin every direction instead of remaining stationary). The other is a hard-sided CALPAK suitcase also with 365° wheels. They're both great options but at the moment I'm leaning more towards my CALPAK carry-on. I find that it's got a little bit more room and extra compartments.

Now, what's actually going to go in that suitcase once you've made your decision? Everything you want to take and wear but not your entire closet. For a week-long vacation, you only need a few pieces of clothing from each category. Four tops, three pairs of pants, 1-2 jackets/sweaters, 1-2 pairs of leggings and shorts, a couple pairs of shoes, 2-3 dresses for the ladies who prefer dresses over pants or just like dressing up, and all your needed accessories and toiletries. But how am I supposed to live off of that for a week? Mixing and matching! Too often, people overpack on extra things when they have an outfit for each day plus any outfit changes. Mixing and matching takes away all of that and it allows you to really play with styles.

The last thing is actually putting it all into your suitcase. You can fold like normal, roll, or use packing cubes. Rolling is the best way to put away clothes because not only does it save space but it prevents wrinkles too. In my personal opinion, packing cubes are my favorite and if you get some, they'll change your life. Packing cubes are devices that are used to store your clothes in a much simpler way. You just roll your clothes and put them in the cube. A packing cube may look tiny but it's got a lot of storage. I recently just got a set of packing cubes from CALPAK in my spring FabFitFun box. The pictures online did not do them justice. They're huge! Packing cubes are super inexpensive as well. You can find them pretty much anywhere for around $20. My cubes are really nice because they're spacious, have a carrying handle, a back zipper compartment for more storage, a space for labels, and a mesh covering so clothes are visible and can breathe throughout the trip. I'll probably utilize all the functions but you should buy yours based on needs for that trip as well as future ones. Once your clothes are situated whichever way you like best, add in everything else you'll be taking. By now it should only be shoes, toiletries, accessories and extra items like a curling iron or straightener. The final thing I would put in is a laundry bag. This way any dirty clothes can be separated from the rest of your stuff.

That's all for this week! I want to do travel-based blogs sometime each month. Let me know what you'd like to see! Maybe one all about flying on an airplane, travel companies, or travel budgets. Don't be afraid to say what you want here. Make the most of what's left of February and I'll see you in March!
-Caroline:)
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