Packing anxiety is an almost universal experience. While stocking a black weekender bag for a short trip seems like a low-stakes endeavor on the surface, striking the balance between packing enough and not packing too much requires a surprising amount of brainpower. Of course, there are smart strategies frequent travelers swear by that make the process easier. Here are five tips to easily pack for a weekend trip and reduce travel stress.
Pack Light and Smart
Choosing items that fulfill multiple purposes can help you pack lighter without running out of clothes or being unprepared. A wrap sweater can be a top on its own for a casual outing or an important layer over a dress for a night out.
Since most people overpack, experts recommend laying out everything you intend to take on your bed rather than placing it directly in your suitcase. This way, you can evaluate your choices and pare back. Remember that you can always wear bulkier items, such as a long coat or structured blazer, on the plane ride.
Utilize a Weekend Bag
Weekender bags may be small, but they are literally designed to hold everything you might need for a weekend trip. Sticking to this size of bag will help you avoid overpacking and fiddling with rolling luggage unnecessarily. Owning this size bag will help you travel light, and it can also double as a large purse when you need more storage space on the go.
Roll Clothes Instead of Folding
No one wants to spend the limited time on a weekend trip steaming clothes. There are easier ways to wear wrinkle-free outfits at your destination. First, choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle when packed, such as:
- Wool or cashmere
- Knits
- Ponte
- Synthetic fabrics
- Neoprene
You can also minimize wrinkles by rolling your clothes into cylinders instead of folding them into squares. Folding introduces creases while rolling maintains a smooth shape.
Try Solid Toiletries
Few travel experiences are more stressful than realizing your conditioner or face wash has leaked and damaged your belongings. Pouring expensive conditioner and shampoo into tiny bottles is also a major time waste, especially when you’ll only be using a small handful on your weekend trip.
Avoid all of the stress of carrying liquids by having a travel set of solid toiletries, instead. Shampoo bars, soap bars and conditioner bars are easy to put into any pocket with no risk of leaks.
Make a Checklist
Making a packing checklist for a weekend trip may seem like overkill, but it saves you the hassle of forgetting key items such as chargers for electronics or gifts for friends and family. About a week before your trip, make a list on your phone of everything you need for the weekend. Pare down that list before you start packing. You can also consult packing lists online to be sure you’re not missing any essentials.
Packing smart is easier with the right bag. Choosing the best womens travel bags and doing a little advanced planning can save you luggage stress while traveling.
