How to Pack Like a Pro

Hey guess what guys it's a Monday and I've got some great packing tips for you. This post is the first part of a two parts featuring all my best packing tips, so come back next week for some more tips.

After sixteen moves and countless trips, I know how to get from point A to point B with all the stuff I will need. I am the Master Packer!

The American Boy Scouts have a motto that you have probably heard: 'Always be prepared.' Because I usually have everything that you could ever need in my purse (my family always calls it the 'bag of tricks') sometimes people call me a Boy Scout. But, honestly, I put the Boy Scouts to shame. I can usually produce whatever you need from whatever purse or bag I'm carrying. I am the Master Packer.

Anyway, back to the packing tips. lot of these tips you may already be doing, even without meaning too, but I think it's worth repeating.

Research and plan

Do some research. Check the weather and figure out what you'll be doing. After you've got all your documents, toiletries, and electronics figured out based on your itinerary then you can plan your outfits accordingly. Figure it out now so you don't have to worry about it when you're supposed to be out there having the time of your life. Take pictures of them. I know there are some apps out there to help you out. I'm organized enough that I might like to try them out sometime but you definitely don't need it if you don't want it.

Know yourself and what you'll be doing

I know that when I go on a vacation I will never work out, and that when I go visit my family, I will hardly workout unless they're doing it with me. Be honest with yourself. Yes, those heels would look really cute with that summer dress for your trip to Paris (fashion capitol of the world) but will you really wear them? Will it be worth it to wear them? If you have your doubts then go with the tried and true methods.

Plan as you pack

If your going to the beach on your first day then you probably don't want to pack your swimsuit, towel, or sandals at the bottom of your bag under everything else. And honestly that's an easy mistake because usually the first things to go into your bag are the thing that you remember first but, in the great paradox that it is, the things that you remember first are usually the things that you will need first on your trip. Don't fall into that trap.

Make a list and check it twice.

Don't over-pack

The whole point of planing is so that you have everything you need and nothing more. You don't need a separate shirt and bottom for each day, i.e. a separate outfit for each day. If you pack smart then you pack half that and rearrange your pieces so no one can tell. The secret is layer and variety. Bring pieces that you can layer for different looks and vary your bottoms so you can vary your outfits.

You don't need packing cubes

Some of the first advice you will see when you start to look up packing tips is to use packing cubes or bags. Really, honestly, you don't need them. They work well when you have leisure and time to plan, like when you're packing the first time before you leave. But when you're repacking, getting ready to head to a new destination or going home they just kind of get in the way because you don't have the time or desire to pack them right. I do own a packing cube, and one is plenty for me. It does come in handy sometimes but you don't need a lot.

Roll, (don't fold) where you can

I mean you can't roll your shoes, although you're more than welcome to try) and some of my jeans are better off folded and layered but for most everything else, roll them up. It helps so they don't get wrinkled and, for some reason, takes up less space.

Leave space and namaste

It will never go back in the same way you packed it the first time. It just won't. You'll be in a hurry or you will have accumulated things or lost things in your trip and all that careful rolling of clothes just sometimes won't be enough. So don't stress about it. Take a deep breath. Leave space when you pack the first time. Bring an extra bag or sack in case of mass-souvenirs purchase and just know that this will happen.

I don't know if you know Olan Rogers but that's where these references come from.

He's a YouTuber who tells way funny stories. You should check him out if you haven't already.

Happy Packing,

Challis Hackley