With all the new luggage regulations and extra charges for multiple bags, it's more important than ever to make sure you pack smart. Once you learn how to pack less and pack the right things you will never want to go back to your old ways again! So here are:
Top 7 Do's and Don't for Packing Light and Packing Right
1. Don't think you need to pack one outfit per day
It may be hard to admit, but the fact is, since most of us shower everyday, our clothes don' really get all that dirty or sweaty. Think twice about having the exact number of outfits to match the exact number of days. A couple less won't hurt.
2. Do plan your outfits around your shoes
How many times have you laid out all your clothes only to realize you'll need to take 5, 6, 7 or more pair of shoes to make them work. Shoes waste a lot of valuable space. Always start with the 2-3 pairs you will be taking and work all your outfits around them, instead of the other way around.
3. Do make sure you pick outfits that color co-ordinate
Create wardrobe capsules (grouping of items that work together) in neutral colors like black, white, cream, grey, brown. That will give you the base to start with. Then you only have to throw in a few colorful scarves, tops, and accessories to liven everything up and change up your look.
4. Don't choose fabrics that are high maintenance
Linen pants, starched cottons wrinkle after a few hours. Pick fabrics that have some stretch in them like nylon, so you don't end up looking like you've been sleeping in your clothes. Another great thing about non-wrinkle clothing. You can roll them up in a ball and gently squeeze them into your suitcase- real space savers!
5. Do use large ziplock bags and label them
Keep items like pajamas in one bag, clean underwear in another, dirty items in another. Another trick is if you're taking 2 suitcases, slowly transfer the dirty clothes to one case as the days go on. Then half way through the trip, if you are traveling from one place to another, you'll only have to lug one suitcase from the car to the hotel room-the one with the clean clothes!
6. Don't forget the stain remover
If you've ever spilt something on your favorite new outfit while on vacation you probably know the frustration of having to hunt around in a foreign city to find some kind of stain remover. What a nuisance! Be sure to pack a tiny bottle of laundry stain remover when you travel. A small amount of dishwashing soap to cut grease also works wonders. Both come in very handy to hold lessen stains until you can get home and do a proper wash.
7. Don't leave home without a pretty pashmina that matches your outfits
Weather is so unpredictable and a pashmina is light to pack but very warm. Pashminas also can take you from day to night and they really dress up a plain outfit if you suddenly find yourself going somewhere fancy.
