The holiday season is upon us. This means more trips upcountry to visit folks and friends, physical activities for adrenaline, or trips to the coast for a much needed break and close to the year.

If you are not careful, packing for a trip can be a dreadful experience. You might either overpack or underpack. If you are travelling by air for example, you will need to know what size and weight of luggage is allowed and what you can pack in your bag.

Once you understand the rules, you can move on to the guiding principles that will help you get the most out of your allowed packing space.

Your exact packing list will depend on your destination, the length of your trip, the weather, and what you plan to do.

Here are a few tips to help you with the packing process.

  1. Pack the must have items, no the just in case items

Pack the stuff you usually wear. If you don’t reach for it all the time back at home, you won’t want to wear it on the road.

Bring your core wardrobe that you wear over-and-over at home. Those clothes will cover more than 80% of the situations you will encounter on the road.

2. Stick to a packing list

Write yourself a packing list a few days before your trip, and stick to it. If you can’t figure out what to pack because you are uncertain of what the trip may require, look for a packing list online.

Googling “what to pack for coast trip or camping trip” will bring out useful information.

3. Do not pack all your shoes

Stick to a maximum of three pair of shoes, plus a pair of flip-flops you can use to get out of the shower as well as going to the beach / walking around.

If you are going to attend a formal dinner or event, only carry one pair of heels for the event.

4. Wear bulky pieces

Wear boots and heavy jackets on your flight or on the bus to save space in your bag.

This space will be useful for much smaller items in your bag.

5. Carry multiple-style garments

Carry clothes that can be styles in different ways. For example, a light kimono can be used as a cover up for the beach instead of using a leso. You can also style the kimono to be an evening gown.

Be creative and save on space.

6. Pack solid toiletries

Pack solid shampoo and conditioner, a bar of soap instead of shower gel, a deodorant stick, and even a bar of body moisturizer. This will minimize the luggage and will avoid any spillage from liquid soap, etc.

7. Look for accommodations with easy access to laundry facilities

Booking accommodations with access to laundry facilities makes packing light a bit easier since you can do laundry partway through your trip. It also makes it easier to repeat outfits since they can be readily cleaned.

8. Limit your bags

Buy at least 2 bags or 1 big bag for your trip. Try to fit all your clothes, shoes, equipment like cameras (if any), and toiletries in those bags and do not be tempted to pack more bags. This will reduce your luggage cost and the energy to carry many bags around.

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