Happy Wednesday, guys! Today I’m continuing my series of guests posts with one that I am extra excited about.
I tapped Hitha, my friend and packing expert, to share her top three tips for summer packing. Her travel tips are always easy, accessible, and seem so obvious once you start doing them, that you’ll never turn back! Feel free to leave her any of your packing questions in the comment section below and she’ll answer them in the next few days.
So without further ado, take it away Hitha!
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Summer is special. It’s the perfect time to visit the beach, dine al fresco, or eat a sprinkle cone every time you stumble across an ice-cream stand. It also goes hand in hand with vacation. A chance to escape, relax, and come back refreshed. Our summer is always filled with trips, whether it’s headed to my parents’ home in Pennsylvania or hopping on a flight to explore a new country (in our case, Greece in the coming weeks!).
And while the prospect of vacation is lovely, packing is the exact opposite. Until now. I wrote the book on packing (literally – my book is called How To Pack). While the method I’ve outlined in it are applicable to any trip, I’ve handpicked these 3 tips that will have you packing for your summer weekends perfectly.
1. Create your summer travel wardrobe
I’m certain that there are 10-15 pieces you wear constantly in the summer. There’s always one swimsuit that you reach for when you’re not feeling your best, or the maxi dress that fits like a glove. Put these power pieces together – whether it’s on a list, using an app, or physically grouping them together in your closet or a dresser drawer. When you’re able to easily reference your best summer pieces, you’ll cut your packing time in half.
New clothes can certainly be a part of this wardrobe. I recommend wearing an item once or twice at home before grouping it with your summer power pieces.
2. Follow accessory math
If you follow this equation for every trip you take, you’ll always be able to fit everything in a carry-on. I promise. You ready?
3 pairs of shoes + 2 bags + 1 scarf, hat, and pair of sunglasses = all you need. You may think I’m crazy. You probably think there’s no way you can only pack 3 pairs of shoes. But for a summer trip – a weekend one, at that – you don’t need any more. 1 pair of sandals. 1 pair of strappy heels. 1 pair of sneakers for a morning run or hike. Okay, and 1 pair of flip flops. I’ll give you that.
Similarly, you only need 2 bags – a large one (tote, backpack) and a small one (crossbody or clutch). You may pack a separate bag of shoes or multiple little bags, but the chances of you wearing all of them are low. And when it’s time to leave, would you rather be spending your time packing up or enjoying one last cup of coffee looking at the ocean? Following this rule ensures you wear everything you pack, and spend as little time packing as possible. Which means you have more time for your vacation. I’ll take more vacation, please.
3. Pre-pack your toiletries
If you look inside my suitcase at home, my toiletries are neatly packed. The liquids are nestled inside this quart-sized bag, and my non-liquid items are packed in this dopp kit.
I save a solid 10-15 minutes by having these items ready to go, always. At the end of the trip, I refill any empty bottles or replace empty toothpaste or contact lens solutions.
Take a few minutes today to study your beauty routine and list the items you absolutely need to use, and the items you’re willing to swap.
Purchase your hero products in TSA-approved sizes (Sephora and Amazon have great selections), and find towelette or solid versions of products you’re more flexible about. Decide what hotel-provided products you’re willing to use (body wash and lotion are two easy swaps). Splurge on new toiletry bags that are more durable than a flimsy baggie. Pack all of these up and keep them in your favorite luggage
You can find hundreds of travel tips on Hitha’s blog, Hitha On The Go, and in my book, How To Pack. Keep calm, and always carry on!
Love this! I’m going home this weekend and I need to pare down what I normally pack haha!
I hope these tips help! When I go home to visit my parents, I basically pack pajamas and that’s it.
Love these tips! I used to be so bad at packing but after so many trips its get better. I love hearing tips from others 🙂
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Taylor!
Would love to know your go-to carry on! I’m in the market 🙂
The AWAY carry-on is my go-to! Here’s a full review on it > http://www.hithaonthego.com/review-away-luggage/
I used to be horrible at packing and such an over-packer! Thankfully I’ve learned and can now pack in a carry-on without a problem!
Keep calm and ALWAYS carry-on – that’s my motto 😉
Great tips! I almost packed 5 pairs of shoes for a quick NYC trip recently…until I remembered the tips from your book. I ended up only wearing two pairs (sneaks and flats)!
Love hearing that! Thank you for sharing 🙂
HI -great tips, wondering if there was supposed to be links to click on for the quart bag and Dopp kit?
Hey Monica! Links are below:
Quart-sized bag – http://bit.ly/2vlbqlJ
Dopp kit – http://bit.ly/2vlYb43
I also love this toiletry bag (http://bit.ly/2v2MOTi), which you can use for all your toiletries AND for your hair tools. See how I pack it here > http://www.hithaonthego.com/pack-hair-beauty-essentials/
Such a cute travel bag! Also, I loved that summer read 🙂 So light, easy, and fun!