Part of the stress of any international trip is the packing process. Luckily, you can take the pain out of packing by using these easy hacks to bring instant function and organization to your luggage.
Use the cubes
Small square bags with nylon–often used for just shoes–are a quick and easy way to pack neatly and make it easier to find the right clothes once you land. Stuff each cube with same types of clothing. For instance, you can have a cube for tops, a cube for pants and a cube for swimwear.
Mine for multitask pieces
Take a close look at your wardrobe and identify which pieces can serve for multiple outfits. Black pants, for instance, can be paired with several tops and are a better choice than that green and pink pair which only goes with one shirt. If you pack clothes that can do double or triple duty, you won’t need to take as much and will be better off if you end up in an unexpected clothing pinch. Be creative, too! Your favorite wrap dress may just work as a beach blanket after you’ve already worn it.
Skip the matching mini-bags
Your small bags for toiletries, medicines, jewelry and the like shouldn’t all match each other. It’s a cute idea in theory but not very functional. If you use bags with different patterns or colors for each object group, you won’t have to open up multiple bags every time you need one thing.
Have at least one opposite-weather piece
Even the some of the warmest places in the world can have rainy, chilly weather, and the colder spots could see a warm day while you’re there. If you’re going somewhere cold, have at least one short-sleeved item in your luggage. For somewhere warm, take a light fleece or sweater. The last thing you want to do on your vacation is run to the store because you suddenly find yourself freezing or hot in the clothes you brought.
Make sure you’re only taking what you need and do a last-minute check for your passport and other important items before you head to the airport. With a little prep and planning beforehand, you can take the stress out of packing!