101 on Quick Packing for a Trip
Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a tropical getaway, or an adventure abroad, traveling is always an exciting way to break up your routine. Of course, the routine doesn’t stop in the lead-up to a trip, which can make travel preparation feel a bit rushed at times. On top of the usual to-do’s on your agenda, plus booking hotels or flights, coordinating driving routes, or researching the best things to do or see at your destination, you might find yourself having to pack at the last minute.
Read on for the 101 on quick packing for a trip that’ll make the process a breeze, so you can be prepared for the breezy vacation vibes, cute weekend getaway, or big adventure that awaits you.
Make a List Anyway
Making a packing list is always an important first step when packing for a trip. Of course, when you have limited time to begin with, taking the time to create a list might feel like an unnecessary step. But it’s extra important to have a list when you’re feeling rushed or frazzled since it can help you focus and streamline the process – while also ensuring you don’t arrive at your destination only to discover that you forgot something essential.
So, take a few moments to look at your trip itinerary, and jot down the number of women's tops, how many pairs of bottoms, socks, and underwear you’ll need, plus other must-haves like a dress for a nice dinner and footwear and sleepwear. Having a visual list you can reference will make the entire process much smoother, especially if you have limited time.
Consolidate the Items You Want To Bring
Before you pack your bags, it can be really helpful to put all the items you want to bring on your trip in one area. Start by opening up your luggage and whatever carry-on or supplemental bag you’ll bring, like a zippered tote or a backpack, and placing your travel bags next to your bed or couch.
Next, pull the attire or items you want to bring from your closet, dresser, or drawers, and lay them out on the bed or the couch by your bags. Once you have everything you want to bring in one area, reference your list and cut down on unnecessary items. This will leave you with the right number of tops, bottoms, shoes, and any other essentials you’ll be bringing in one area near your travel bags, which can streamline the packing process.
Pick Versatile Clothing
One thing that can be a bit of a time suck when packing for a trip is trying to plan out each and every outfit in advance. Instead, opt for versatile clothing that you can style in different ways over the course of your getaway. It’s often helpful to think about your pants first and then pick your tops from there.
For example, a pair of high-waist, wide-leg linen women's bottoms in a solid color can be a great choice for a warm-weather trip, since you can dress these up with a nice blouse for a dinner or throw them on with a simple cotton t-shirt for a stroll on the boardwalk or through town. And for a cold-weather trip, you can wear a pair of fleece-lined leggings or black jeggings or jeans with any number of tunic tops or sweaters. Choosing versatile attire that’s easy to style can make packing quicker since you won’t have to waste time overthinking each look you’ll want to rock on your trip.
Roll Your Clothing
Rolling your clothing is a packing hack that can be a total game-changer. This approach to packing your luggage is a simple way to save space, which means you won’t have to waste any time reshuffling items to get that suitcase, backpack, or tote zipper all zipped up. Using certain travel accessories, like packing cubes, can also help you avoid any complicated Tetris-style maneuvering when you’re trying to close up your travel bags.
Rolling up your clothes, using packing cubes, and opting for space-saving items like a packable jacket will streamline your packing process, so you can spend more time researching the best restaurants where you’re going or booking that day excursion you’ve had your eye on.
While it might feel stressful to pack your bags in a hurry, it doesn’t have to be. By going in with the right strategy, you can pack in a flash without forgetting any of the essentials. All that’s left now is for us to say bon voyage while you set out on your adventure!