Avoid the Stress Mess: Master the Art of Vacation Packing

Few people enjoy packing. It’s tedious, tiresome, and time consuming. In fact, most put off the bulk of their vacation packing until the day before their departure. They either stay up late the night before their trip, or they frantically make final preparations just before they leave. They forget things, pack the wrong items, and worry unnecessarily. Rushing around and getting a poor night’s sleep before the start of their vacation will make them tired, anxious, and easily irritated. By starting their vacation at a higher stress level than necessary, it will take additional time to unwind -- perhaps days. Consequently, by the time they begin to truly relax, the vacation may have nearly ended.

Eliminate this fiasco and make the most out of your vacation by using foresight and proper packing techniques. After all, packing needn’t be a nightmare.

- Understand Your Itinerary

Where will you be going on your vacation? This largely determines the bulk of what you need to pack. What is the climate like at your destination? Will you require sun block, sunglasses, and shorts, or is it time to break out the thermal underwear and electric socks? Ask your travel agent to help you design a written itinerary so that you at least have a general idea of the events you will be attending and locations that you plan on visiting. This helps you to understand the details of what you may need to pack.

- Walk The Fine Line

This is the part of vacation packing that takes skill: packing enough necessities without over-packing. Bring outfits that are mix-and-match, using color coordination that allows shirts and blouses to be worn with multiple pairs of trousers. Pack low maintenance clothing (the kind that doesn’t instantly wrinkle or attract lint like a magnet) and be sure to bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes.

- The Almighty Travel Checklist

Once you have a good idea of where you will be going and what you need to bring, it’s time to create your master travel checklist. This can be created simply using a pen and paper, or it can be designed using a word processing program. If you are traveling with your spouse or family, create a separate heading for each individual who is traveling with you. This enables you to create individual-specific lists. You may also wish to create a category for general items shared by the group. Leave open spaces for items that you will remember later and add to the list each time you think of something important to include. Don’t forget to include a category for your pet, if you are traveling with one.

- The Designated Packing Spot

Set aside a specific location for packing. This can be an entire room, or a designated portion of a room. Nothing enters this sacred place unless it is destined to go on vacation with you. Here you can organize your items into piles depending upon their categories. This keeps things simple while preventing you from cluttering the entire house.

- Preparing The Luggage

Make sure that all luggage is functional. Check for damaged handles, zippers, and wheels. Avoid using overtly expensive luggage that may be attractive to thieves. Place identification information on each piece of luggage so that it can be easily returned to you. Attach a bright piece of tape or ribbon to every item of luggage for easy recognition. This enables you to quickly distinguish your own luggage from other luggage that may be of similar design. Always make a note of exactly how many pieces of luggage are traveling with you at all times.

- Begin Packing One Week In Advance

Don’t procrastinate. Start packing at least one week prior to your departure. This allows enough time for dry cleaning and making any new purchases (including the purchase of travel sized toiletry items). It also provides several days for you to remember to pack specific items that you might have otherwise forgotten. Remember to pack all valuables and important documents in a small piece off luggage that you can easily keep track of. If you are traveling by plane, be certain to make this a carry-on item.

The assurance of knowing that you are completely packed and ready to begin your travels will enable you to relax the night before your departure. This starts things out on the right foot, enabling you to get the most out of your well-deserved vacation.