7 Ways to Pack Like a Pro

September 8, 2015

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Whether you are packing for a long weekend away, a week-long yoga retreat or a backpacking trip, lightening your load can relieve stress and uplift your travel experience.

At YOGASCAPES, we are constantly searching for packing tips and the list below resonated with us.

via Huffington Post:

1. The right suitcase is a must. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg once said: ”When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life”. Before you start to think about packing, choose the right suitcase. Think about your destination and what is the trip for — business trip or going on vacation? Check the size of the suitcase; no one wants a suitcase that is too big for them that they cannot manage. It’s key to consider the weight of the suitcase; it makes a big difference at the final weigh-in. You also must consider the length of your journey. If you’re only planning a weekend getaway or short trips, then a rolling carry-on will suffice.

2. Make a list. Never underestimate the power of making a list. Making a list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important. For example, I focus on the activities I know I will do on my trips and focus less on those that I am not as certain about. This helps me cross off items that I don’t need and devote space to items I will actually need. It is very important to schedule a packing time and start the packing process early to allow yourself enough time to assess the items you need. This will help you lighten your load.

3. What to bring? Think about what you will be doing on your trip and where you will spend most of your time. A great way to save space in your suitcase is to choose wardrobe basics that you can mix and match. I stick to clothes that are transitional. I have learned that by picking transitional and versatile pieces of clothing I can mix and match the items into a number of outfit options for multiple purposes.

4. Layer up. This approach gives you more outfits and the flexibility to adapt to any temperature weather condition. For example, I take a pashmina scarf with me no matter where I am headed. Pashmina scarf travel well and compliment almost any outfit. It will also offer some warmth on a colder evening and on airplanes.

5. The base layer. One of the simplest but often overlooked packing tips is to put heavy, irregularly shaped items like shoes or toiletries bag at the bottom of your suitcase — near the wheels of a suitcase. This helps to distribute the weight evenly throughout the suitcase, which prevents items from being damaged. It is very important to put all the heavy ones in first.

What’s your top packing tip?

Photo: TheGiantVermin

Lan Anh Vu is an entrepreneur with an avid interest in politics, finance, and fashion. She also maintains a fashion/beauty and lifestyle blog.

Before starting her own business, she served as a reporter for Vietnam Television, with a focus on business and economic developments. She interviewed many influential business leaders and key economy figures. She started her career as an auditor and risk management consultant at EY.