Going on vacation – lots of fun.
Packing to go away on vacation – not so fun.
Do you dread the night before a big trip? Do you just shove every article of clothing in your suitcase and pray that the hotel or vacation home you are visiting has a really good iron? Packing to go away on a vacation doesn’t have to be a last minute stressful event, especially if you know what you are doing!
Real Simple.com has an informative video to help you fit everything in your suitcase and have it come back out wearable and sharp, not a wrinkly mess.
They offer these helpful tips:
- Set Everything Out - Pull out and organize all the items you will need for your trip. This way you can put back the items you don’t need, select items that can serve double duty and select the proper suitcase. The most common reason clothes look bad when you reach your destination is simply over packing.
- Roll Your Clothes – Soft, wrinkle-resistant garments can be rolled and placed in the bottom of your suitcase. Example: T-shirts, cotton pants, even jeans!
- Folded Items Next – Garments more prone to wrinkles should be neatly folded and placed on top of the rolled item. Example: Blazers, linen items, starched cotton shirts.
- Drape Longer Garments – Dresses, skirts and pants should be folded in half lengthwise and place lengthwise on top of the folded garments. Alternate which end the waist faces for a nice flat, even pile. Wear or carry bulkier items while you travel so they don’t take up luggage space.
- Add in the Small Stuff - Fill bras, socks and underwear into the nooks and spaces remaining in the bag. Hint: if you roll up your socks and stuff them into the cup of your bra it saves space and the cups retain their shape.
- Add Belts to the Perimeter – Rather than rolling your belts, place them around the perimeter of the suitcase. Then top the packed garments with a dry cleaners bag or clean trash bag. The wrinkles won’t set in your clothes because of the slippery surface of the bag.
- Select Your Shoes – Pick four pairs of shoes, if possible. A sneaker or walking shoe, a sandal or loafer, an evening shoe if necessary, and flip-flops for the beach. Wear the heaviest pair as you travel and pack the others in Ziploc bags and place along the sides of your bag.
- Pack Your Jewelry – Pack your inexpensive jewelry in a film canister or plastic pillbox. If you MUST travel with fine jewelry, wear it on the road so it doesn’t get stolen or lost.
For advice on packing your beauty products, check future posts!
Just in case you forget anything, Hilton Head has stores and outlets galore to cater to your every need. We hope to see you soon – wrinkle free!
