So your tickets are booked, your hotel reservations are made and your car rental is secured. The rest should be breezy, right? Wrong! Sometimes packing for a trip can be the most stressful part! It is no easy task trying to predict what you are going to feel like wearing 5 days from now…let alone what the weather will bring you. You also have to take into account the recent add-on fees that airlines are charging if you check more than 1 piece of luggage.
At PLRG, we like to think of packing as a “Style Challenge” (read: how many looks you can get out of the least amount of clothing). Here are some tips on how to pack less without sacrificing your chic style:
Be Schematic
Instead of packing by outfits, pack by color scheme. For a long weeked trip, a good rule of thumb is to choose 2 color schemes so that you can mix and match your pieces. According to BudgetTravel.com, the “Big Rule” of packing is not to pack anything unless it goes with at least two other pieces.
Be Neutral
Well, at least half-way. Focus on packing neutrals for either tops or bottoms. For example, if you pack neutral bottoms (think dark jeans, black skirt and grey trousers) you can mix-and-match patterned tops and make more than 3 outfits that look totally unique.
Be Strategic
Use jewelry and/or accessories to dress your outfit up or down. Dangly earrings and a clutch with a pop of color can take your day outfit into the night so you don’t have to pack an entirely new ensemble. Also be strategic in your actual packing space. If you are traveling somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest jacket on the plane instead of packing it and taking up more room in your suitcase.
Bonus Tips:
If you have some room to spare, pack an empty duffel bag inside your suitcase. This will give you a safety net if your suitcase exceeds the weight limit, or if you decide to do a little more shopping than planned on your trip!
Traveling to the tropics or some place humid? Throw a sheet of fabric softener in your suitcase before taking off and this will keep your clothes from becoming damp and it will absorb odors too.
To prevent wrinkles, pack your clothes in dry-cleaning bags (or large garbage bags even) and lay them on top of each other in your suitcase.
Bon Voyage!!
(Noelle Provencial)
