Packing habit that professional organiser swears by for stress-free travel
In the world of travel, there are two types of people.
Those who pack their bag a week in advance, have everything in labelled pouches and designated travel containers. Then there's those who throw everything into their suitcase an hour before heading to the airport.
If you'd prefer to be more like the first type, there are a few tricks you can rely on.
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Are you a stress packer? Getty Images/iStockphoto
Shaniece Jones, professional organiser and founder of Closet Therapy, said that packing doesn't have to be a chaotic process.
You just need to plan ahead, she told Southern Living, and that will make your trip way more enjoyable.
Shaneice shared her best packing tips with the publication, and one habit of hers really stands out.
The organiser keeps a running note on her phone for specific things that she has forgotten when travelling (like her strapless bra or her charger block) so she never repeats the mistake again.
Every time she packs for a trip, she checks that list, and makes sure she has all her commonly-forgotten items.
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Shaneice has a running list of everything she's forgotten while travelling. Getty
Shaneice said that the number one mistake that people make when packing is to plan for the "what if".
"We try to prepare for every possible 'just in case' moment, or we pack every toiletry we own, even the ones we never actually use at home," she said.
Instead of thinking about what you might need, plan around what you will do.
And if you do randomly need an item that you've left at home, you'll more than likely be able to buy it at your destination.
You really don't need to pack everything you own. Getty
Another great tip she shared is to always do your laundry before you start packing for a trip.
"Nothing slows you down like realising your favourite jeans are still in the hamper," she pointed out.
Typically, for longer trips, she starts packing about a week before she leaves, that way she has plenty of time to shop for or replace anything she's missing. If she's just going on a short weekend trip, she gives herself about three days to pack.
"The goal is to enjoy the trip, not stress about your suitcase," she said. "When you're not weighed down, literally or figuratively, you get to make the most of every moment."
Pack your heaviest items at the bottom Getty
The way you pack your suitcase also matters.
9Travel Editor Kristine swears by packing her bag with all the bulky and heavy items at the bottom.
"When you unzip your suitcase and open it up to pack it, take note of which end the wheels are at. Then, pack your heaviest items at that end," she wrote in a Travel Tips column recently.
"Think shoes, sunscreen, chargers, or books. That way, once you zip your luggage up and stand it upright, most of the weight will be sitting at the bottom."
"It's a super simple strategy that has served me well over the years and works for both carry-on and larger luggage pieces."
