Packing Tips & Tricks

How do you pack for your trip?

It’s time, the most exciting yet dreadful task you need to do before going on your trip. If you’re the last-minute packer or the one that packs unnecessary items because you THINK you will wear it but don’t, we want to help you make the process easier, so here are our top 10 tips to helping you pack.

1. WHERE ARE YOU GOING. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Depending on the time of year and what you plan on doing during your travels, you’ll have to be strategic with the clothing you bring with. Research your destination. During warmer times, you’ll likely be able to bring more outfits using the same amount of space, as shorts and tank tops take up much less room than button up shirts and jeans. As a best practice, bring pieces that can be layered or plan outfits for each day of your trip!

2. USE PACKING CUBES

One of the most asked questions is how do you make room for everything? Well for the heavy packers we have a trick for you: use packing cubes for organization. This will make more room in your luggage and will cause less wrinkles in your apparel!

3. CREATE LESS BULK

Sometimes we think it’s better to keep more items in one bag. However, it is better to separate larger items into smaller bags. For example, liquids such as soap, shampoo, conditioner are much better packed separately. This will help evenly distribute weight in your luggage and create more space!

4. PACK HEAVIEST ITEMS AT THE BOTTOM

For the heavy packer who needs 4 pairs of shoes for their 4-day trip. Try packing your shoes closer to the wheel (end of the bag). This will help with weight distribution. Also, if you are packing various shoes, it helps if they are various styles that can work with various outfits.

5. EXTRA UNDERGARMENTS, PLEASE

Something that most people overlook, but you can never be too safe when packing extra undergarments. These are the ONLY extra items that should be packed. Even if you have access to a washer and dryer always pack an extra pair of underwear and/or socks.”

6. LIQUIDS

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get most of these at your accommodations. If you’re not staying at a hotel (or with a friend/family member), get travel-sized versions of your favorite products. A worst-case scenario? Pick up your liquids when you get to your destination.

7. THE BARE NECESSITIES

For the few other items you forgot, we’ve got you. These are some items that sometimes don’t make the packing list (travel adaptors, maps & sun screen to name a few), but they are small enough to pack in a carry- on or backpack. And for jewellery try using pill containers to keep everything compact.

8. STUFF YOUR HAT

We know you won’t forget to bring your Tilley hat with you. So, to keep it in shape try placing your hat upside down in your luggage and stuff it with undergarments such as socks or underwear. Then you can pack under and around and on top of your hat, to keep it in place

9. ELECTRONICS

The best advice: don’t bring all your electronics. But in dire need of your cell phone, laptop, camera, iPod, and charging cords, try keeping it all in one bag. If you’re travelling by plane it makes it easier when going through customs. Also, for your charging cords, use a binder clip to keep them together and untangled.

10. ALWAYS MEASURE & WEIGH YOUR BAG

This will help you avoid the chaos at the airport and extra luggage fees. Remember to check the airline luggage requirements to make sure you are under weight. If your travelling by car, well that’s a bonus! Travelling should be an adventure, so don't regiment every detail of your vacation. Leave some days open to see where the winds will take you.