The most important advice about packing for a trip can be stated simply in two words: pack light. Figuring out how to do that—while packing everything you need—is more complicated and takes practice. Follow the tips on this checklist and you’ll pack like a veteran traveler the next time you go away.
Coordinate your outfits. Bring clothes you can mix and match. Choose one main color for your travel wardrobe, such as black, gray, navy, or khaki, and pack only items that coordinate.
Consider your plans. Make a list of your planned activities and consider which clothing will be best for each event. Remember color coordination as you do this.
Figure out what you can get away with. If you'll be seeing different people every day, take fewer items and get more use out of them by bringing clean shirts or tops to refresh a few suits, skirts, pants, and jackets.
Inspect your clothes. Don't wait until you're filling your suitcase to look at the clothes you're planning to pack. Give yourself time to sew on buttons, do laundry, or take clothes to the cleaners.
Shun your shoes. Coordinating your clothing means you'll need fewer pairs of shoes. Since they are usually the heaviest and bulkiest items in a suitcase, consider taking two pairs that can be rotated for hygiene and comfort and a third pair of casual shoes or sneakers.
Avoid wrinkles. Pack in layers that are tight enough to keep garments from shifting around and loose enough so they aren't jammed together.
Pack suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses in plastic dry cleaning bags
Drape longer clothing across the suitcase and leave the edges hanging. Lay smaller items like T-shirts on top before folding the long ends over. This provides a little cushioning and helps prevent creasing.
Roll sweaters, pajamas, and other casual clothing to fill any gaps in the suitcase
Put heavy items, such as shoes and hair dryer, together along one edge of the suitcase or in a separate bag to keep them from weighing down and crushing clothing
Forget about linen
Make a list. Before you pack, jot down everything you must take with you. Check each item off as you put it in your luggage (don't forget to include toiletries, medication, etc.). This will do wonders to reduce travel-induced premature aging.
Roll underwear, socks, and other small items and tuck them into your shoes to keep your favorite wingtips from being crushed. Put shoes in plastic bags to avoid soiling other clothing.
