Travel Tip: Pack With A List

I like to make lists.

I get such a feeling of satisfaction when I cross things off of a list.  I also feel like lists keep me organized.

I can be slightly scatterbrained when it comes to my personal life.  I blame it on the fact that I try to be very with it and pay such close attention to detail in my professional life.

So it only stands to reason that I would make a list to help me pack.  Keeps me organized and makes sure I don’t forget anything.

I sometimes have dreams before I go on vacation that I have forgotten key items, such as my passport… or all my clothes.

I start the list before I start packing.  Perhaps while seated comfortably on the couch in front of the TV.

To make sure I don’t forget anything, I think of a category in my head and write down everything I need that belongs to that category.  Categories I think about are:

• Clothing items
• Footware
• Toiletries/Personal Care
• Entertainment (ex. books, magazines)
• Electronics (ex. camera, battery charger)
• Travel Documents/Money (ex. PASSPORT!!!)
• Medications (I like to be prepared with various OTC remedies, just in case)
• Destination Specific Needs (in my case mostly means beach necessities like beach bag, hat, etc)

I have a tendency to pack way more than I need when it comes to clothes.  I like to have options.  I’m working on this.  I figure out the number of days I’ll be away so I can plan the right number of outfits.  I tend to line up a bunch of options and then try to edit out extras.

Also important, make sure you pack a change of clothes (and in my case a bathing suit), and your medications in your carry-on!

I try to pack what I can in advance, crossing items off the list as they go in the suitcase.  Anything that I’m going to be using until I leave (like my toothbrush) I make sure I highlight so I remember to pack them last minute.

So that’s my packing strategy.  It’s not rocket science… just what works for me.

What are your packing tips and tricks?