How to Prepare to Pack for a Weekend Trip

Being able to escape for a weekend is an exciting notion for anybody. So exciting, in fact, that it’s very easy to overpack and overprepare for any potential scenario that may arise. While it is important to plan for certain contingencies, the good news is that most things can be found at your destination. There’s no need to try bringing a mini version of your life along with you.

Picking the right size bag is a great way to set boundaries before prepping for your vacation, because it predetermines how much space is allotted, causing you to make decisions. Nobody wants to check a bag if a carry-on will do the trick, especially if you’re on a weekend getaway with limited time, so it’s a good idea to force yourself to stick to a spatial budget before making decisions.

Clothing is the most overpacked item when people get ready to take a trip, especially if they aren’t frequent travelers. It’s very easy to imagine all the possible scenarios and what outfits might be required. Transitional pieces of clothing are essential when traveling. These are pieces of clothing that can be used in multiple situations and repurposed a number of times. When paired with different pieces, a whole new look can be created instantly. With a few colorful accessories, an outfit can take on a whole new vision. Remember to always pack clothing in tight rolls instead of folding flat. This will maximize how much you can fit inside.

When choosing clothes for a vacation, you will want to think about comfort in addition to versatility. Lounge pants that can be used for travel, exercise, or even sleep are an essential component to any travel wardrobe. You could also choose one pair of jeans that can be cross-functional during casual outings or fancier occasions, depending on the rest of the outfit. If you also have space, you can add one skirt.

Depending on the climate, it also helps to wear layers during the travel stage. Keep in mind that anything you put on your body is one less thing to go in your suitcase. If you bring a jacket, wear it on the plane to save space. Wearing layers during your vacation is also a good idea for comfort reasons, so be sure to pack a versatile t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt to wear on top that can be removed if you get too uncomfortable. A simple camisole can also be worn on a hot day or glammed up for an evening with the right accessories. A simple one-piece bathing suit can also double as a top when paired with jeans.

Shoes are another item that people tend to overpack. You only need two types of shoes – a pair of sensible sneakers and a pair of evening shoes. Place them at the lowest part of the bag so they rest at the bottom when your bag is being carried vertically. You always want the lightest items on top to avoid crushing them.

This article was originally published on raquelaliciateranhunter.org.