7 Simple Tips To Smarter Packing

Nobody enjoys being pushed through lines at the airport or waiting for transportation in 98-degree weather. It's even worse when you're lugging around 80 pounds of excess baggage in the process. While packing lighter may leave you feeling like you're missing something essential, you’re guaranteed to feel the freedom and joy that accompanies smarter packing. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds!

Simply follow these seven simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a smarter and more enjoyable vacation in no time.

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Choose Versatile Clothing

There is an entirely new fashion industry that is now directly catering to travelers who don’t want to pack ten pieces when one will do the job. For example, the Chrysalis Cardi is a single piece of fabric that can be worn up to eight different ways, including as a dress, a cardigan, a top and a scarf.

With one of these, you can practically cut your clothing in half! Clothes made from quick-dry polyester instead of cotton will stay cleaner longer on your next tropical vacation. New-age fabrics like bamboo and hemp are naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant so you can wear them multiple times before they need a wash.

Remember that while you’re traveling, no one will notice if you wear the same outfit twice!

Purchase A Foldable Water Bottle

Photo by SewPixie via Flickr

Water bottles are bulky by design. You could stuff that stiff reusable water bottle with some socks to save space, but we love using a trendy foldable water bottle instead. Your conscience will also be a bit lighter as you won't need to purchase all those disposable plastic bottles that are increasingly detrimental to the environment. Plus, always purchasing water can add up to some serious extra cash!

Coconut Oil Everything

Coconut Oil has become one of our favorite travel companions. Use it as a lotion, sunscreen, conditioner, and toothpaste—there is almost nothing this stuff can't do. Put it in a travel container before you hit the airport and you’ll find you can ditch all those extra toiletries you normally lug around.

Utilize Packing Cubes

Photo by Queen of Subtle via Flickr

I don't know how I traveled without these lifesavers before. We use them to keep things organized, like little shelves in our luggage. Packing cubes make it infinitely easier to find what you're looking for and keep everything tidy instead of balled up and shoved in the depths of your suitcase. Say goodbye to the days of “Honey, have you seen my...” By staying more organized, you’ll also find you can cut down on a lot of the stuff you think you need (but actually already have!)

Carry A Sarong

It's a dress, it's a bathing suit cover, it’s a laundry bag, it's a towel…it's all of these things! Sarongs come in handy for loads of reasons when you're on vacation. We typically keep a sarong with us at all times, just for those random moments life always throws at us.

Also keep in mind that depending on where you are traveling, some religious spaces require you to cover your head and shoulders, for which a sarong is ideal.

Remember Your E-Reader

Photo by Richard Masoner via Flickr

Nowadays this is a standard necessity for globetrotters and homebodies alike. Books take up a lot of room, and a Kindle or electronic reader can save you tons of space in your luggage.

Plus, it’s way better to have access to all of your books at once instead of carrying around only four or five at a time.

Pack and Then Unpack

Once you've packed everything you think you need, take it all out again. Then pack for a second time, leaving 25 percent of what you first packed in a pile to the side. Then put that pile back in your dresser because you won't be taking it with you. If it's not an essential, then it's extra weight. You'll be thanking yourself the next time you're on a crowded subway with your tiny roller bag, giggling to yourself as others struggle with their enormous suitcase.

These are seven of our favorite simple steps to smarter—and easier—packing. We still don’t enjoy living out of suitcases, but at least it’s a lot more manageable now!

What are your favorite steps to simpler packing?