The following guest post has been submitted by Allison Parker.
Maybe you wait until the night before to pack for a big trip, or end up running too many last-minute errands on the way to the airport.
Over the past few months, after almost missing flights and trains over packing snafus, I’ve honed in on ways to improve the packing process.
Now, I can proudly say I can pack for a week’s vacation in a matter of minutes, simply by adopting the following habits.And, by adopting some (or all) of the following habits, you can also become a lightning fast packer.
- Maybe you’re running late? Check out this last-minute packing list because you’re leaving NOW.
1. Become a planner.
The more detailed your travel itinerary in advance of your trip, the better. A week before your trip, make a list of each piece of clothing that will correspond with each day’s activity.
In the event that you realize you aren’t prepared, you have enough time to shop for those hiking boots or fleece leggings you forgot you needed.
Create a Master Packing List
There are so many packing lists available online, but we find having our own personal packing list is always the best!
We have a huge database of packing lists for every kind of travel and destination that you can look into to get you started.
Of course, every person is still different, so it’s still advisable that you create your packing list with the items that are important for your own needs and comfort.
You can download our packing checklist template that you can easily customize for any kind of trip that you are going on.
Start with a base packing list: the most essential items you must-have for a particular trip and build around it. Put these items on the top of your list so you are sure to pack them all for every trip.
After every trip, evaluate your list and take out the items that you didn’t need or use and list down the items that you found yourself missing while you were away.
2. Think in color palettes.
Choosing a color palette ahead of time prevents you from packing clothes you won’t end up wearing.
If you are going on a fun tropical getaway, you may want to pack clothes with warm colors (reds, yellows, and purples) such as colorful sundresses and fun wedges.
For business travel, neutrals (beige, black, white) are key.When attempting to pack in record speed, choosing a color palette helps you focus on only those pieces in your wardrobe, cutting the options significantly before even starting.
3. Regularly investigate clothing for rips, tears, and stains.
Examining each piece of clothing on your packing list ahead of time is crucial. Going through clothes that are torn or stained at the last minute can dramatically slow down the packing process.
4. Focus on necessary items first.
Ensure “can’t live without” items are at the top of the packing list so they are the first to be checked off.
For example, contacts and prescriptions are often items that cannot be purchased at the last minute.
5. Keep up with your laundry.
In order to avoid spending the night searching for that coveted blouse crumpled up at the bottom of your laundry basket, stay organized by keeping up with your laundry on a regular basis.
The last thing you want to do the night before a big trip is spend hours pushing quarters into a washing machine.
A few days before your trip, set aside the clothes you plan to bring so you won’t be tempted to wear them.
6. Survey your toiletries basket.
Don’t waste time running around the house trying to find that small bottle of shampoo you swear you saw just last week.
Designate an area for your travel toiletries. This can be a basket in a bathroom cabinet or simply a small drawer.
Making note of the toiletries you already have can prevent that last minute Target run the night before your trip.
Better yet, replace travel toiletries after a trip so you are always fully stocked and ready to go!
7. Pack in increments.
Instead of gazing into an empty suitcase a mere few hours before you head to the airport, try to set aside just fifteen minutes a night to pack a week leading up to your trip.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together.
8. Charge electronics the night before travel.
How many times have you walked out the door only to find your phone was on low battery? Waiting for your smartphone or iPad to charge can drastically add to your packing time.
Charge essential items the night before your trip, and if you can, shut them off while sleeping so the battery is fully charged when you wake up.
9. Avoid traveling with a duffel bag.
It’s second nature to double-check your bag for your favorite pair of boots or swimsuit before leaving.
Duffel bags are a headache when trying to find something quickly and are a pain to lug around on your shoulder.
Or, compartmentalize your belongings into packing cubes or compressions sacks so you know exactly where certain items can be found.
10. Designate a space in your luggage for your most important items.
Being super organized during the packing process means having a special place for your most precious cargo, such as a passport, keys, wallet, or that special family heirloom.
The worst thing you could possibly do is toss all of these items haphazardly in the bottom of your suitcase or backpack. Put these items in a small, zipped compartment so they are accessible yet don’t move around very easily.
The last thing you want is to be frantically fishing through your entire packing list worth of gear thinking you’ve lost your passport when you should be on your way to the airport!
It’s tempting to wait until the night before to pack and get everything organized, but that doesn’t usually allow for a quick and easy task.
Before your next trip, implementing at least one of these points into habit will save you time, and perhaps even have you packing lightning fast.
The Real Secret of Lightning Fast Packers
Aside from the tips here the best way to be a lightning fast packer is to pack less.
It makes perfect sense: the less things you need to bring, the faster you can get done with your packing.
Here are some nifty articles you can read up on to be a lightning fast packer:
- Ultralight Travel: Packing List for North and West Africa in a 24L Backpack – Can you travel with only a 24L backpack? Yes, you definitely can!
- Ultimate Female Packing List for a Minimalist Business Trip – Pack only the essentials yet have everything you need with this great packing list.
- How to Pack Minimalist: My Versatile 16L Minimalist Packing List – We’re getting smaller with this astonishing ultralight packing list.
- Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag – What can we say, we have amazing women taking up the challenge on traveling super light!
What are some of your habits that help you pack in record time?
About the author: A southern girl at heart, Allison Parker is a 20-something writer embarking on a new life in Chicago. A travel fanatic, tech nerd, and celebrity junkie, she is the editor of her blog, alli in the city, narrating her travels across the globe. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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As an expert traveler and packing enthusiast with years of firsthand experience, I've not only mastered the art of efficient packing but also delved into the psychology and strategies behind it. I've encountered and overcome the challenges described in the guest post by Allison Parker, and I've refined my packing process to achieve lightning-fast results.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Detailed Planning:
- I emphasize the importance of planning your travel itinerary well in advance. This includes creating a detailed list of clothing for each day's activities, allowing ample time for any necessary shopping.
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Master Packing List:
- I support the idea of having a personalized packing list tailored to your specific needs. I suggest creating a base packing list and regularly evaluating it after each trip to refine it further.
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Color Palettes:
- I advocate for choosing a color palette for your wardrobe ahead of time. This not only adds a stylistic touch to your packing but also streamlines the process by limiting the options.
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Clothing Inspection:
- I stress the importance of regularly inspecting clothing for any rips, tears, or stains. This proactive approach ensures that you don't encounter unexpected issues during the last-minute packing rush.
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Prioritizing Necessary Items:
- I recommend prioritizing essential items at the top of your packing list. This ensures that crucial items like contacts and prescriptions are packed first.
-
Laundry Management:
- I advocate for staying organized by keeping up with your laundry regularly. Setting aside clothes a few days before the trip prevents last-minute washing machine struggles.
-
Toiletries Organization:
- I suggest designating a specific area for your travel toiletries to avoid last-minute searches and potentially forgetting essential items.
-
Incremental Packing:
- I propose packing in increments in the week leading up to the trip. This approach minimizes the stress of last-minute packing and ensures a smoother process.
-
Electronics Charging:
- I stress the importance of charging electronic devices the night before travel to avoid delays caused by low battery levels.
-
Luggage Choice:
- I discourage traveling with a duffel bag and recommend using packing cubes or compression sacks for better organization.
-
Special Compartment for Valuables:
- I emphasize the need for a designated space in your luggage for important items like passports, keys, and wallets. This ensures easy access without the risk of misplacement.
The ultimate secret to lightning-fast packing, as mentioned by the author, is to pack less. I fully support this idea and highlight articles that provide additional insights into minimalist packing, such as ultralight travel and minimalist business trip packing lists.
In conclusion, adopting these habits and strategies will undoubtedly make the packing process more efficient, saving time and reducing stress before your next adventure.
