Blog » 7 Steps on How To Pack for Travel

Most women I know tend to view travel packing as a bit of a chore. We tend to picture every possible scenario that might arise in our minds as we add yet another item of clothing to our packing list, leading to heavier luggage and potential overweight charges. With some easy packing tips and a little practice, one need never make this mistake again.

Step 1 is write out a packing list of your clothing items and stick to it. Each piece must coordinate with all the other pieces and earn their space. My travel wardrobe usually includes 2 skirts, 4 classical T-shirts that can be "dressed up" with a jacket, 3 singlets or camisoles, 1 pair classical trousers, 1 Pair of Blue jeans, 1 simple evening dress and 2 cardigans.

Step 2 is take no more than 3 pairs of shoes on your trip. One pair is for everyday use, one pair is for heavy walking, and the third pair is for the evening.

Step 3 is always take a shawl or pashmina with you. It serves as a cover-up for your head and shoulders in more conservative countries as well as a quick throw over when the temperature drops on the aircraft or when sightseeing. It's also a great way to add a splash of color to that evening dress.

Step 4 is spread a white sheet over your bed and lay your key clothing items on top of it. This is a great way to see how all your clothing pieces work together and which shoes and accessories to include.

Step 5 is to condense the color palette for your travel wardrobe to just 3 colors. Use a monochromatic color palette like Black and White, with a third color as a highlight. I like to use Red as it gives my wardrobe a lift. This ensures that all the pieces in your travel wardrobe coordinate. One can also work effectively with palettes of Greys or Browns, if they are the tones that suit you, and don't forget to utilize scarves as a way to add color. They are easier to pack and weigh less than necklaces or belts.

Step 6 is take only easy care fabrics on your travels. Easy care fabrics, such as knits and/or synthetic blends, mean less ironing and easy wash-and-wear on your journey. Leave your cotton or linen pieces back home as they are harder to maintain and keep looking fresh.

Step 7 is to take the time to plan your travel wardrobe and pack ahead of time. Planning your travel wardrobe and packing at least 2 days prior to your trip means a better coordinated wardrobe and less impulsive choices. Avoid at all costs packing the day before or, heaven forbid, the day of departure. The likelihood of taking unnecessary pieces with you or forgetting something important increases.

Taking the time to plan your wardrobe when packing for a trip means less stress on the day of departure and throughout your travel, and creates room for some beautiful purchases along the way.

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