Packing Well Starts at Home

Packing doesn’t begin with a suitcase. It starts in your closet.

If your closet is organized, packing becomes easy. You already know what fits, what you love, and what works, so you’re less likely to bring things that don’t serve you.

Here’s what helps:

• Only pack clothes you already wear.

  If you don’t wear something at home, you won’t wear it on vacation.

• Use shoe bags

  Shoes should never touch your clean clothes. Use proper shoe bags—or even hotel laundry bags.

• Steam and hang your clothes when you get home.

  Yes, even after a trip. That way, they’re ready for the next one.

• Bring your own hangers.

  Hotels rarely have enough. Having your own means you can hang things up right away.

• Skip pre-trip shopping sprees.

  People who feel good about their lives and wardrobes don’t need to impress anyone.They already have what they love.

• Pack a bathing suit, lounge clothes, and authentic walking shoes.

  Even if you're not headed to the beach, you’ll probably need them. One neutral pair of heels is enough. Most of us bring five and wear none.

• Leave the jewelry at home.

  Unless you have a private jet and a personal unpacker, keep it to a minimum.

• Be realistic.

  Having less luggage sounds easy, but it takes emotional clarity. I’ve noticed something: People who feel calm, healthy, and secure tend to pack better. They know what works, and they don’t bring fluff.

• Experienced travelers have a go-bag.

  Always-packed carry-ons make life easier. They know which fabrics don’t wrinkle and which shoes don’t hurt.

• Bring a laundry bag.

  When you get home, you can start unpacking more easily.

  
  

Most importantly, they don’t let clutter weigh them down.

If your closet isn’t ready yet, start there. Clean it out.

Save your real sizes in Sizely so that when it’s time to go, you’re already packed.

Well packed for a trip. It starts in your closet.