Travel organizer, Packing

I just posted a video on my YouTube channel: The Big Secret For an Organized Vacation. And one of my Twitter followers posed the question: “How do I travel and pack light?”

Most of us have been there at one time or another – one more of the O-factors – “Over-packed.” So how can you downsize your baggage? A loaded question, perhaps, but here’s a few simple wardrobe organizing tips to get you started, together with some all important suitcase space savers.

Suitcase Space Savers:

1. Stuff shoes / boots / purses with undergarments / socks / leggings / scarves / hats / small t-shirts. Traveling with your man? Try putting your ballet flats inside his shoes.
2. Firmly roll clothes when packing, even several T-shirts together. And take a few large and medium sized Ziploc bags to vacuum pack home bound dirties and make extra room for purchases.
3. Since the USPS created their one rate box, shipping toiletries or heavier items ahead is a great idea, but make sure you can pick up or take a couple of flat boxes with you to return ship. They even have an international flat rate box.
4. Taking an oversize t-shirt to sleep in? It can double as a poolside/beach cover-up.

1. Always carry spot stain remover and sachets of travel detergent and wash underwear or quick dry tanks, camisoles and blouses. (Sponging excess water from washed clothes with towels increasing drying time.) I have one client who swears by her travel clothes line! Inflatable hangers are another interesting item to consider. And don’t forget most hotels have 24hour turn around laundry/dry-cleaning service for more serious needs.

• Make a Packing List: I can’t stress this enough! A client confessed to me once that whilst travelling with her husband on a business trip once, she slipped on her little black dress for dinner, only to discover that all she had were her pool sandals and a pair of sneakers. Not cool! So have a basic needs list as well as an outfit list – don’t pack anything you can’t wear with at least 2 other items.