Renew Your Packing Game
Tips for Keeping It Light

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With better weather rolling in and more people going out, it’s time for vacation season! Whether you’re leaving for a few days or a whole month, you’ll need to bring some things. The only question is: What do I pack and how much of it? For those who bring everything and the kitchen sink, let’s renew the way you pack!

What are the benefits of Packing Light?

  1. Less money spent. You don’t have to pay for a checked bag if you don’t bring one at all!
  2. Less to lug. Without all the baggage, your hands will be freer to carry other things like a delicious coffee or a copy of Rochester Women Magazine! 
  3. Less is more. When you aren’t spending time and energy repacking the 12 outfits that you brought for your three-day trip, you can spend more time and energy actually enjoying your vacation! 

Tips for Packing Light

  1. Don’t fall into the “just in case” trap. Rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in three months, you likely won’t suddenly start using it on your weekend trip. If you can go a few days without it, leave it. First-aid and emergency items? Bring a couple to ease your mind, but don’t bring the whole box of bandages. If you need more, you can always buy more when you arrive at your destination. 
  2. Ditch the chunky wallet. If you’re the type who keeps every single coupon, punch card and receipt in your purse, stop! Get a small wallet just for traveling. Fill it with your bare essentials and only your bare essentials: ID, credit card and some cash. 
  3. Use a smaller bag/suitcase. The less space to fill, the less you’ll take. This is also a money-saving tip. The less space you have, the less you’ll shop!
  4. Stick to a packing list. If you go grocery shopping without a list, you’ll end up buying more of what you don’t need. It’s the same with packing. Without a list, you’ll start throwing everything from your bathroom drawers into your suitcase. Make a list and stick to it! 
  5. Bring travel-sized everything. You won’t use an entire bottle of shampoo in a week. Pour those liquids out into travel-sized containers. Have an electric toothbrush? Leave it and the wall charger at home. Opt for a travel-friendly battery-operated electric toothbrush. Deflatable pillows, zip-away blankets, collapsible water bottles—the list goes on. You can find travel-friendly versions of almost everything!

Traveling Light Packing List

ESSENTIALS:

  • Photo ID
  • Passport
  • Boarding Pass
  • Credit Cards
  • Health Insurance Card

ELECTRONICS:

  • Travel Charger
  • Headphones
  • Portable Power Bank
  • Computer & Charger

SHOES:

  • Walking & Hiking
  • Dress
  • Flats & Sandals

BEAUTY:

  • Makeup
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Sleep Mask
  • Body & Face Lotion
  • Hair Ties & Brush

CLOTHING:

  • Bras, Underwear & Socks
  • Exercise Clothing
  • Jackets & Sweaters
  • T-shirts 
  • Long-sleeve Tops
  • Swimsuit
  • Pajamas & Robe
  • Dress
  • Pants & Shorts
  • Sunglasses
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About Author

Melissa is the Outreach Coordinator and Event Director for RWM. She is also a writer, wife and dog mom. Her mission is to cultivate fun and positive energy everywhere she goes.

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