With our college intermission around the corner, packing seems to be the last thing on our minds. Dusting off that suitcase and finding time to actually get ready for a trip seems to keep getting put off, despite its being the first step to relaxing without a hitch. With this guide, you’ll rest easy on your road trip or plane ride knowing you didn’t forget any of the essentials while still minimizing any unnecessary pieces. Streamline your packing so well that, yes, you may have room for a fashion-over-function item you’d want to whip out during your trip’s photo op. 

Making a list, checking it twice.

A methodical to-do list is useful to ensure you bring everything you need without letting things like toothpaste or a phone charger slip your mind while you’re focused on travel outfits.

Open that weather app

While getting caught in the rain by surprise while traveling can make for great party stories, you’ll want to know the weather of wherever you’re traveling so you can pack appropriately for whatever weather conditions are coming your way. But, even if the weather app says “sunny,” it’s never a bad idea to have a rain jacket for an emergency.

Check your calendar

Before you can choose how you want to pack, it’s important to know how long you’ll be staying. If you’re staying for a weekend, don’t pack two weeks’ worth of outfits.

Consider your activities

 When traveling, you don’t want to be underprepared to go for an impromptu hike, beach or yoga excursion. Categorize the general activities you’ll be doing and pack accordingly.

Once you’ve done these things, you can choose from the variations below, or even use these sample pairings to create your own. Keep in mind that these options are catered to 4-6 day trips:

• The 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Method: 6 pairs of undergarments, 5 pairs of socks, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 hat.
• 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Methods: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses or rompers, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 swimsuits or bags and 1 hat and a pair of sunglasses and/or 5 undergarments, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 hat.

Color and style matching

We get it, the color wheel may seem like the least of your worries, but after you decide how much clothing you want to pack, you’ll most likely want to coordinate. If you want aesthetic photos to look back on, pay attention to each article of clothing so you can mix and match different outfits throughout your trip.

Footwear is important

Make sure you have at least one pair each: casual walking shoes, and a nicer pair for nights out.

 … Eyewear too

Be it sunglasses or actual contacts, if you need these, don’t forget them.

The bare essentials

Hygiene products, chargers, headphones, computers and undergarments are used by everyone daily, so make sure to pack these accordingly.

Make the most of your luggage space

 One of the best ways to save space is to roll your clothes to effectively compact them. An added bonus of doing this is that it’ll lessen the wrinkles in your clothing and limit ironing time when you get to your hotel or Airbnb. However, for bulkier items such as denim and sweaters, folding them is the way to go.

Section your luggage space

 Make sure to either organize the clothes by type of garment or outfit of the day to make looking through your luggage easier.

Miscellaneous

Some useful things to have include a tote bag and an extra pair of undergarments, T-shirt and water bottle. If you want some entertainment for your trip, grab your favorite fiction or poetry book in addition to your headphones.

words_nicole vedder. photo_valeria barbaglio. design_charlotte deangelis.

This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.

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