10 Best Packing Tips

1. If your souvenir of choice is a t-shirt, then you can pack less. Plan to buy and wear your t-shirt while you’re traveling to save space when packing.
2. Set a souvenir budget. Use an envelope for each family member to hold cash specified for their souvenir of choice. When the cash is gone, it’s gone.  This is also a great way to teach children budgeting and smart shopping skills.
3. Create a checklist of things to pack and do on the day you leave your home. Don’t forget to water plants, take out the trash, shutdown your computer, take your pet to the sitter’s house, etc. 
4. Set up a packing zone. Use a spare bedroom or an unused dining room table to lay out all the items to be packed. Seeing it all at once helps ensure you don’t forget anything. 
5. Prevent over-packing by asking yourself “what would happen if I don’t have this?” Often times we can be more resourceful than we give ourselves credit! 
6. Use the ‘free’ shower caps provided at hotels to pack your dirty shoes. This will keep your other clothes clean.
7. Roll clothes in your suitcase. This saves space and easily allows you to organize your suitcase by outfit.
8. Pack only your favorite and most often worn clothes. Packing new or unworn clothes and shoes can be risky and result in discomfort, blisters or (gasp!) wardrobe malfunctions!
9. If traveling with the whole family, use an over-the-door shoe organizer in the hotel room(hang on bathroom or closet door) to keep sunscreen, toothpaste, tooth brushes, combs, hair accessories, hairspray, etc. organized.  This will help keep the bathroom counter clear and your items clean when staying in a small hotel room. 
10. Use the “two shoe rule” when packing. Pack only two pairs of shoes, one for dress up and one for casual. Coordinate your outfits when packing with the two pairs of shoes and you’ll save space.
Bon voyage friends! Get more organized travel tips ​on  home organization blog.