How to Pack Efficiently:14 Tips

I actually like packing...
but I know a lot of people really hate it.
You either start packing weeks in advance or the night before in an epic craze of panic thinking "What do I bring?" 
And then, typically, you over pack.
It's standard and so easy to do.

The beginnings of packing in the Kaynak home

The first times I traveled alone, I definitely over packed.  I would pack the night before leaving, regardless of how long the trip was (even the times I studied abroad and left for a year) and by the end of the night (usually early morning at that point), I would have a stuffed-to-the-brim-suitcase with no room for adjustments.  And I would have no idea what was actually in the suitcase.
None.
It was crazy.  I would get wherever I was going lugging this heavy case and then use hardly anything in it. I wouldn't even have room for souvenirs or anything to bring home because of it.

I don't remember what the turning point was, but a while back, I realized that there was a better way to pack.  I read articles, watched YouTube videos, and slowly revamped my packing style for the better.

I'm not going to lie, I'm still notorious for packing the night before, but even so I'm a much more efficient packer.  I don't carry heavy bags filled to capacity any longer. I usually only bring a small rolling carry on and a small to mid-sized back pack. I don't fill either of them so I can buy something if the mood hits.  I even help my friends pack and reorganize when we're traveling together.

So how do you do it?  How do you pack more efficiently?

1. Be organized:  Create a list of what you think you need. 
2. Be realistic: Narrow down your list.  If you're going somewhere for 7 days, you don't need 20 outfits. Even if you're going to have special evenings out, you realistically only need maybe "10 outfits".  If you're going somewhere for a weekend, you need even less.  Even if you're going on a long trip, remember, you can always do laundry if need be. 
3. Get the Right Bag(s): Get a smaller bag than you think you need.  I tend to only travel with a

   

   My travelling back since 2006

   carry on since I hate checking my bag and then waiting for it in baggage claim so if you only travel with a carry on, get one with multiple compartments.  You don't need the largest one available because you want to make sure that it fits in the overhead compartment . If you're going to be on a small plane, there is a likelihood that your big carry-on will not fit and you will have to check it even if you don't want to (this happened to my friend when we were traveling to Guatemala).  I've been traveling with the same carry on for over 11 years now and it's the perfect size for any plane.  I think I've been forced to check it one time during all of my travels. If you're traveling with checked luggage, make sure to check the size and weight allowance for airlines.  And get the smaller bag!  You will be far less likely to go overweight with a smaller bag. 
4. Pack Items that are Complementary: Rather than packing single use items to create 10 individual outfits, pack things that work together. For a weekend, pack 1 pair of shorts or a skirt and then 2 shirts that can be worn with it.  If you're bringing several dresses, pack a simple cardigan or jacket that can be worn with all of them. Pack colors that will complement each other. That neon yellow dress that specifically only matches one pair of shoes you own and nothing else? Skip it.  The goal is to pack things that can be easily worn in different combinations. 
5. Pack Transition Items:  If you know you'll be going out to dinner at nice places, pack a few things that will transition well from Day to Night.  You don't have to pack a whole separate wardrobe for the evening. Have an item you can use to dress everything up. 
6. Think About What You'll be Doing on Your Trip: Are you going to be a tourist walking everywhere?  Bring comfy breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. DO NOT bring NEW shoes. You will regret trying to break in rock solid shoes while exploring a new place.  Your feet will hate you.  Are you going to spend your vacation at a tropical resort doing nothing but drinking margaritas? Bring 1 or 2 swimsuits (3 or 4 if you'll be there for more than 5 days and you want to mix it up). You probably don't need your heaviest hiking boots.  Going to a wedding? Don't bring 4 options. Narrow it down ahead of time. Will you actually work out? We all plan it, but realistically are you going to run or train. If yes, pack for it. If not, leave your extra gear at home and take a long walk instead. 
7. Bring what You Love: Bring the clothes and shoes that you know you love.  Don't bring the shirt that's been sitting in the back of your closet for the last 5 years. If you haven't worn it, you probably won't on vacation either. This is with certain exceptions, of course. If you're going to a wedding, and there's a dress you've had for a long time but haven't worn because you've been waiting for the right occasion... Pack it! If you're ambivalent about it, find something else to pack. 
8. Learn to layer: Going somewhere cold?  Pack thin layers of light-knit sweaters and thermals. Don't pack bulky sweaters and jackets. Instead, wear layers with your heaviest sweater, shoes and jacket on the plane.  You'll stay warm in the air and keep your bag just a little lighter. 
9. Check with the Hotel: Check what amenities the hotel you're staying at offers.  Don't pack towels as most hotels have towels.  If you regularly blow dry your hair, check to see if you're hotel has a blow dryer in each room, so you won't have to pack yours. 
10. Go Light on Toiletries: I don't pack toiletries most of the time since most hotels offer shampoo, conditioner and body wash. You can request extra if you start running low and I recently discovered that many hotels will carry toothpaste and even toothbrushes which you can request at the front desk.  If they don't, you can always buy most toiletries cheaply at a local pharmacy.  If travelling abroad, do check the currency to make sure it makes sense to buy any extras.  
11. Go Light on Accessories: Don't bring a ton of accessories.  Bring the things you know you'll use.  If you're missing something, you can always get a souvenir. Don't bring an umbrella. Instead, if you're worried about rain, pack a light weight poncho or rain jacket that can be squished into a tight space.  
12. Roll your clothes: It's more space efficient to roll your clothes into neat logs. Folding is OK,

    

    so much more neat with rolling!!

    but rolling is better.  Do NOT just throw everything in there!!  Each article of clothing takes up more space when tossed in carelessly. Anything that might wrinkle like suits and dressier attire should be folded at the top of your suitcase to avoid wrinkles. 
13. Organize by size and weight: Shoes and your heaviest items should go into your bag first. Bonus if you pack socks inside your shoes since they then take up less space and also helps delicate shoes hold their shape.  (Super Bonus: You can  throw a dryer sheet in with your socks inside your shoes, so your socks and other clothing don't take on the odor of shoes.)
14. Pack Your Personal Item: Your personal item can hold your technology and some more of your clothing. It's really efficient because you add to your packing space and if for some reason your carry on has to be checked at the gate, you'll still have everything that you need at your fingertips.  I usually travel with a backpack and then roll my purse (if I need one for the trip) into it as well. 

So, those are my tips for easier packing on your next trip.  Does anyone know any other tricks for packing efficiently?  I'd love to hear them!  

For our mini moon, I packed us into this little suitcase and 2 backpacks, and I'm pretty sure we're still bringing too much!!