Packing Procrastination

Less than 10 hours until departure from Las Cruces, New Mexico! Our heads are filled with countless images of tropical insects, flora, and other fauna. The equipment is put away, rides are arranged, and I haven't packed my bags. Yikes! On the bright side, I've come across some great packing plans to minimize time and maximize space. Check out the tips that I use to pack for a whole week in one hour. 

1. Roll your clothes

Rolling your clothes keeps them from wrinkling and gives you more space for souvineers. Place them on end stack to your hearts content. 

2. Pack interchangeable outfits

If you have that one shirt in your closet that only goes with a certain pair of shoes and just the right accessories, leave it there. You want to pack the least amount of stuff possible. Try going for some more basic pairings. My trip is for 10 days, so I only packed 5 pairs of shorts, 8 shirts, and one extra pair of shoes. 

3. Plan on doing laundry 

Pack clothes that will dry quickly after a rinse. Unless you plan on rolling in the mud though, you can probably wear your pants more than once without having to wash them. 

4. Roll your clothes together

Roll your shirts into your shorts. This way you can keep your outfits together and save space at the same time!

5. Put stuff in your shoes

If you have smelly feet, this may not be the greatest strategy for you. If you're determined though, you can get TSA approved travel size fabreeze at just about any store.  Your shoes probably take up a lot of space, but they give some back as well. Take advantage by putting small accessories, travel size containers (in baggies), and your socks and underwear inside. 

6. Keep a basic travel kit handy

If you travel often, it may be a good idea for you to make a generic travel kit. Have soap, travel size shampoos, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, and a wash cloth or two in a baggie ready to throw into your suitcase during last minute travel preparations. It's also a good idea to have a small first aid kit with any medications you need. 

7. Make a list

I love lists. Everything I do gets put on a list just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing it off. Make a general packing list and keep it in your suitcase. Put it in a page protector so that you can cross items off with a dry erase marker and use it over and over again for every trip. 

8. Turn off distractions

If your favorite tv show is on, your motivation to pack is gonna be in the negatives. Turn off the television, crank up some tunes, and get packing! 

These suggestions made packing 10 days worth of essentials in 1 hour a breeze. Travel arrangements are stressful, but packing shouldn't have to be. The only thing you have to worry about now is deciding what to do with all the extra time you have.