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When it comes to packing for a trip, most of us fall into one of two camps: the chronic overpackers who cram in “just in case” outfits they’ll never wear, or the frazzled under-packers who inevitably forget their phone charger, their favorite shoes … or even a change of underwear. But Shaniece Jones, professional organizer and founder of Closet Therapy, says it doesn’t have to be this way.
Jones swears by a streamlined system that makes packing—and therefore travel in general—less stressful (and dare we say?) even pleasant. “When you plan ahead and pack intentionally, you spend less time worrying about your stuff and more time actually enjoying your trip,” she says. Here are her tried-and-true tricks for getting out the door with less stress and a perfectly packed bag.
“The No. 1 mistake people make is overpacking,” Jones says. “We try to prepare for every possible ‘just in case’ moment, or we pack every toiletry we own, even the ones we never actually use at home.”
Instead of thinking about what you might need, Jones says the key is to plan around what you will do. She even challenges herself to fit everything into a carry-on and a small tote or backpack, no matter how long the trip. “The less time you spend waiting at baggage claim, the more time you have for the fun stuff.”
Jones is a big fan of a packing list—but not the kind that’s just a jumble of socks, toothpaste, and sweaters. Instead, she builds her list day by day. “I map out what I’ll be doing each day and assign an outfit for that activity. That way, I prevent overpacking while making sure I have what I actually need.”
She also keeps a running note on her phone for specific things she’s forgotten before—like her strapless bra or charger block—so those one-time “oops” moments don’t repeat themselves.
The rolling vs. folding debate has divided travelers for years, but Jones doesn’t pick sides. “There’s a time to roll and a time to fold,” she says. She rolls lightweight pieces like tees and pajamas but folds bulkier items like sweaters and sweatsuits.
Her secret weapon is packing cubes. “They’re like drawers in your suitcase,” Jones explains. “They keep everything contained, make it easier to find what you need, and prevent your clothes from shifting around.”
If wrinkles are your packing nemesis, Jones has a few tricks. First, she chooses fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily. For dressier pieces like a crisp white button-down, she folds along natural seams and sometimes tucks a sheet of acid-free tissue paper inside.
Shoes are notoriously bulky, but Jones recommends editing mercilessly. “Two to three pairs are plenty,” she says. One pair can do double duty for the plane and the gym. Another can rotate through most daytime looks, and the third can be your going-out shoe. “The key is versatility—pick shoes that mix and match across outfits.”
There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to find shampoo leaked all over your clothes. To prevent disasters, Jones decants liquids into travel-size jars and bottles, stores them in a clear zip bag, and keeps them separate from clothes.
She also recommends simple household helpers to assist your compartmentalization process. “Ziploc bags are great for swimsuits or accessories—they’re inexpensive, reusable, and keep your suitcase organized.”
According to Jones, stress-free packing starts with timing. For longer trips, she starts about a week out. “That way, you have time to shop for or replace anything you’re missing.” For weekend getaways, three days is plenty.
She also swears by doing laundry first. “Nothing slows you down like realizing your favorite jeans are still in the hamper.”
To make packing less overwhelming, Jones keeps a pre-packed “go bag” with duplicates of her everyday toiletries and other essentials. “I check it monthly so I’m never scrambling,” she says. “It’s one less thing to think about when you’re trying to get out the door.”
Jones cautions travelers to be mindful about souvenirs. “They can quickly eat up suitcase space. Before buying, I ask myself: Is this useful, is there a smaller version, and will the person I’m buying for actually use it?” She also leaves a little space in her suitcase before she leaves home, so she has room to bring back something truly meaningful without stress.
If you only adopt one of her tips, make it this one: Stop packing for the just-in-case. Jones says those items are almost always the ones that never see daylight on your trip. “Pack for the life you’re actually going to live on vacation—not the one you might want to live.”
With Jones’ thoughtful, streamlined approach, packing shifts from a dreaded chore to a doable part of travel prep. A little planning, some versatile pieces, and a set of trusty packing cubes can transform your next getaway.
“The goal is to enjoy the trip, not stress about your suitcase,” she says. “When you’re not weighed down, literally or figuratively, you get to make the most of every moment.”
Read the original article on Southern Living
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