5 Easy Packing Tips: Maximize Space + Travel In Style

• Build a Mini-Capsule Wardrobe… on PowerPoint

  

  You heard me right, sounds weird, I know, but this is where I start to plan my capsule wardrobe. I want to think through what I have in my closet and what I need to buy, building outfits in a cohesive color palette that can work together throughout the trip. This works well too, if you’re a moody dresser like me and want to swap outfit components, mixing and matching to put together new looks. For me, I already usually stick to the black, white, camel color spectrum, so it was easy for me build some options that included plans to reuse items like camisoles and shoes.

  I personally like to pack in layers, so if it’s warm or cold, I can add on or take off a layer. I also always take one trench coat, usually something lightweight, as it can add as that perfect layering piece while elevating pretty much any look.

  

  I build all my looks on PowerPoint, by finding the item (or a similar item) to what I own and copying & pasting from the website. I title by days, and always include two options (and slides) for extra clothes just in case. When I’m done with outfits, I print this out and use it to help me pack accessories… and when I unpack at the hotel, I keep it in the closet to help remind me of what I’ll be wearing every day.

  This approach is a gamechanger.

• Plan Ahead + Use a Rolling Rack

  

  Do you have a rolling rack at home? If not, order one stat. Pulling your outfits onto a rolling rack before you pack makes everything so much easier, especially if you do it ahead of time. I like to double check my “PowerPoint planning” by seeing the outfits in front of me. I try them on, verify everything is fitting well, and use the rolling rack as a staging area once I pack.

• Roll Clothes + Pack Outfits Together

  

  I’m a big fan of the rolling clothes method of packing. I feel like clothing arrives less wrinkled and I can fit more especially if I roll “high” to the top of the suitcase. I also love that you can see everything as soon as you open your luggage.

  A few tricks I use:

  • Try and roll outfits together (if they’re not too bulky). Whenever I can, I roll camis or tees inside of blazers, or shirts and jeans together. It can save room and you can unpack outfits all at once.
  • Place heavier items at the base of your suitcase (by the wheels) — that way, your suitcase is never tipping over.
  • Use the inside of shoes for packing small stuff — belts/socks/etc can go on the inside and help retain the shape of the shoe (bonus!) in your suitcase

• Use Packing Cubes for the Small Stuff

  I use cubes sparingly, but always for underwear, bras, socks, belts, bags and other accessories. You can really jam stuff in there to save space. I don’t use them for shoes as I can typically stuff extra little things between and within the shoes as I had mentioned above.

• Pack Extra Tote for Shopping & Gifts

  

  I mean, duh, right?! If you’re like me, the best time to shop is when you travel. I love the memories that come with the shopping, so I always take a folded tote with me to bring those extra items home. I love love love my extra large Longchamps travel bag which folds up super small and flat.

• Favorite Travel Items

  

• CHECK OUT EVERYTHING I WORE IN EUROPE