Brenna Without Borders

I have packed A LOT of suitcases, a lot of backpacks.  I have packed for 6 months of living in the jungle, 10 days in Europe, and 4 days at the beach.  I wouldn’t say I’m a master, but I have gotten pretty good. Packing for each of these trips obviously looks a little different. It depends on the bag you are taking if you are flying or driving, and how many days you are going.  

This post is specifically about how to pack for your typical 7 days, family vacation.  In my example, it’s a road trip to the beach.  We are driving, weight and number of bags is not an issue. I often get distracted and love to procrastinate, so I give myself a few days to complete the packing process. I usually spread the steps below over a few days.

Step 1.  Start piling all the clothes you want to take. I usually start this two weeks before a trip. Maybe I bought a new dress or bathing suit for the trip and I don’t want to forget it, so I start a small pile in my room, pulling out all the items I want to take.  

Step 2. Make the list. I’m a list girl, some people aren’t and that is cool.  But before leaving for a trip, I usually make a few lists.  One is a list of all the chores that need to be accomplished before leaving.  One of these chores is packing.  The other list is the packing list.  Usually, the packing list is broken up by bag.

•  The chore list
• The suitcase packing list
• The purse/personal item list
• The toiletry list 

Step 3. Organize the pile from step one, breaking it up by categories.  Several times, I have underestimated the number of outfits I might need on a trip. (Don’t get me wrong, majority of the time, I overpack, but underpacking is way worse) I am that person they make those memes about.  Packs 30 pairs of underwear for a 7-day trip.  When I separate by categories, it helps me see how much I have of each item, and if I need more or less of an item. Here are the items/categories I’m working with for the beach. 

• Workout clothes (running shorts, tank tops) 
• Socks
• Undies
• Pajamas
• Bathing suits 
• Coverups
• Dresses/ Rompers
• Cute Clothes (jean shorts/ nicer shirts) 

This is just a few of the categories.  Even when going to a hot climate, I always pack one pair of jeans and at least one sweatshirt.  If you get poor weather, you will be grateful. 

Step 4. Start packing. I usually put the jeans, sweatshirts, and other items I won’t need every day on the bottom. Any denim and other materials that aren’t prone to wrinkling can go on the bottom, stacking towards the top.

Step 5. Fill in the gaps. In my suitcase, the handle can be seen on the inside, making an uneven space.  I roll my underwear, bras, bathing suits, and fill in these gaps with these smaller items.  Use every inch! 

Step 6. Put the good stuff on top.  I put all the clothing that is more fragile on the top.  The dress I don’t want to wrinkle, shirts with a lot of embellishment or buttons that I don’t want snagging.  These items are safer at the top.  

Step 7. Save a spot for your toiletries on the top.  Especially if you are like me and you start packing a week in advance, you are going to need your toothbrush and contact case all week.  These items are needed right up until departure. Additionally, I like to put my toiletry bag on the very top so when I get to where I am going, I can access it easily.  Oftentimes, we arrive at our destinations late in the evening, especially during road times.  It’s important to have the toiletries and a comfy pair of pj’s greeting you at the top of your suitcase. I promise this will make you a much happier traveler! 

Step 8. Shove in the shoes.  When heading to the beach, I usually only take two or three pairs of sandals, heels if we were going to dinner (but Covid), and my running shoes.  Since we are driving, I’m going to save myself space and just throw the running shoes in the car  day of the trip. My sandals smush in along the sides of my suitcase pretty easily.  You can also lay them on top upside down and fit the top part of your sandal into some of the cracks. 

Step 9.  Sit on suitcase and zip shut 🙂 I kid you not, I do this for almost every trip.  It almost always will zip, sometimes you have to reevaluate if you reallyyy need that 6th pair of shoes!

That is the process that works best for me! Are you a clothes “roller” or a “folder”? Leave a comment, let me know the best packing hacks and tips you know!