Pack Like A Pro: Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes

Pack Like A Pro: Avoid 7 Common Mistakes

Common Mistake #1

Packing An Instagram Wardrobe

Don’t put pressure on yourself to pack an IG wardrobe. I’m so guilty of this mistake. I’ve seen many IG vacation pictures where girls have their entire outfits color coordinated with the location of their exotic photo shoots. You know what I’m talking about? Right, like, every single aspect of their wardrobe is perfect in all of their photos. Folks, leave it to the professionals, and don’t be so hard on yourself if you can’t recreate these perfect social media images. For these individuals it is their business to hustle and make sure their aesthetic in pictures comes out perfect, because they gotta get paid.

In real life, like for the majority of us, we’re not going to get those super perfect pictures. Why? Because 1) We’re not gonna have a good enough camera 2) Our companion is not a professional photographer 3) Most popular destinations are crowded, so it’s gonna be kinda hard to get that perfect shot.

Plus, it’s expensive to maintain a super perfect Instagram wardrobe for vacation. Instead, dress for you and your body. Pack clothing that is comfortable and practical. Pack what you need, don’t pack items because you just want to Do It For The Gram.

Common Mistake #2

Not Properly Packing Fragile Accessories

Ugh, so let me tell you about a packing mistake I just recently made. For my last trip, I packed my brand new acrylic CULT GAIA clutch bag in my carry on, but by the time I reached my destination my expensive clutch was cracked and broken. Sad. Didn’t even get to use it once, I don’t know how I could be so careless.

So, don’t make the same mistake I made, make sure you properly pack fragile items. If you just bought a large gorgeous sun hat, make sure you properly pack it, because you don’t want to reach your destination and it’s all smashed and ruined. Sunglasses, perfume, gifts, nail polish, jewelry, etc. all need to be carefully and properly packed.

Common Mistake #3

Overpacking

Yasssss, like, who the hell doesn’t overpack? Am I right? I am the Queen of overpacking. Unfortunately, once I’m several days into my vacay I realize that I overpacked, and then I don’t have extra room to bring back souvenirs. Try your best not to overpack. Also, use packing cubes to efficiently organize your clothes, and this will allow you to have more space in your luggage.

You don’t need three different mascaras, or a variety of perfumes, and a different pair of shoes for every single outfit. Strive to be savvy and efficient when packing, easier said than done, I know. Also, use a packing list as your guide, and don’t stray from the items on your list.

Common Mistake #4

Not Using The Right Suitcase

Don’t purchase a suitcase just because it’s pretty, eventually with all your traveling, it’s not gonna be so pretty anymore (if your luggage is super pretty use a suitcase cover/protector). Also, luxury luggage just screams, “Steal me!” You know what I’m talking about, those luggage sets with the trendy LV’s all over them, super extra, but are they practical for you and your lifestyle?

Make sure you’re using the right suitcase for your lifestyle. If you’re going to Europe for a month, you’ll need luggage that is durable and spacious. If you’re going camping with friends, you probably don’t need that luxury luggage. I’m not bashing luxury luggage at all, there’s nothing wrong with being a little extra, just make sure it’s a good fit for the trip you’re going on.

You need luggage that is not going to break down on you, like you don’t want wheels falling off or zippers breaking during your trip. You want a durable, functional suitcase.

Common Mistake #5

Not Following TSA Guidelines

Let me share another mistake I made, well, my husband made. He bought a beautiful pocket knife on our vacation, it wasn’t big, and it was really pretty. Anyways, without even thinking about it he packed in his carry-on, and sure enough when we went through security they told him he couldn’t bring it on the plane. Had we thought about this in advance we could have had it shipped to our house or packed it in our checked luggage. That pocket knife was thrown in the trash, right there on the spot. What a waste of money.

Be aware of the TSA guidelines for your airline and follow them. Be aware of what you are allowed to pack in your carry-on, and know what should be packed in your checked luggage. How much does your suitcase weigh? Does it exceed the weight limit allowed? Is your carry-on the proper size? Don’t make the same mistake we made, do your research in advance and pack properly.

Common Mistakes #6

Not Properly Packing Your Carry-On Luggage

Make sure your essentials are properly packed on your carry-on. You don’t want your tampons, aspirin, inhaler, epipen, allergy meds, hand sanitizer, gum, etc. in your checked luggage. Fundamentals need to be packed in your carry-on, that way you have easy access to them – extra undies, socks, clothes, a book, iPad, computer, etc. Comfort is key on a long flight, having a well packed and prepared carry-on is going to help you enjoy your trip more.

Same goes if you’re going on a road trip, you want your essentials in a tote/backpack, that way you are not constantly opening your main suitcase for every single thing that you need.

Common Mistakes #7

Waiting Till The Last Minute To Pack

Dang, this is me every single time. I wish I could brag about how organized I am, and that I always pack my luggage a week before my scheduled trip, sadly no. I always wait till the night before, which leaves me tired, flustered and stressed. Even though I don’t practice what I preach, take it from me, you don’t want to wait till the last minute to pack, especially if you are going on a very long trip.

Plan a good four or five hours to pack. Get out your suitcase, put on some Netflix or music, sip on a glass of wine, and don’t leave the packing zone until you’re done. Do this at least three or four days before your trip, that way you have the time to make sure that you truly packed everything you need.

Do you have any great packing tips for me?

Leave them in the comment section down below

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