If you have been here for a while now or follow me on Instagram, you may know I frequently travel! Between work and personal trips, I’m rarely in one place for long. Whether it’s a shorter or longer trip, it’s safe to say that I have mastered the art of packing. So here are some of my favorite tips & tricks that I use when packing!

1. Find A Bag That You Love
My first of five tips & tricks is to find a bag that you love! While any bag may work for some people, I highly recommend a bag that fits your needs. When packing with just a carry-on alone, you need all of the space that you can get.
So having extra pockets, a built-in laptop sleeve, and more are so important to me. They allow me to pack my essentials without needing my own laptop case (which can get bulky), I’m able to easily separate my items inside the bag, and just know where things are.
My carry-on bag of choice is a recent favorite of mine, which I highly recommend to others.

2. Use Extra Space
One of my favorite tips is to utilize all of the extra space inside of your luggage. So if you are packing an extra purse for your trip, that’s currently empty, I guarantee there are some items that you can pack in there right now.
It’s just a simple way to make sure that even larger items that you may pack, such as purses or hats, are still working for you. Any extra space between items is an opportunity for you to roll or layer another item.

3. Limit Your Packing List
My first instinct is to overpack because I love to have options. Between accessories and clothing, I always have to go back through my items before packing my bag. I look through and think about each piece. I’ll ask myself if it’s necessary or if there’s a more versatile option that I could pack instead. Can that t-shirt be styled in multiple ways?
Asking yourself these questions can put what you are packing into perspective and realize that you may have been overpacking. Especially if you’re going on a quick thirty-six-hour trip. Here’s what I recently packed for a quick trip.

4. Pack Your Items For Your Bag
I don’t subscribe to the theory that you HAVE to roll your items for them to fit in your bag. I roll or fold my items depending upon what they are. Should the fabric be folded instead of rolled? Does the material take up more space when it’s folded?
I gauge each item based on what it is and how it can best fit into my bag. I refuse to ruin a clothing item just because everyone says that it should have been rolled. As we all know, I love my clothing and shopping in my own closet.

5. Wear Your Heavier Items!
When it comes to packing lightly, there isn’t much room for bulky items in your bag. So if you know that there is a puffy vest or winter coat that you want to bring with you, it’s easiest to wear them to your flight. It saves that much-needed room in your bag.

What are your favorite packing tips & tricks when traveling? Let me know – I may need to incorporate them too.
Stylishly Yours,
Kalyn
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