If you’ve been following along for awhile then you may remember that my word of 2014 was “GO,” and go my friends I have. Over the past year I feel like I’ve been away more than I’ve been home and with only one planned trip left in 2014 I’ve begun to look back on my year of adventures. And while each journey has served a very different purpose with surprising lessons at every turn (that’s a different post for a different day), the one thing I’ve gotten so much better at is packing. While I’ll never be a “light traveler” (never, ever) I have picked up a few tricks, or rather necessities to make the actual process of traveling easier. “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all,” Helen Keller. Truly, MKR
No. 01 – Group items. I’ve found that organization in all aspects of life makes everything easier, so when I fly I group everything together. In flight essentials in an easy to see clear pouch, necessary id’s and documents in a travel wallet, all technology in a large portfolio, and chargers wound up and stored together. Plus keep your laptop and anything else that has to be pulled out for the security line in the outside zip of your carry on, and please people grab your items as they come through the security line and then step out of the way to re-assemble it all so the people behind you don’t have to wait barefoot on the gross airport floor and watch while you put on your belt, hat, shoes., etc., etc.
No. 02 – Invest in jewelry cases. I used to throw my jewelry in one big makeup bag which resulted in tangled necklaces and sometimes broken pieces. I’ve finally invested in actual jewelry cases which keep all of my baubles straight plus protects them in transit.
No. 03. – A travel steamer will change your life. Not only is a travel steamer a low cost investment but you’ll never have to worry about damaging certain materials with a steamer, perfect for those of us with a lot of silk pieces that wrinkle the second you put them on.
No. 04 – Layer up. I always get cold on the plane so regardless of the temperature outside I wear a cozy sweater or sweatshirt and bring a travel blanket on longer flights because lets be honest the blankets they give you aren’t keeping anyone warm.
No. 05 – Shoes matter. Because I never know how far I’ll have to walk or what to really expect when I step off the plane I always bring a pair of foldable travel flats in my purse. They’re light, take up very little room, plus they’ve saved my feet more times than I can count. And since we’re talking shoes I always try to wear my heaviest pair or the ones that take up the most room in my suitcase (like boots) on the plane and protect the others with shoe bags, another key investment.
*Photography, Luke Schneider || Location, Soho House Chicago
All my work trips this year have caused me to truly hone in on my packing skills. I rarely overpack now, but still wish they’d allow larger bags. Options are just way more fun. Love that jewelry case, I use one as well that’s been a lifesaver too and helps to protect and keep things in order. Plus jewelry always makes me feel put together which is great while out on the road.
xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
The jewelry case has been a big organization saver and while I’m still an over packer I’m getting SO much better! xo