Pack Like A Pro – With The Season Of Travel Upon Us These Tips Will Help Save Your Time And Your Sanity

By Brian Maynor

 

Traveling is inevitable this time of year, whether it’s business, personal or both, and with all the other added stresses packing can push you over the edge.

Save your sanity and the spirit of the season with a few genius hacks that you can use all year. Here is the perfect packing checklist to give you one less problem to worry about.

 

1.    Start with a plan. Whether it’s notes on your phone or a checklist on a notepad, writing down your schedule and ideas as they come to you gives you a visual sketch of your trip and will help ensure you know what you need and can pack accordingly. As you look it over, you can more easily see holes, gaps or forgotten appointments.

2.    Get the ancillaries out of the way first. We’ve all been there, trying to cram chargers, power cords, and even toiletries into an already stuffed bag, so go ahead and get them out of the way first. You know you’re going to need them so forego the frustration of rearranging after everything is packed by dealing with them first.

Some common hacks are: having a small bag of extra chargers and cables always packed so you can just throw it in without having to round up the ones you’re using, and repurposing your food saving vacuum sealer to create compact, leak-proof bags for liquids, gels and creams you just don’t trust in a Ziploc bag.

3.    Start your wardrobe selection with shoes. Trying to pack shoes for every outfit will take up precious space, so you should plan on building outfits around one or two pair of shoes, depending on your travel needs. It’s always a good idea to have a neutral pair of dress shoes that are comfortable and a casual pair of shoes that you can dress up or down.

Also never pack shoes without a shoe bag. If your shoes didn’t come with a set of their own you can pick them up at any shoe store. There’s no better way to protect the time you spent cleaning and polishing them as well as the other items in your bag.

4.    Lay out your favorites first then edit. We all have our go-to outfits so save time by pulling them first. Lay out separate outfits for every day and occasion so you can see what you’re going to need. Once it’s all on the bed, then you can start editing and elevating.

The first step is creating a limited palette that allows for easy mixing-and-matching. If every outfit is a different color you need to start by swapping them out first. Then look for duplicate items and only take the ‘best’ one. That doesn’t mean the most expensive, but rather the one that holds up the best to multiple use.

5.    Don’t forget the basics. Packing a basic, quality black or white t-shirt can be a lifesaver because you can instantly dress it up with a jacket; scarf or statement necklace and they are perfect for any unexpected event.

6.    Accessories give you options. Scarves, ties and jewelry don’t take up a lot of space, but will give you options when you’re working with limited pieces. You should have a relaxed/casual option as well as a more formal one for at least one outfit.

7.    Revisit your list when you get home. Whether your natural inclination is to immediately emptying the bags in the laundry room or let them sit untouched for days, you need to make use of the small window to hone your packing list for the next trip. As you unpack jot down what you took and never wore, and what you constantly used. This will help you learn your habits and make packing essentials easier. You will also think of the things you needed, but forgot to pack so you can be sure to add them to your pre-packed kits.

 

The holidays are busy and you will be on-the-go a lot, so you should take every opportunity to alleviate stress whenever possible. Plus it’s a great time to add items to your holiday wish list. Large holdall bags, cashmere wraps, eye mask and socks make great gifts that are thoughtful and practical.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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