Pack the Perfect Suitcase

Quick Win

Whether your trip is next week or months away, honing your packing skills can mean a smooth trip.

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• Think through your itinerary. Consider the weather in your destination and make a list of the activities you’ll be doing — walking? hiking? beachcombing? dancing? — so you can pack accordingly.
• Choose your clothes. Rather than gathering a stack of tops and a stack of bottoms, think in terms of outfits. Prioritize comfortable, versatile items. Pick a pair of underwear and socks for each day you’ll be away, and don’t forget pajamas. Note: If you’ll have access to a washer and dryer, you can pack fewer clothes. 
• Find the right footwear. Again, prioritize comfort and versatility. Shoes are bulky, so bring only what you need. Protect your clothes by putting shoes in a plastic bag or a separate section of your suitcase.
• Toiletry time. Gather any medicines you take (prescription and OTC). Plan to pack extra in case of unexpected delays, and store these essentials in a carry-on or personal item, rather than a checked bag, in case of lost luggage. Choose travel-sized shampoo, toothpaste and the like, and don’t forget your toothbrush. If you ​include​ toiletries in a carry-on, put them in a clear plastic bag.
• Prepack. This is your rehearsal. Fold or roll your clothes, placing what you’ll need first on top. Use every bit of space in your suitcase, tucking socks into shoes packed heel to toe at the bottom of the bag. Packing cubes​ ​—​ ​or large freezer bags​ ​—​ ​may help you squeeze in more. Add your toiletries and any other essentials.
• Review and edit. If everything fits comfortably — without forcing zippers or sitting on your suitcase to close it — congratulations! But don’t despair if you overpacked. Lay your clothes and shoes out on a clean surface. Starting with “just-in-case” items, pare down your clothing and shoes as needed. 

Why

Working through travel anxiety, including packing angst, is well worth it: Traveling can bring new experiences, relaxation and bonding with family and friends. Research has linked vacations to health benefits, including a study of 63 workers that found a link between more frequent vacations and better metabolic health, as reported in 2019 in Psychology & Health. In an AARP survey of 1,500 adults conducted in 2018, 81 percent said their health and well-being improved while traveling — and many reported good moods even after they returned.