Steps you should know on how to plan and create a packing list

So I’m leaving for Ocho Rios, Jamaica. And I’m staying at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande for 5 days. Over packing has become a regular for me. Once I’ve reached my destination I never know what to really wear.  Well since my son is 15 years old now, I will be traveling a whole lot more.  So this time, I planned what to pack one month in advance which will ensure I use everything I’ve packed, and developed a quick list that allowed me to get dressed faster. “Not like I’m in any rush it is vacation”.  Here is how I made the perfect packing list, plus a few tips on how to choose the best clothes for your next trip.

3 Ultimate Ways to Decide What to Pack

1. Make a list of clothes

Choose items that would look good together. This will allow you to mix and match particularly if you are not happy with the outfits when you arrive to your destination.  Instead of stuffing your suitcase with no rhyme or reason, think of complete outfits for each day of travel. I know it seems hard to do but I’m here to help you along the way.  Choosing a pattern or a color will help. I chose bright colors such as whites, yellows, and bold patterns such as stripes and floral which looks nice together. I also opted in for rompers, one pieces, and wrap dresses. For this trip I knew that first is breakfast then swimming that requires 5 swimsuits, than maybe an excursion or walk around town. I would need 5 casual outfits to change into, than dinner and parties that would require 4-5 night outfits. I added an extra just in case.

How To Choose Clothing You Can Mix and Match

• Choose multipurpose items like a blouse that can be worn alone or with shorts. A scarf that can be used as a head wrap while swimming or a cover up for when you leave the beach/pool.
• Try on your favorite outfit to make sure you don’t need that last minute diet. “Proportions must look good and my favorite outfit never fits”
• Choose clothing that’s both fitting and comfortable. “If it don’t fit leave it”
• Make sure all of you bottoms ie:bathing suits,shorts,pants,skirts can be worn with at least two of the tops you bring.
• If you choose a color palette then stick to it.

2. Ready-made Outfits is a Must Have

Gather information about the climate and the culture of the place you plan on visiting. Also anticipate any activities. So I’m going to Jamaica, I know the temperature is above 90 degrees and the culture is colorful with lots are rainforest and waterfalls. I knew that I wanted to swim in the pool allot, hang on the beach, have a few dinners, experience some excursions. So having clothing that with hold up in extreme heat that’s able to be wet and dry quicker and sexy for the night worked best.  Start out with outfits you know feels comfortable in similar situations.  By packing outfits that have already proven themselves you would feel bold and confident. Also if you choose this method, take pictures is essential to your outfits planning, so having a visual saved of how you would look is beneficial.  Seeing the outfits as you pack would give you a better outlook on what to bring. Shoes will ultimately cram your suitcase. They take up lots of space in the suitcase and we never really wear them all. Limit your shoes to one or two shoes and a pair water shoes. Just make sure they match with all of your outfits.

3. Pack like a pro

• • Travel toiletries: These are small sizes of personal care items like makeup, skin care,dental and hair care products that you can pack for a trip.
  • Roll it up: To ensure that your clothing stay wrinkled free roll them instead of folding them.
  • Bag it up: This will help you stay organized, save you a bit of packing space since you can press the air out of the bag.  compartmentalized your clothes either by outfit or by type. Slip them into clear gallon sized storage bags.
  • Leave it: I know it’s hard especially for me as a natural hair lady. But there are a few items you just do not need to pack. Hotels usually provide these things, such as hair dryers, shampoos, sewing kits, and soap. Leave the extras home.