Packing Light for Vacay + Essentials

Now, I’ll admit that I am not the best at being such a light packer (ask my husband). Lately I have been forced into trying something called packing light. So much harder than it sounds… 

Keep reading for a few of the packing tricks and essentials I have for vacation at the beach!

• Start with the right suitcase

It is best not to pack the largest bag you have for vacation. The bigger the suitcase, the harder it is to keep it light. I had to pack for two separate trips lately and I was stuck with the largest one I owned. This definitely caused me to over pack a little. Learn from my mistake… 

• packing cubes

If you love organization, you will love packing cubes. They allow you to neatly pack all of your clothes in your suitcase. Once you arrive at your destination you can unzip the cubes and have your clothes on display!

• Choose your outfits wisely

Stick to outfits that are cohesive and can be worn multiple ways. Going with neutral colors is always your best bet when trying to pack light. 

• Roll OR fold

This one is up for debate. Either way, rolling your clothes seems to allow more space for me while my husband folds to keep the wrinkles out. 

• Don’t go overboard on the makeup

Try to stick to two lipstick options. I try to only pack cream products as well for my face. This includes bronzer, highlight and blush. It is so much better for the heat!

I also highly recommend using a tinted moisturizer with SPF to protect your face all day. This one from Origins is my ride or die:

• Pack less items if you plan to buy anything

This happens to all of us. We pack for the “just in case” but end up trying to shove everything in the suitcase coming home. Just give it up… you know you’ll go to those outlet malls…

• Use the 5,4,3,2,1 method:

5 tops

4 bottoms (shorts + skirts)

3 shoes

2 dresses

1 bag

1 hat

• Accessories are your friend.

If you are worried that you will run out of options, bring a bunch of accessories like jewelry, bags, and hats to complete and transform your outfit!

• One bag and one clutch

   

3 bathing suits

Don’t forget these other beach Necessities:

Beach bag

Towel

Sunscreen/ chapstick

Beach chair

Cooler

Toiletries

Headphones

A good read:

Currently reading Wonder Woman by Leigh Bardugo.

I also recommend Black Witch by Laurie Forest. It is a new release and probably the second best magical book next to Harry Potter.

On another note, make sure you actually pack your vacation bag. My husband had to help me get through a near panic attack on the first leg of our trip about two hours away from home because I left my bag in my bedroom. Luckily, we were able to meet my Mom half way to pick it up! Why am I the way that I am? Don’t be like me and make sure you double check.

Now you are all set to begin packing for your beach vacation! How lightly do you pack your clothes? Have you tried any of these methods? Let me know in the comments below!