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Packing is one of the hardest parts about traveling. If you don’t travel frequently, figuring out what to bring with you on your trip, and how to fit it all into the appropriate number of bags you can bring with you, can be a challenge. By learning a few easy shortcuts to packing for your trip, you can make this task easier than you thought it would be.
First, determine how many bags you’ll be able to carry, and what sizes. If you’re traveling on a plane, you’ll probably be allowed one bag to check in and one to carry on. You’ll want to fit all of your clothes and perhaps your toiletries into your check-in bag. You’ll want to pack any medications, money, IDs, and valuables on your carry-on. Do not pack anything you can’t live without in your check-in bag in case the bag gets lost or stolen.
Depending on the size of your check-in bag, you’re limited to the amount of clothes you can pack in it. Take a look through your closet and determine what clothes you’ll need on your trip. Will you need pants, shorts, jeans, dresses, t-shirts, blouses, or long-sleeve shirts and sweatshirts? Depending on your answers, go to the appropriate section of your closet, and begin taking out those items you want to pack. Then go to your dresser and do the same. Remember: if you absolutely won’t need it, don’t pack it.
Once you have selected the appropriate clothing from your closet and dresser, look at each item you chose. Determine if you really want to bring all of the items with you on your trip. If you decide against anything, put them out of your view when you pack your bags. Fold the remaining clothes and pack them into your check-in bag. Wrap your toiletries and shoes in separate plastic bags that zip, and add them to your bag. Close your bag tightly, and lock it.
