Packing For: Weekend Getaways

There's nothing more exciting than getting away for a weekend. No stresses of home, leaving the office at 5:00 on a Friday afternoon knowing you're dedicating your next 48, maybe even 72 hours to relaxation. Maybe you're going by plane, maybe you're going by train, or maybe you're hitting the road in your very own car; whatever it is, it's important to make sure that you're prepared and don't find yourself away from home without the necessities for a weekend. Buying new deodorant, a toothbrush when you've left your Quip (non-spon but these are great!) on the counter in your bathroom, or buying a cheap razor can all be minor inconvenience that tip your trip budgeting.

I've been there. I've forgotten contact solution, underwear, socks, even a shoe. I've left behind a toothbrush, phone chargers, headphones, pajamas, you name it. Because of these incidents, I've developed a fool proof packing system for my weekend getaways.

MAKE A LIST

Lists. For. Everything. Seriously, I'm a list maker. I blame my mother and my grandmother. As someone who is easily distracted, having a detailed list of what to pack is a necessity.

My list for a weekend trip? Here you go:

4 pairs of socks, underwear, bras (sports bras and one nice bra)
Pajamas
Jacket conducive to climate or season (lined rain jacket for the mountains, windbreaker for the Midwest/South, etc.)
One sweatshirt for the hotel, Airbnb, or airplane cabin
One dress outfit (usually a dress and nice wedges, obviously seasonal)
One casual outfit (NOT Nike shorts/leggings, typically jeggings, a solid t-shirt, and a cardigan with chucks)
Two pairs of black leggings
Two shirts (long sleeve or short sleeve, etc.)
Swimsuit, or other activity related clothing (Hiking boots/shoes, tennis shoes, Chacos, etc.)
Toiletries/Cosmetics: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, skincare routine, comb, body wash, travel makeup (small brush set, travel or sample size cosmetics), hair dryer
Contacts and solution
Phone charger
Laptop and charger
Headphones
Bag for dirty laundry

TRAVEL SIZE, TRAVEL SIZE, TRAVEL SIZE

One of the most important things I learned about traveling for a weekend is to pack light. Travel sizes for everything! Have a makeup product you like? See if you can find a free sample at Ulta or Sephora and pack that. Most cosmetics have travel size products available for purchase, you can always find a travel toothpaste and other toiletries and you can DEFINITELY find travel skincare products.

The worst feeling is leaving your full size product behind in the shower, especially when it's quality and more expensive than a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner you picked up at Walmart. You don't have to sacrifice your routine for travel, just downsize your products. They tend to last a while!

PACK LIGHT

I'm not good at this, I'll admit it from the start. When I first started traveling independently or without my parents, I was convinced I needed 12 different outfits when I was only going to be gone for three days. Because of this, I over-packed, forgot essentials, and ended up stressed over.

Packing light is a learned skill. Make your initial list and start downsizing. Four pairs of underwear? That's fine. Four different jackets when you're traveling to the beach for a weekend? Not necessary. Two swimsuits? Fine. Five swimsuits? Excessive. You catch my drift. If you're leaving for a weekend, treat this like a business trip. Take what you need, the extras will just sit around in your bag and make for extra unpacking when you return.

PACK EARLY

Notoriously last minute for absolutely everything, packing early is the bane of my existence. Typically, I don't do this. Maybe a day before. Recently, I've made myself start packing 3 days before my trip. The earlier you pack, the more efficient you are able to be. When you're not rushing around, you have the time to make sure you've packed everything on you list, ensured that you know exactly what you want to bring, and you can prevent over packing. Double and triple checking my bag is something that eases my anxiety, but I'm not able to check the later I pack. In my recent experience of being an adult and packing like an adult, forgetting something I'd need has not happened as frequently.

DON'T TRUST YOURSELF TO REMEMBER LAST MINUTE

I'm forgetful. I've gotten somewhere without my phone charger at least fifteen times, left my laptop on the kitchen table or forgotten to turn off lights or electronics before leaving several times. My tip? Turn off your wax warmers, extra lights, etc. the night before. I don't trust myself to remember to do this as I'm rushing out the door last minute. Same with my phone charger. Have an extra? Pack your 10ft. charging cord the night before and use your spare to charge at night. Same with your laptop- pack it the night before. You can sacrifice one night, right? Typically.