Trifter

1. Make a list before you start pulling things out of the closet. There are a number of packing lists available on the internet, particularly for backpackers and hikers, and you can use these as a template to make sure you don’t forget anything important – but also to keep yourself focused.
2. Remember the kind of trip you’re going to take – and only pack the things you’ll need for that trip. Walking in the mountains? Don’t pack a nice dress ‘just in case’ you get invited to a smart party. It’s not likely to happen. Pack an extra tube of ibuprofen gel instead – much more likely to be useful! Check the likely weather where you’re headed, and pack the things you’re most likely to need.
3. Ask yourself what is absolutely vital for you to get the most out of your trip. For instance if you’re taking a photographic trip, give priority to ensuring you have the right lenses, memory cards, and batteries – and a means of recharging. It will ruin your trip if you run out of memory – if you forget an extra pair of socks, you can cope with it. By focusing on the most important items you are ensuring your trip will be a success.
4. Think back to last time you took a trip. What items did you take that you then didn’t use? What did you end up buying on the road because you needed it? Learn from your previous packing mistakes.
5. Some things are easy to buy when you get there. TSA regulations make it a hassle for me to take sun lotion on the plane, so I usually buy it when we touch down.  Save your luggage space for things you can’t easily buy elsewhere, such as prescription medication.
6. For clothes, think in terms of outfits and try to pick things that will go together in different combinations. Having a number of thin layers is also useful. That’s something hikers know, but it applies to all travellers – if you can simply add another layer when it gets cold in the evening, for instance a loose shirt over a sun dress, you’ll get more flexibility than if you take a long sleeved, warmer dress as well as your sundress. (Silk thermal underwear can also be useful – it weighs little and packs down light, but can help you keep warm.)
7. Lay the things you want out on your bed or on the floor before you start packing. This is a good time to do a further ‘triage’ and put away the items that might not be particularly useful, or that are duplicated by something else in your kit. Apply a sanity check. If you’re away for three days you don’t need five shirts.
8. Try not to fill your suitcase full. Inevitably you’ll want to bring something back with you – brochures, samples, or documentation from a business trip, and souvenirs if you’re going on vacation. Aim to leave a tenth of your baggage free. You won’t manage it – but it’s a good objective!

Follow  these tips and you should