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Health & Fitness

What "Packing Light" Really Means - 5 Tips

There is no easy way to break it: packing light is a way of life. For a style-conscious woman, learning how to pack into one carry on bag requires a commitment. It is the result of simplifying, organizing and letting go. I’ve taken the plunge and am writing to share the top 5 tips I learned along the way. 

(1) Get comfortable with the fact that your trip is not a fashion show.  Unless you are a celebrity, chances are that your trip is not designed for you to show off every new outfit, handbag and stiletto you bought over the past year. This does not mean that you have to forgo style when traveling. It just means you need to employ an editing eye and be OK with taking less.

 (2) Get a general sense of your itinerary before packing. You do not need a down to the minute schedule. However, spending five minutes before packing to think through potential activities helps immensely to identify the types and number of outfits you will need. If you want a gold star, write the activities down by day and check them off as you pack a corresponding outfit.

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 (3) Make clothing do double-duty by accessorizing well. Pack pieces that you can easily accessorize to transition from day to night or play to professional.  Shirt dresses are a classic example. You can make them work appropriate with a cardigan, heels and jewelry with bling. Or you can dress it down with a pair of sandals and a bangle. The bottom line is that if you can take the same outfit from day to night by only switching out accessories instead of changing clothing, you have just saved yourself space.

 (4) Select fabrics that do not wrinkle. There is no need for a bulky garment bag or inefficient folding techniques if you select wrinkle-free fabrics like polyester/spandex blends and knits. With these fabrics, you can roll up your clothes into small packages and throw them in the suitcase. Right now, my favorite travel friendly brand is Veronica M Clothing – poly/spandex blend dresses, tops and pants that feel buttery and do not wrinkle.

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 (5) Bring mini detergent packets with you. Get in Girl Scout mode and travel prepared. You will not feel the stress of potentially running out of clothes if you have a back up plan. Bringing mini-detergent allows you to wash in the sink, dry on the shower rod and (if necessary) blow dry clothes to re-wear. My favorite is a brand called Soak. These cute little packets of detergent are perfect for delicate care items and are sized right for your TSA approved zip lock baggie.

Happy travels!

Desiree Noisette is the owner of Cerulean Blu Swim & Resort Wear Boutique located in Back Bay Boston and downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.  She travels frequently and is always on the hunt for ways to make packing stress-free.  Desiree may be reached at dnoisette@ceruleanblu.com.

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