Top 10 Packing Tips for Anxious Travelers

Tips to help if packing makes you nervous about traveling

Excitement builds as the date of an upcoming, much anticipated trip nears. Then in rolls that dark cloud of dread when your mind shifts to thoughts of packing. Whether you travel often for business or less frequently for pleasure, you’re not alone in this; the packing struggle is real. Of course, there’s that uncertainty of what to pack, and then the looming fear that you’ll forget something important or exceed the permitted luggage weight if you’re travelling by air. To make matters worse, the likelihood of those scenarios manifesting is higher if you’re prone to packing at the last minute (like many of us are). So where do you begin?

Take deep breaths, dear traveller, and give these 10 Packing Tips a read to help you pack lighter, smarter and faster before your next travel destination.

  1. Make lists
    The value of a list cannot be overstated. The best part: You can technically start packing on your lunch break. Simply create smaller lists organized by categories and check off each item as it gets packed. Use the following packing categories to get started: Clothing/Accessories, Toiletries, Gadgets/Tech, and Miscellaneous (i.e. books, documents, wallet, and passport).
  2. Lightweight luggage
    In addition to making travel more enjoyable and kinder to your back, lightweight luggage may also help you avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  3. Roll your clothes
    Rolling rather than folding your clothes not only helps you save space in your suitcase, but it also prevents creases.
  4. Use dead space
    A popular packing hack is to roll and stuff smaller items, such as underwear and socks, inside your shoes to make use of the space they’re occupying in your luggage.
  5. Packing cubes
    A great way to stay organized and assemble your belongings is by using packing cubes. They also help make finding certain items and unpacking a breeze!
  6. Pack your gadgets together
    Use Ziploc bags to hold your gadgets, chargers and batteries in one place, and try to keep valuable items such as your phone and jewellery in your carry-on, just in case your checked baggage loses its way back to you.
  7. Clear toiletry bag
    Find all your toiletries with ease with a clear toiletry bag (one with a zipper will protect you against leaks). A great space saving tip is to stock up on hotel soaps and shampoos, or, purchase refillable travel size containers from the dollar store to bring smaller versions of your must-have personal care items with you.
  8. Pack a medical kit
    Having a basic travel medical kit makes good sense, not only for messy emergencies, but also for colds, food poisoning, allergic reactions.
  9. Bring the best travel fan
    Caframo made the Tiny Tornado with you in mind, anxious traveler. This powerful, portable fan with a long-lasting life is an ideal companion. People with anxiety know that being able to calm down and not overheat are essential to keeping you cool in tight, packed places like airports and trains. Check out the most powerful travel fan here.
  10. Plan your outfits
    Assign each item of clothing to an outfit so that you know how many casual, active or dressy ensembles you are bringing. If it’s unassigned, leave it behind!