8 Tips for Packing Light

tips for packing light

Christian and I knew we wanted to travel as much as possible when we got married, and when we moved to California six months after we were hitched, it made it even easier to take weekend trips to places we had never been.  I’ve now been working on Carrie Bradshaw Lied full-time for almost a year, and it’s made the opportunity to travel much easier. Even when it means I have to leave Christian behind because his schedule is not as flexible (insert sad face).

Last week I teased that I was heading on an international adventure soon, and today I wanted to share that I’ll be heading to Geneva, Switzerland to explore and share my experience with all of you! I will be traveling with the Geneva Tourism. While I visited Zurich almost ten years ago, I know there is so much more of Switzerland to see.

I am sharing some of my tips for packing light – the more I travel, the more I learn, so scroll down for my best advice!

tips for packingcarrie bradshaw lied hometravel with mophietravel steamerstrategic packingkathleen barnes

1.  Plan Ahead 

I plan out every outfit ahead of time.  This means it might take me longer than most to pack, BUT I am almost always fully prepared for my travel days and don’t have to spend time thinking, “what am I going to wear today?”  It also eliminates packing unnecessary items that I don’t need and that will take up extra room in my suitcase.

2.  4-Wheel Suitcase 

I used two-wheeled rolling suitcases foreevvvvveerrr, until my large, checked luggage wheel broke and it was time to replace it (I always go with Samsonite or Travelpro for checked luggage).  I replaced it with a four-wheeled Travelpro, and it made my two-wheeled rolling carryon feel so heavy once I had to pull it again!  I knew when it was time to replace my Hartmann carryon, four wheels was a must.  This new Henri Bendel lady just glides without putting any strain on your upper body.  It’s a major upgrade, and I am so excited to start traveling with it!

3.  Protective Cover

If you’re going to have nice luggage, you  have to think about how you will protect it in different scenarios. Now that everyone carries on, I like to be prepared if I have to check my bag at my gate, and a protective cover can mean everything! This Henri Bendel piece comes with one, but if yours doesn’t – don’t fret, Amazon has tons of great options. I keep it rolled up in my suitcase just in case I need it.

4.  Shoe, Lingerie and Laundry Bags

I’ve used these since high school, and it’s a no-brainer.  Who wants the bottom of their dirty shoe to be right next to their underwear and pajamas!? I separate all my items – shoes, undergarments, dirty laundry, jewelry, etc.

5.  Slippers 

When I stay at a hotel with disposable slippers, I usually stash the extra pair and keep them in a shoe bag to take on my next trip.

6.  Portable Battery Pack

Christian upgraded me to this cell phone battery charger for my birthday, and it’s my new bff! I had a mophie that provided one full charge, but this one packs 5.8 charges and has two ports to charge multiple phones at once.  I never travel without an extra battery pack!

7.  Great Book(s)

I mean… this doesn’t need an explanation.  I’m currently reading The Husband’s Secret, and when I’m done I’m moving onto The Singles Game!

8.  Travel-Sized Steamer

I don’t go anywhere without this guy. My old steamer recently broke after a faithful seven or eight years, and this one is so small, much lighter in weight and steams really well.  If you’re looking for a small handheld steamer, I would highly recommend this one (and it’s only $30).

west 57th luggagehenri bendel luggagecarrie bradshaw liedhenri bendel carryon luggagekathleen barnes


luggage c/o Henri Bendel | denim, also love these (40% off!) and these (20% off!) | top | purse | sandals, also love these | sunglasses | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4

 

Have any travel tips that I missed? Do share!

Thanks so much for reading! And I can’t wait to share my adventures in Switzerland with you guys – XO –

31 Comments|See Comments

31 thoughts on “8 Tips for Packing Light”

  2. Um totally just bought that travel size steamer! $30?! What a steal!

    Have a blast in Switzerland- how fun!!

  6. I studied abroad in college in Geneva – it is so great! It has been nearly 10 years since I was there (how did that happen?!), and I’m so excited to follow along on your trip. Lots of snaps, please! 🙂

  7. First of all, I’m completely OBSESSED with your luggage- it’s the perfect cognac color! Also, thank you SO much for these tips- I’m always traveling from CA to AZ to visit my boyfriend so I always carry on, but I love the advice from a pro!

    http://www.toreystreasures.com
    @toreystreasures

  10. Great tips!!! I tend to overpack. Haha! Now I am going to need to buy a streamer. I love ironing my clothes and most irons at the hotel are not the best quality. Have a great trip! 🙂

  17. SO jealous – you are going to absolutely love Switzerland. It’s hard to choose a single favorite place from my travels all over Europe during my study abroad, but it has always been easy to pick Switzerland as the most beautiful and unique. Pictures have never been able to do it even a fraction of justice!

    These are great tips, the only one I am still horribly bad at is planning my outfits ahead of time…work in progress!

    xo
    Olivia
    PrepEssentials

  18. Ahh, I only travel with a carry-on and personal item too and these tips are great. They don’t let you bring all of those bags on the plane though, right? Which do you check? I’d die having to let them handle those beauties!

  19. I went to Ireland for 9 days this summer with my husband and twin girls. I created a “look book” for our outfits (just us girls) that I printed and put in our bags and it made such a difference! We all did a carry on bag and I had outfits ready each day. It was life changing! ? I travel a lot for work and will definitely get that steamer! I have zero ironing skills!

  20. I WILL BE GOING TO SWITZERLAND IN THE SPRING. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO WEAR SO I DON’T STAND OUT AS AN AMERICIAN? I AM TOTALLY BUYING THE STEAMER. ALSO I ONLY WANT TO TAKE A CARRY-ON SINCE WE WILL BE TRAVELING TO 4 COUNTRIES IN 10 DAYS. STARTING IN SWITZERLAND ON TO FRANCE, GERMANY AND HOLLAND.

    1. Sounds like a great trip! I leave tomorrow, so I don’t know just yet but I think more than focusing on not standing out, you should look up the weather and think of what you will be most comfortable in. I think that’s the most important part so you can focus on just having a great time! XO

  21. I agree on the protective cover. It’s definitely a great thing to have especially when airline needed me to check it in due to carry-on overload. I had that experience once and ever since, I’ll carry a protective cover on my carry ons.

    1. Sometimes links become invalid when an item sells out. If there’s something in particular you’re wondering about, let me know. Thanks!

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