I have been on the go more times than I’d like to admit in the last couple years, so I’ve basically mastered the art of packing for trips (yet I somehow almost always find myself still overpacking LOL). Keep reading for ten tips for packing and staying organized while traveling and quick video showing ya’ll how I use these tips to pack!

• Be Realistic

  Make sure you’re only packing the things you actually see yourself wearing. You don’t need 10 pairs of shoes and 5 jeans for a week long trip to Florida.

• Choose Comfy Footwear

  Speaking of shoes, no more than one shoe per day. Really try to limit it to three – five pairs for more than a week of travel. Make sure they are good and comfortable walking shoes, sandals or comfy boots. When it comes to heels bring one good pair that you can wear anytime you need to dress up; blacks and nudes usually go with anything.

• Bring a Capsule Wardrobe

  Packing things you wear in more than one outfit and don’t be afraid to repeat a piece or an outfit and reinvent in a fresh way with some new accessories or shoes. Have fun and play around.

  Tip: Solid colors usually blend well, black tops, solid color dresses, white pants, brown vest, you get it.

• Use Packing Cubes

  I recently started using packing cubes and they are seriously life changing. You can plan out and pack your outfits in cubes according to days, excursions, occasions or by piece (ie; tops with tops, bottoms with bottoms). Its a great way to pack more clothes in a smaller space and it comes in handy when separating clean from dirty clothes.

• Lay Everything Out

  This helps so you can visually see all that you have and cut some things out from there. Chances are you’ll probably only use half of what you plan to take, so why not save yourself the trouble and leave half behind.

• Roll Them Up

Roll your clothes- shirts, pants, dresses. It’s a great way to keep your stuff tight, small and wrinkle free. Trust me, It works!

• Keep Accessories Small

Pack small and light accessories that will transform your looks without being bulky and adding weight to your luggage. Think scarves, some cute belts that go with everything, and delicate layering jewelry that you can mix and match.

• Get Travel Size Products

  As for makeup and hygiene products, try and take samples or travel sized items for things like perfume, lotions, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, etc. They fit just about anywhere and can easily be packed in your carry on or in your suitcase.

• Wear your Bulky Items On The Plane

  You’ve heard it before, but it’s true. Things like stiff jackets and big boots can take up a lot of space in your suitcase so wear them on the plane to save space. I typically wear a few layers when traveling, including a heavier jacket and a hat of choice, to cut down on items in my bag.

  If you get hot you can always carry it around.

• Use a Travel App to Stay Organized.

  There’s nothing worse than getting to the check in counter, with a line of people behind you, and struggling to find your confirmation email. I literally already have enough anxiety when traveling, I don’t need anything else going wrong that could have been prevented by being organized. I recently downloaded Tripit to help me keep all my travel info, like flights, hotels and car rental all in one place.