Traveling during the holidays is never easy. Traveling from winter to winter is just plain hard. Whether you are traveling to a foreign country or going back home when it’s winter, the packing task is always difficult! You can feel like you are packing a lot or nothing at all, like your whole closet is in your suitcase or you just literally don’t have anything to wear. Nailing the plane travel clothes is the easiest part, preparing for those two weeks back home, that’s the challenge. I give you a sneak pick into my go-to points as I’m packing for back home.
I always start by making a list of everything I want to take so I don’t forget anything. It’s important you stay focus and to the point when it comes to packing mumbo-jumbo you are not going to wear/use. So first things first, grab a piece of paper and write down what you want to take with you.
Well, this is just practical. I always try to travel comfortably and carry the heaviest pieces of my wardrobe. If I have to wear the two jackets I want to take back home, I will wear and carry them on the plane and out. If you have a heavy pair of boots, wear those two. More space and less weight on your luggage.
Really ask yourself what pieces you are going to wear. If you want to take that skirt that you haven’t worn in the past two months, don’t. Chances are that you won’t wear it! What should go on your list are the items you have been wearing the most for the last month – those are the ones you are surely going to wear.
Every time, before I pack all my things, I try on different outfits with the same pieces. One pair of pants goes with three knit sweaters, those sneakers are the perfect day-to-day shoe wear, that coat matches with all the other items I packed. You can choose some neutral based-colored items and build your wardrobe from there. But make sure you try them on and like the matching so you don’t get any ugly surprises back home.
For your make-up, for your jewelry, for your iPhone chargers, for your socks, lingerie, shoes. Seriously, when has anyone said I have too many small bags? No one. Ever! Small bags help you be organized and know where your things are at all times.
One handbag is more than enough and maybe a small clutch for going out. But if the bag can transition from day to night, even better. Pack your everyday jewelry, one or two statement pieces for when you have to go to a party and maybe one unnecessary item. No more than three or four pairs of shoes – a pair of sneakers, boots, heels and flats and you are good to go! If something fails and you go back home, you can always borrow from your mother, at least that’s what I do.