Intelligent Packing: What Questions Should You Be Asking?

You're packing for an overseas trip, and you want make sure you only take the essentials.  This list of questions should help you hone your packing skills and cull your master packing list.  Please feel free to add some of  your favorite tips and tricks to the list!

1	Is this a need or a want?
2	Have you packed color coordinated clothing?
3	Have you packed clothing you’ll wear?
4	Have you packed clothing that is weather appropriate? Check the web for historical weather information for your destination.
5	Have you packed multi-purpose clothing?
6	Have you packed comfortable shoes suitable for walking?  High heels are not always appropriate.  Ultimately, two pairs of shoes should get you by: one for daily walking and another pair for going out in the evenings.  If you can get by with one pair, kudos!
7	Is this on your packing list? If not, should it be there?
8	Is it really necessary?  If you lose medications – that could be a hassle.  If you're missing a toothbrush, those are easily replaced.
9	Can you get it at your destination?
10	Can you rent it at your destination?  Instead of packing hiking boots, poles, tents, etc.  Look for a place at your destination that rents them.
11	Is your travel partner already packing this? If you’re traveling with others, do each of  you need one? (Think of things such as maps, hair dryers, or toothpaste.)
12	Do you  really need this gadget?  If you’ve got your smart phone, do you really need a camera or video recorder?  And honestly, it’s your vacation.  Can’t you leave the laptop at home? It may mean less stress and more time happily enjoying the sites and sounds of your vacation.
13	Does every item have a purpose (and hopefully more than one)?
14	Have you packed too many medications?  You’re not going to be gone that long… do you really need all those supplements?  Most of the time you can get things like Ibuprofen, Benedryl, antacids, etc. at  your destination. For a fee, many drug stores will pack a week's pills with prescription number for travel in blister packs. Make sure you have your pills in the original container or that you have your doctor's prescription on hand.  TSA doesn't require it, but you could have trouble in foreign countries whose laws are different than ours.
15	Have you packed too many beauty supplies?  You can usually get hairspray, makeup items, and such at your destination.  I typically take the minimum: foundation, brow pencil, face powder, mascara, and lipstick.
16	Have you limited liquids.  You are allowed 3.4 oz bottles of liquids in a one quart bag per person. Remember that you can split toothpaste or purchase toiletries at your destination.
17	Have you completed a trial pack and eliminated all the items that don’t work?
18	Have you tagged your luggage inside and out?  You may also want to take pictures of your luggage and the contents in case your suitcase is lost or misplaced.
19	Have you left space for holiday purchases? Tips:  Pack a plastic shoebox for breakable items.  Roll up a daypack or Rick Steves convertible carry-on.  When you get to your destination this extra bag can be used for souvenirs or gifts.
20	Have you updated a master packing list to include all the items you're taking?

Packing Made Easy!

Tip #1: Save on your baggage weight by putting heavy things in your pockets rather than in the carry-on.  You can transfer them to your luggage at your convenience.

Tip #2: After your trip, edit your packing list to reflect what worked and what didn't.

Safe and happy travels!