The Ultimate Guide to Packing the Perfect Carry-On Suitcase
Though summer screams of summer vacation, the truth is, we often travel year round. Whether we’re heading out of town on a business trip, whisking our best friend off on a weekend away or popping across the country for a wedding, there are many reasons to hop on a plane or in a car. With travel comes packing, which always leads to the question — How are we supposed to leave without ten pairs of heels?! We’ve got to narrow it down, gals. But not too much. We’ve partnered with Scotch® Brand to create some must-know packing tips to maximize your space and be prepared for anything your trip might throw your way, like a missing button or a bad cup of coffee.
What to Pack
Let’s start with the necessities. After many years of travel, we’ve got a list of essentials that will help you avoid any travel snafus.
Layers: You never know what the weather is going to be like, even if you’re in New York and it’s December. There is always the chance that the sun will peek out from behind the clouds, and you want to be ready to expose those arms at a moment’s notice. We say, bring an undershirt, a cute blouse, a cardigan to add some warmth and a few accessories like a scarf or a pair of gloves.
Flats and Heels: Let’s be real — the heels have to make the cut. Just because we might be walking a lot does not mean we will walk into a meeting without our #girlboss pumps. Bring a pair of flats that fit into your handbag and then you can power walk your way around town and do a quick Superman phone booth wardrobe change before you head inside.
Essentials Easy Fix Buttons
These are a great item to have on hand, not only for your own lost button, but for anyone else who has a missing piece. No need for a mini sewing kit or needle-wielding skills. Simply stick a button on the front of these pins and you’ve got yourself a wardrobe malfunction fix.
Coffee Grounds: These days almost all hotel rooms have a coffee maker, but they don’t always have your favorite Nicaraguan blend. Grind your coffee at home and then bring it with you in a securely sealed container. Your taste buds will be pumped in the morning, which might actually feel/be the middle of the night if you’re dealing with a time zone change. You’re welcome.
and
: Gals, these are THE BEST! We are going crazy over this new wardrobe tape here at the B+C office. Say goodbye to bra straps that sneak out of your sleeves or button-up blouses that don’t stay perfectly in place. These magical strips and dots will keep you looking tip top.
Pillowcase: Sure, you can use this pillowcase to make your hotel bed feel a little bit more like home, but our favorite use for an empty pillowcase is dirty laundry. Keep your soiled clothes separate from your fresh ones by storing them in a portable hamper.
Contact Cases: These are the perfect organizers for small items. Store your earrings, vitamins, ear plugs, or anything else that needs a mini home in these versatile cases. Pretty pumped we found a mini glasses contact case.
Scotch™ Essentials Sweater Pill Remover: How embarrassing it is to show up to a dinner with a sweater that looks like it’s from 1975? Perhaps not embarrassing at all if it’s gold and sequinned, but if it’s covered in pills, that’s another story. Keep your warm layers looking brand new with this amazing product. It’ll clean you right up.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: You’re sitting on top of your suitcase trying to get the zipper to shut and it’s not happening. Fear not! You don’t need to say adios to your boots; just wear them on your feet and throw your flats in the bag. It might not be your perfect travel outfit, but you will have so much more space if you wear your wool coat, boots, scarf and hat.
:
Scotch® Brand has come out with Tag Comfort Covers that perfectly solve this problem. Cloak your tags and you’ll be itch free and 100% on your game.
Now that you know what to pack, we’ve got some tips to teach you how to get everything into that bag.
Roll Your Clothes: This is the key to maximizing space in your suitcase. Roll them up and place your little logs in your bag.
How to Pack
Shoes In Shower Caps: No one wants to pull out a blouse that has dirt on it from the bottom of a pair of shoes. Avoid these moments by putting your shoes in shower caps. Those nasty soles will stay clear of your fancy attire.
Wrap Delicates In Tissue Paper: Department stores wrap your newly purchased items in tissue for a reason: it keeps them looking good. Fold a layer of tissue paper around your delicates for safe keeping.
Ziploc<sup>®</sup>
Though many travel bottles claim to be secure, somehow shampoo and lotion always seems to find their way into the bag. Avoid the mess and sudsy clothes by putting your toiletries in a Ziploc® before you put them in your dopp bag. Then your conditioner will have to get through two layers before it gets to your blouse.
Organize it all in your suitcase and head out!
