Backstreet's Back Alright!!!! Like NSYNC. I mean Backstreet Boys"
- Gracie
Wow it's been a minute. It has been a roller coaster of a month, but I'm beyond happy to be back blogging and posting on a more regular schedule! For those of you who don't know why I've been a little MIA here's a brief summary of 2019 for you:
January: Cold af.
No motivation to do anything except be under a heated blanket watching New Girl.
February: Still cold af.
But I was starting to get back into my groove/the swing of things. Days leading up to tech I accidentally left my lights on and drained my battery. Had to get it replaced. Tech happens. Decided to go out for a celebratory "We finished two 10 out 12's" drink. Come outside afterwards and someone smashed my window and stole my backpack (full of my planners and laptop...aka a stage manager and blogger's entire life) and Jer's duffel bag full of clothes.
*Proceeds to spend the rest of the month replacing window/ doing car inspections/ purchasing a new laptop/ dealing with insurance/etc. etc.*
So needless to say, it's been a bit of a month. But I literally have the most AMAZING TRIBE (and readers/followers) and I can't thank you all enough for everything you have done to help me this month. Whether it be checking your Michael's for specific planners or sending a text to check in- I could not have gotten through this without you all. I love each and everyone of you and I'm sending you virtual hugs and all of the good vibes.
ANYWAYS, enough of the sap- I'm writing again so here is today's post:
My Top 5 Tips for Packing Less
I'm an over packer.
Even though I am constantly traveling, I have never quite mastered how to pack efficiently and effectively. I always want to have options when it comes to what I wear and I am a huge believer in having things " just in case" (I mean I am a stage manager after all). And as someone who writes a travel blog, I figured it was time for me to finally figure out how to pack.
So for my recent trips to the city I have worked really hard at improving my packing technique. I've done research by reading other travel bloggers suggestions and tips. I've tried different bags and suitcases. I've picked 20 outfits, cut it down to 5, brought it back up to 15, and then finally narrowed it down to 2. I've taking trains, Lyfts and driven myself. I've played playlist after playlist.
And while it's still a work in progress, I am at the point where I can share some of what I've been learning. So here it is.
The List
1. Check the weather.
Honestly this is probably one the most crucial ways I have cut back on overpacking. Knowing the weather can help you narrow down what you are going to wear as well as what shoes to pack. If there is 0 percent chance of rain you can avoid packing all of your rain gear and just pack a small umbrella instead. If it's going to be overcast, you might decide to keep your sunglasses at home. Obviously weather changes and predictions aren't always accurate, but this can give you a better sense of what to bring.
2. Have a schedule.
When I go on a trip, I always like to plan out every detail of where I'm going and when. Lately (as my city trips have become more frequent), I've become way more relaxed and don't have a minute by minute breakdown. However, it's still a good idea to have some sort of idea of what activities you will be doing while you are away. Seeing a Broadway show? Going scuba diving? Watching Netflix and baking Christmas cookies? Each trip you go on will require a different set of outfits. Knowing what you are going to be doing will help you narrow down your clothing instead of just throwing your entire closet into your suitcase.
3. Limit yourself to one outfit a day.
This is a hard one. However, try your absolute best to plan one outfit for each day instead of two. "But Chelseaaaa, sometimes I am out exploring and I really want to change for dinner so I'm not in the sweaty clothes I've been in all day." I get it. But really try to plan your outfit so it will work for the entire day. Or perhaps choose an outfit where you can add a sweater or accessory to make your night look differ from your day look. Not only will this save room in your suitcase, but it will allow you more time to adventure as you aren't constantly going back to your hotel or Air BnB to change every five seconds.
4. Leave room in your suitcase.
You do not want to pack your suitcase to the brim. Even if you have no intentions of buying any souvenirs, I promise you something new will be coming back with you. You don't want to get to the end of your trip and not be able to fit everything back into your suitcase.
5. Be realistic.
I know you just bought five new books at the bookstore and you think you will read every single one of them while you are at the beach, but trust me- you probably won't. If you are really attached to bringing the books try to pack 2 or 3 instead of all 5. Think realistically about what you will need while you are away. I am all about having options and being prepared, but I promise you won't wear four sweaters on a one day trip to NYC.
* Bonus tip * Have your list of packing musts. These are items you must have with you on every trip. My packing must list includes my laptop, my planners, my phone, and (lately) my camera. Knowing what items are a necessity on each trip will give you a better idea of what you are starting with.
So there you have it. My recently discovered tips for packing less. It can be hard, but I promise you it's worth it to pack less. Plus, if it really boils down to it, there are stores in other places if you forget something.
I hope everyone has a lovely #TravelTuesday and I'm so glad to be back!
Much love always,
Chels💜
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