5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR NEXT TRIP + a simple packing list

I don't know about you, but when packing, I start with good intentions on keeping things simple.  Then I panic at the last minute and throw in extras that I really don't need.  I'm trying to improve on being prepared and sticking to the basics and decided a packing list will probably help me.

But before we get to that, here are 5 things to consider before each trip:

1. MIX AND MATCH.  Stick to items that can be worn with everything else.  For example, I want all my tops to be able to go with all my bottoms, my jacket or sweater, my shoes and my scarf.

2. COMFORT.  Choose items that are comfortable.  I want to be ready for anything (walking, standing, sitting, relaxing...), while still looking my best.

3. WEATHER.  Check the weather and pack accordingly!  It’s miserable to be too hot or too cold while trying to enjoy a new place. 

4. LOCATION.  Pack for the place.  When I'm camping, I pack completely different clothes than if I'm cruising.  Also, when I'm staying at someone else's home, I'm more conservative with my pjs!

5. LENGTH OF TRIP.  Bring between 2-7 days worth of clothes.  I find that if I take more, I feel stressed out and weighed down by my luggage (remember, you can do laundry while traveling).

So, now that we've got that out of the way, let's cover what should actually go into our suitcases!  I suggest you only pack what fits in a carry-on to save money, space and energy.

PACKING LIST:

2-7 tops: one for each day

2-4 bottoms: jeans, pants, shorts or skirts

1 dress

1 jacket, sweater or coat

1 set of pjs

don't forget underwear!

1 large scarf (which can double as a coverup, towel, blanket and pillow)

1 hat

1 pair sunglasses

1 swimsuit (if needed)

1-3 pair shoes: I usually take flats, wedges and sneakers
exercise clothes (if needed)

bag of toiletries

essential oils of course

a few favorite pieces of jewelry

your kindle 
travel documents

chargers

Have I covered all my bases?  Am I missing something that you think I should be taking when I travel?  Please let me know in the comments below!

7 AREAS TO CHOOSE SIMPLICITY

Life can be overwhelming and leave us feeling like we are just going through the motions, trying to survive.  That's why I believe minimalism is so important for us.  Let's stop overthinking and over-planning and choose simplicity in these 7 areas.

EXERCISE - Stop making excuses about why you can't work out.  Find an activity you enjoy and get moving daily, whether it's a walk, a yoga class or lifting weights with your husband.

PEOPLE - Stop spending time with people who aren't good for you.  Look at your relationships and decide on a few that mean the world to you.  Then pour your energy into those people.

WORK - Stop clocking in at a job you don't feel excited and passionate about and wasting your life away just for a paycheck.  Try lots of jobs until you find what you love.

TIME - Stop saying yes.  Say no to everything you don't want to do or you're doing because you feel like you must, then say yes to only what you truly want or need to do.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

FOOD - Stop eating processed and packaged food.  Choose 1 ingredient foods, like an apple, a head of broccoli or a bag of almonds to create your snacks and meals.

MONEY - Stop spending money that you don't have.  Cut up your credit cards and begin to live within your means.

STUFF - Stop buying things you don't need.  Just because there's space doesn't mean you need to fill it.  And just because you can buy something, doesn't mean you should.

The less I have, the more I feel clear headed and calm.  Minimalism can be such a healthy hobby!  What area do you most need to simplify?