Get Organized When Packing!

Packing for a trip isn’t always the easiest thing to accomplish.  Knowing what to bring is one thing but inevitably over packing is a real possibility!  Professional Organizer from AAA Travel Store, Louise Kurzeka, has ways to get organized for your next trip! 

1. Lists, lists, lists - Travelers who use lists save time and have what they need when they need it.  Use a packing list to note everything you plan to take with you on a trip from clothes, to accessories to electronics. Writing it all down ahead of time helps you avoid over packing as well. Use a "what I did before my trip" checklist to make sure you do all the tasks that should be accomplished before you leave.  (no cost Packing List and Pre-Vacation Checklist to download)

2. Use the Kit concept - We all are familiar with a toiletry kit for personal care items, but did you ever think how easy it would be to pull out just a band-aid or retrieve that laundry soap if other like items had their own kit. Pack kits for laundry, medications, sewing and electronics chargers, batteries, memory cards so you can grab what you need only when you need it. (Austin House Travel Laundry Kit 8.95, Travel pill cases 16.95, Sewing Kit 6.95, Pack-it Specter Sac 13.95)

3. Organize Packed Clothing - Pack-it Folders help to minimize wrinkling and maximize space. They will hold 12 to 15 shirts, pants and sweaters, all stacked in a neat and tidy package that goes from suitcase to dresser in one step.  (Eagle Creek Folders $27.45 to $32.95)

4.Pack Organized Clothing - Consider investing in clothing that keeps you organized with a place for everything. With 17 pockets for phone, I-Pod, credit cards, keys, maps and anything else you want for the day, you can ditch that large daypack. (Scottevest Travel Vest Reg $124.95 on sale now 25% off)

5. Keep travel documents contained - Avoid fumbling through wallets and handbags at the airport by getting all your travel documents and necessities in one place. A neck pouch is a great location for holding boarding pass, passport, credit card, identification and cash for incidentals. The bonus - it blocks RFID signals from electronic pickpockets. Once through security and boarded on the plane the pouch can tuck into a handbag or carry-on bag or be dismantled till your return trip. (Lewis & Clark RFID Neck Stash $14.95)