Tips for stress free holiday packing

Getting ready for holiday travel can be stressful; wondering what to pack, what not to pack, and how to get it all in one suitcase without hiring someone to sit on it while you zip it up. So to get you ready for your holiday travel Kimberly is giving you some of her travel tips ensuring a pain free packing experience.

Grab a Pen & Paper
Write down the activities that you will be doing on your holiday trip. The biggest culprit of over packing is thinking and promising yourself you must have three of everything no matter what. Outlining the planned activities will help you narrow your outfit choices down and give you a reality check about what pieces are truly a priority.

Layering & Pairing for Climates/Occasions
If you are traveling through varying climates during your travels, think layers. Don’t strictly focus on one climate or another; rather think how you might be able to pair pieces together once you arrive at your destination. Make sure every piece you pack can be worn in at least two outfits. Pack a flexible, fashionable blazer that you cannot only wear to a business meeting but one that you can rock with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual affair. Also stretch your looks by accessorizing. Change the entire look and feel of an outfit with different accessories; such as belts, hats and jewelry – they take up little space AND pack a punch for a travel wardrobe.

In Flight
There is nothing more uncomfortable than getting on-board with too much stuff. In your roller carry on – pack your make-up , personal items, jewelry, reading materials, etc. This leaves more room in your checked bag for that winter coat and bulkier items that you may need for that chilly destination. Or, if traveling to a warm climate try layering a thick sweater and over sized scarf over a T-shirt and stretchy jeans for the trip there and back. That way you can stay warm but won’t have unnecessary clothing on the trip with you. The sweater can be worn over dresses on chilly evenings and the scarf can double as a beach cover-up.

Pack One
For travel to cold weather destinations - pick and pack only ONE of your favorite outdoor coats and pair of boots.

Ziploc Baggies
Pack underwear, socks and hosiery in Ziploc bags, push the air out and zip. Not only a great space saver – you won’t find yourself digging through all your clothes to find your favorite pair of tights – leaving a mess of your suitcase.

Suitcase Strategy
The first rule when packing is to roll everything. Start with your shoes in the bag first, nothing should go in without serving double duty. Stuff your shoes with your Ziploc bags of socks , underwear and belts. Next, start adding in your rolled basics like T-shirts, sweaters and jeans as the first layer of rolled items. Then start fitting in the other items like skirts, dresses and jackets. Everything should be rolled, except for silk items, these can be laid flat on top to avoid wrinkling. If you are running low on space go ahead and bring that bulky coat and wear it on the plane; the cabin is usually chilly and you can always place it overhead if need be.

Avoid Baggage Claim
If you prefer to carry everything on and avoid the checked bag fees, follow these tips and I promise you can get everything you need for a week into your carry-on. Bring two bags; one duffel that will fit under your seat and one rolling bag. In the duffel bag pack your purse, laptop, books, jewelry and make-up bag. You can pick up empty 3oz bottles and fill them with all your products so that they can be brought on the plane. In the rolling bag follow our strategies with using zip lock bags and rolling everything. Make sure to write down all the things you plan on packing and make sure that each item can be worn a couple ways throughout the trip.

Kim’s Closet is a refreshing lifestyle makeover program that shows everyday women and men how to confidently balance, enhance and/or reclaim their style, also known as Get Your Style Back!™ Kimberly works within the parameters of today’s current economy and with companies/brands that are affordable and attainable. Kimberly teaches that style does not only encompass what you see in the mirror – it extends throughout your home, your beauty routine and your life. Guests are eased by Kimberly’s nurturing approach, creating a friendly environment that encourage guests, readers, viewers and fans to be receptive to change, while embracing and celebrating who they are today. www.KimsCloset.tv