Be honest with yourself: does it often happen that you pack too much for a trip, and end up using only half of your things?

You certainly aren’t alone in this. Packing can be stressful, especially if you’re going away for more than a week and want to be prepared. So, if you have an upcoming trip or want to be ready for whenever one comes up on your calendar, this blog is for you. Here are five essential packing tips that will make your travels much more optimized.

1. Use Packing Bags or Cubes

Packing Bags & Cubes — 5 Essential Tips for Packing Lighter From a Travel Expert

Packing 101: you have limited space, so everything needs to go into your suitcase as compressed as possible. Compression bags and cubes are ideal for storing bulky gear and puffer jackets as they can easily remove the excess air that usually takes up too much space.

2. Rolling vs. Folding

Rolling vs Folding — 5 Essential Tips for Packing Lighter From a Travel Expert

In packing, it is essential to know which clothes to roll and which ones to fold. The general rule is to roll synthetic materials since they won’t wrinkle, and to keep cotton fabrics folded flat.

3. No More Than Three Pairs of Shoes

According to packing expert Anne McAlpin, people have a tendency to overpack shoes. So, set yourself a limit of a maximum of three pairs you can easily match with your outfits. Doing this will save space in your suitcase, and it will help you plan your entire wardrobe for the trip.

4. Pack for a Week and Wash Your Clothes

Don’t go overboard with packing too many clothes. Anne suggests you pack only a week’s worth of outfits and wash the necessary clothes along the way. You can hand wash or laundry them depending on your travel plans.

5. Pack Clothes Around a Single Basic Color

Packing in Single Color — 5 Essential Tips for Packing Lighter From a Travel Expert

Many times, people pack clothes based on their type (e.g., pants, shirts, skirts) and then struggle to create outfits because the separate items don’t match in color and/or fabric. Keep your outfits in mind and make sure you stick to a basic color so you can easily change up outfits as you go.