Labor Day is this weekend! How crazy is that??? I’m going back to Minnesota for the long weekend – and making it even longer by taking Friday off!!!!! – and I’m super psyched to visit. I haven’t been back since March and my husband is working all weekend = perfect time to go back.
Today I wanted to share some packing tips for short trips. I have become a ruthless packer and am trying to bring as little as possible on every trip. It’s just easier to have smaller bags, less to pack/unpack, and not a ton of extra junk. So here are my steps and tips, and I’ll also share what I’m bringing to MN for the long weekend – so keep reading!
write a list
I SWEAR by lists. People might mock me but I rarely forget essential items! I constantly tease my husband for saying “I don’t need a list, I’ll remember everything” and forgetting swimsuits on our honeymoon to HAWAII (true story). Before I start a list I think about everything I’ll be doing on the trip. Am I going to a special event? What do I need for that? Just start writing down what you will need to wear and go from there!
only bring what you need – not extras!
Ok confession: I ignore this rule if we’re driving and I can throw another bag in the car. But when we’re flying I try to really limit extras. If we’re staying in an Airbnb, etc, I make sure they have a hair dryer so I don’t need to bring that. Do they have shampoo, conditioner? I don’t want to take up valuable space by bringing things I don’t need.
wear bulky items
I almost always wear jeans when flying because they’re bulky and heavy. I also try to wear boots and jackets – I have TSA PreCheck so I don’t need to take them off in security. Wearing the heaviest items will free up space in your bag and not make it a pain to carry!
pick the right bag
If you’re only going for three days you probably don’t need to check luggage (assuming you’re flying), so pick the smallest possible bag! I usually pick a weekender – like this, or this – and I’ve even used a backpack before. Weekenders can be annoying to carry if they don’t have shoulder straps – just something to keep in mind.
what I’m bringing this weekend
Ok here’s my list!
- Workout Top + Shorts + Sneakers
- 2 cute tops – maybe gingham top here for one?
- 2 casual tops
- Jeans (wearing on the plane) + Jean Shorts
- PJs
- Toiletries: CC cream, mascara, sunscreen, blush, concealer, hair styling cream, hair brush
- Jacket – either this jean jacket or this utility jacket (help me decide!!!)
- Baseball hat (going to be wearing on the plane since I leave at 6:45 am…)
- Sandals
Just have to make it through Thursday and then it’s vacation time….yay!!! Do you guys have any fun plans for this holiday weekend?
