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So I’m super excited to announce that we have two family trips lined up for the month of February and March. Both destinations will be way warmer than Chicago so it’s time to start thinking about what to pack. Per your request via an Insta Story poll {thanks everyone for voting!}, I’m going to share a few packing tips as well as what will be going in my suitcase.

In February we will be heading out to California and stopping in Newport Beach, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles. There will be a combination of beach, dessert, and city vibes going on so definitely a wide range of temps. In March we will be going to Scottsdale, Arizona which will be totally pool weather all day every day!

When it comes to packing, I always find that less is more. I like to include pieces that are extremely versatile and easy to mix and match. Before I explain what exactly to pack, I want to first share a few organizational tips that I’ve picked up along the way…

5 TIPS FOR PACKING A SUITCASE WITH EASE

1. MAKE A LIST

I’m a visual person and always love writing everything down. I find that if I don’t, then I will for sure forget something. I ALWAYS create a list of everything I think I need for a trip. I also create a list of what needs to be brought on the plane, what I’ll be wearing on the plane, as well as all the toilet trees I will need.

2. LAY IT ALL OUT

I like to lay everything out on my bed beforehand. I also like to styled my outfits ahead of time and always make sure to try everything on. I even snap pics of cute combinations so I can remember how to style all the pieces while on my trip. This saves time and effort in the long run.

Once everything is laid out, I like to get rid of at least 4 of the items. This helps with the drama of overpacking. If I can’t think of at least 3 ways to style an item, then it should be easy to cut. Also make sure to include a cute + comfortable outfit for the plane and try to effortlessly include your bulkiest shoe into the mix to save on weight restrictions.

3. USE YOUR SPACE EFFICIENTLY

Get creative! I always stuff my handbags with clothes and other accessories. It not only helps hold up the shape of the bag, but also creates more space in your suitcase. You can pack small items inside your shoes too. I suggest always using shoe bags {more on that later} and lastly, always pack your shoes on the bottom of your suitcase.

4. ROLL YOUR CLOTHES

Honestly, rolling your clothes is the best space saving trick out there! Not only does it reduce wrinkles, but it also helps fill weird unused areas of your suitcase. You will be able to wedge smaller items between larger ones, which will help fill up dead space. To roll a shirt, gently fold the sleeves over the center, then start at the top by the collar and roll downwards towards the bottom creating a “shirt log”.

5. BAG EVERYTHING UP

I love shoe bags, underwear bags, laundry bags, plastic bags… you get the point, right? A great way to organize your electronics, toilet trees, loose accessories, undergarments, etc. is to compartmentalize. I think it’s important to invest in cute reusable travel bags like these, these and these. I have ones similar to these and use them on every trip I go on. I also like to put anything that could leak or spill in a plastic bag, and I ALWAYS put my toilet trees in a cute travel bag and then a plastic bag just to be on the safe side.

Now that you have some great packing tips, let’s talk about what’s actually going to be going into my suitcase:

SHOP THE POST
Wedges //  Bell Sleeved Top // Sunglasses // Sweatshirt // Sandals // Faux Leather Jacket
 Travel Bags // Sneakers // Swimsuit // Neutral Tote // Leopard Clutch // Skinny Jeans

JEANS

You want to choose jeans that are classic as well as versatile so they can be styled multiple ways. These jeans are a great dark wash so they would work with almost anything. I usually bring 2 pairs of jeans and also plan on bringing a white pair since I’ll be in a warmer climate.

GOING OUT SHOE

Depending on how long you are going for, I suggest bringing 1 pair of going out shoes. I’m going to be bringing these wedges that can actually work for both daytime as well as nighttime activities. Classic pumps or a fancier sandal are also good choices, stay true to your styling think about what would be the most versatile and work with the most outfits.

SUNGLASSES

Since sunglasses take up no space whatsoever and can really accessorize an outfit, I usually like to bring 2-3 pairs. They are a simple and effective way of changing up a look and great for all daytime activities.

CLUTCHES

I usually like to bring 1-2 clutches for all my nighttime looks. Since they are on the smaller size, they take up less space and also help with accessorizing your outfits. I usually like to bring 1 neutral colored bag like this leopard clutch as well as a bright colored one similar to this. You can pack these in any larger bags you plan on bringing.

TOTE

I like bringing a tote that can work for a day of shopping as well as for the beach or pool. This one I got last year and it is honestly so versatile and amazing. You can also bring this on the plane as our carry on and take up even less space in your suitcase.

SNEAKERS

You can’t forget a classic pair of sneakers for working out as well as walking around. You want to make sure to find a pair that works well with workout clothes as well as your jeans too! I usually wear mine on the plane because they are the most comfortable and easiest to walk in.

SANDALS

I always like bringing these sandals because they can work with so many different outfits! You can use them for the pool or beach, as well as walking around the day with jeans and for a casual night out. They come in a bunch of different colors and are so comfortable!

CUTE TOP

I always like bring 2-3 of these to switch up throughout the week for both daytime and nighttime looks. I’m currently loving this one, this one, this one and this one. Make sure to bring at least one long sleeve, one short sleeve, and one sleeveless so you have a variety of options on hand.

SWIMSUITS

Beach vacations call for swimsuits! If you plan on going for a week and will be hanging out at the pool or beach everyday then I suggest 3 swimsuits for variety. Since having a baby, I’ve been  more into the trendy one pieces and currently have and love this one.

LEATHER JACKET

You need a classic lightweight jacket that can be either be styled up or down. I always like to bring this black one because it’s my favorite color and goes with everything. This brand makes cute faux ones at an amazing price point.

TRENDY SWEATSHIRT

This is a great addition for the airplane rides as well as while on your trip. You can never go wrong with a trendy sweatshirt and I am currently loving this style!

SHOP THE POST

Besides my list above, I think adding a few basic t-shirts, your toiletries, essential electronics, and any other necessities are always important. This is just a starter list to get you on track.

Hopefully this post was helpful and useful for your next warm weather vacation! Have a great rest of the week guys!