I know it all too well. The anxiety, the sleeplessness, and the frustration. All the things you get when you wait the last minute to pack your bags for that trip, vacation, or getaway. I personally call it last minute packing syndrome. Okay, I’m still working on the name, but you get the idea. 

So how do you overcome the last-minute packing syndrome? Well to be honest with you. It’s not something that can be overcome overnight. It takes years and I have to admit I have yet to overcome it. 

But I have discovered tricks and tips to master it. And since I am your favorite travel advice giver, I will share my tips and tricks with you. No need to cry and hug me. I would have shared my tips and tricks with you anyways. 

Without further ado, I will no longer leave you waiting and desiring for more. Let’s do this. I will share with you the most important tip and trick first.

#1- Pack A Forever Toilet Bag

I know this sounds weird and I have no other way to put it. But you need to have a pre-pack toilet bag. (Oh, wait I could have just said that. Well, titles aren’t my thing.) Yes, you will be amazed by how much time and stress this tip takes away from you. 

 I remember the days before I had a pre-pack toilet bag. On vacations, I would end up going to Walgreens for a toothbrush and God forbid I forgot sanitation napkins or something of that sort. Getting stuck in another state and once a whole different country without my beauty and toilet products is not fun.Trust me you don’t want this for your life

I suggest you grab a pen and a piece of paper and go to your bathroom. And simply write down what you use. Then go to a store it doesn’t matter where and buy those things in travel sizes. Take an old makeup bag or you can purchase one from Walmart or Amazon. They really cost like 10 to 20 bucks. And pre-pack for that next trip all the toiletries and makeup you need. 

#2 Travel Makeup

Okay so here is the second thing. You need to travel makeup. This is the makeup you wear when you are on vacation. I am not saying you need to buy makeup just for vacation. But when you are packing make sure you already know which makeup you are willing to part with.

Why? Because you may lose that sucker and you don’t want to lose your good stuff. I once lost a concealer and I have never been the same. That is why it is important to make sure you have an idea of what you want to bring. This way you won’t get home open your bag and hit the floor, crawl into a ball as you rock yourself because you lost your favorite 40 dollars concealer. (WHY IS make-up SO EXPENSIVE).

#3- Don’t Forget The Weather

It is hard to stop and do something like check the weather when you know you only have four hours to pack or a night to pack before a trip. But this little tip is super important. You need to check the weather. Without knowing the weather, the next step will not be very beneficial.

I mean packing for a trip is stressful enough. But packing and going on a trip and being unprepared is even worse. I remember my first time in Chicago. I was going for the summer and so I, being the Floridian I was, assumed that the weather would be sunny and beautiful. Boy was I wrong. 

Let’s just say I came back with a cold. And I was not very happy. So please check the weather.

#4 Make A List

You know I was going to hit you with that list. I know you were sitting at the edge of your seat wondering about it. Well, here it is.

It doesn’t matter if you have six hours or four to pack stop and grab a piece of paper and write down that list. It doesn’t take long because you already know where you are going. Jot down what you need and what you can wear. This way you will have the opportunity pack and have a list to base on. This way choosing things out of your closet is much easier.

And don’t forget to pack things that are versatile. Clothes that have more than one use. It will lessen the amount you have to pack. 

#5 Charge Your Electronics.

You know that one friend who never has anything charged. Like their phone is never charged, their computer is always dying, they have no idea if their charger is packed. Yes, that me.

I am ashamed to say this, but I want to share my flaws to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes. SO, charge your electronics. Put your phone on the charger and charge everything you are going with. Here’s a little tip. Have a travel charger.

A travel charger is a charger that never leaves you suitcase when you are not traveling. This way you always have that charger and because you pre-charge your electronics you have not worried. 

#6 Have a Travel Backpack

Most people just grab a purse when they travel but me, I carry a backpack. I have one specifically for traveling. I know it sounds crazy but to be honest it has been one of my best investment. And inside I put any last-minute things that I need. 

This travel backpack holds everything that is essential for my trip, and the best part is that I leave my passport in there. Hence, when I am rushing out of the house and I am in a hurry. I already know that my passport has been packed.  

#7 When To Pack 

Now that you have everything you need to know. Here is a quick tip about packing last minute. I recommended you pack five to six hours before your trip. But if you are pushing it then I give you permission to do 4 hours before. Nothing less. 

Why? Simple you will be stress and will not be able to concentrate and that’s when you forget things. It’s bad enough you are already packing the last minute. But to pack the very last minute is just setting yourself up for failure. Trust me it has happened to me. 

Well, that’s it, folks. Happy travels. Share your last minute travel hacks, tips, tricks. I am a student always ready to learn.

Keep up with Mernelle on her blog here, and more travel posts, here.