How I pack for a trip

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but we are on the road a lot. With visiting family, David’s doctor visits in LA and conference speaking, I’m usually packing and heading out at least one weekend a month.

I’ve gotten pretty speedy and I’ve streamlined the process. I have to pack food, meds and diapers for David–that all goes in one bag. I pack one suitcase for the boys, one suitcase for me and then my computer bag. If we have clean laundry {BIG IF!} then I can get everything packed in under an hour.

The more I travel, the more I realize that I want to be comfortable. That means my favorite jeans, some basic boots, a black tee and a comfortable top. I wear the same thing over and over and no one even notices. If I am speaking, doing a segment on a morning show or attending a dinner, I pack a special outfit for that event–otherwise you’ll probably find me in jeans, booties, a black tee and an easy top layered over!

{I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration}

These are some of my favorite jeans, and a favorite black tee. When we’re out of town, I don’t want to think–I just want to grab something comfortable that I feel good in and GO! Jeans: British company, Fat Face. Black tee: Anthropologie. Booties: Sam Edelman.

Tops, left to right: camo button up, Forever 21. Gray hoodie, H&M. Wool hoodie, Ruby Rose. Gray moto jacket, Gap. Polka dot scarf, Zara. gray sweater with lace, TJ Maxx. Infinity scarf, Target. Black and white flannel, Old Navy. Leather bag, Thailand.

Word of the year bracelet, My shop.

When you pack for a trip, do you find that you usually underpack or overpack?

10 comments

  1. I used to over pack–BIG TIME. I may still, in some ways (always have to bring my own pillow and a lap quilt!), but I now pack myself and 2 kids in an older carry on (meaning, it’s a bit bigger than the newer carry ons). We wear one outfit, pack 2-3, depending on the season (2 in winter, 3 in summer–when the clothes are smaller!). fall/winter–3 pair pants, 2 long sleeved tshirts, 2 short sleeved tshirts, 3 sweaters/hoodies, one pair of shoes, 4 pair unders and socks, 1 pair of jammies. And I do laundry wherever we are! (summer is 3 pair of shorts, 1 pair of jeans, 4 tshirts, 1 sweater/hoodie, 1 long sleeved shirt, 1 pair of sandals, sometimes a pair of sneakers….)

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  3. thanks for the info! my husband and i are taking a trip in a few days for our 34 wedding anniversary. this will help me greatly! have biessed day!!!!!!!

  4. Your outfits look great for traveling and it seems you have now a straight process… As I follow my path on my simplifying journey, I usually pack the right amount of clothes and I am able to travel light. I left a couple of months ago for a 8 days business trip overseas (including a weekend spend with friends) with a 13 kg suitcase… And I haven’t miss anything!

  5. We travel to my parents town every so often (an hour and a half ferry ride away), and sometimes we stay for a week or two.

    I write out a list for each of my two kids, and myself, then pack all of us into one suit case, then bring a diaper bag filled with diapers with us.

    I use the same idea you have for myself. one basic outfit that you can wear a few different ways, and then for the kids (a year old and 3 years old) I can pack a lot of their tiny little clothes together without a problem.

    lookin lovely Lisa!

  6. Oh, I always overpack and I’m old enough to know better. I just can’t seem to get over it. But, you gave some great advice.

    BTW, you look so cute and sassy. Thinking of little David this week and you. Blessings!

  7. I overpack. Always. I love that you’ve simplified. Your outfits look comfortable, but pulled together. I want to show people my best, but that turns into multiple pieces of clothing/accessories for each day and optional pieces (in case of weather).

  8. I always over pack…just can’t seem to help myself. Sometimes it’s because where I’m going the weather can be warm one day, cool the next so you have to be prepared hahah Trying to get better… 🙂

  9. Had to chuckle when I saw this post – I have a friend who calls the jeans, black tee & cardi/fleece & boots my “uniform”. I mix it up with scarves and jewelry. I agree with you totally, it’s so easy & comfortable – especially when traveling.

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