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I love a good vacation but you know what I hate? Packing for a vacation. If someone could pack and unpack for me, I would be in hog heaven but alas, the reality is that I have a family for 4 to pack for every single time.

As the child of a military father, I’m well accustomed to having to pack quickly and efficiently; my husband, eh, not so much. Because of the constant moving around I’ve done my whole life, I’ve figured out quite a few packing hacks that just might help anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Make a list
I know you don’t want another list but trust me, it works. I make a list of each outfit my family and I are going to wear each day. Be sure to account for at least one wardrobe each day. Once you have your list made, you’re ready to start packing.

Start at least a week out
Give yourself at least a one week head start with packing. This will eliminate the chaotic part of making sure you have everything.  Refer to your list for outfits and layout by each day. Make sure you have all parts of the outfit listed and layout as well.

Time to load the suitcase
Stack your clothes in the suitcase, starting with the last outfit of the week, working your back to the first day of vacation. On each layer, because to put your undergarments in between the top and bottom items. This keeps it all together. Jewelry should be interchangeable with each outfit so those go in a makeup bag.

Travel-sized toiletries only
I never use my home toiletries. Hit up your local Walmart, Walgreens, etc  and purchase travel size toiletries. Think about it – you’re only going to end up using as much as they provide in those 4oz bottles anyway so why not save yourself the time? Plus, you can just throw the bottles away when you’re done without worrying about something opening and getting all over your clothes.

Wash before you return
If you’re lucky enough to stay at an Airbnb or a hotel with washing machines, save yourself some time when you get home and wash everything before you leave. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve returned home from a trip exhausted and dreaded having to washing clothes. In fact, it can take me about 4 days to get everything washed. That’s not even including putting them away. Wash your clothes before you return and you’ve saved yourself a ton of time. Besides, who wants to travel with dirty clothes?

I like to consider myself a “travel packing expert” in some regard but really its just years of trial and error. Take the time and be strategic in your packing and you’ll save yourself the headache.