By Kimberly Corey, CPO®, CVOP™, Finely Sorted Organizing, LLC 

Whether you’re jetting off for a two-week tour of Paris or taking a weekend trip to visit loved ones, travel is one of life’s great joys. But let’s be honest, even seasoned travelers can find the prep process overwhelming. I’ve been to 24 countries as a solo traveler, and it still takes full focus to get my final checklist wrapped. Key to remember: Less can be more if well planned. Usually, you must schlep everything you pack, so pack light! 

Do I have a backup pet-sitter? Why is my suitcase already full? Let’s try to break it down so you can travel with a sense of confidence and calm. Start by making a list to check off as you pack. 

Before You Leave: Prep Home Base 

A little preparation at home ensures peace of mind while you’re away. 

• Tidy your home so it welcomes you back. 
• Secure a backup to check on your home for pets and condition (e.g., temperature and electric-dependent systems, such as a basement sump pump). 
• Handle bills in advance or set up auto-pay. 
• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail via email. 
• Assign a trusted contact to collect your mail if needed. 
• Avoid medical, dental, and eye work just before you leave. 

Tech & Communication Musts 

Stay connected and prepared, especially when traveling internationally. 

• Research your phone plan for your destination. 
• Download offline maps and key apps before you go. 
• List the contact for the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination country. 
• Pack a travel plug adaptor and extension cord. 

Essential Travel Documents (Printed & Digital) 

Designate one secure, easily accessible pocket for these: 

• Passport and/or Real ID and photocopies (stored separately). 
• Health and travel insurance cards. 
• Emergency contacts. 
• Itinerary, flight confirmations, and vaccination records. 
• Medication list and prescriptions. 

Packing Strategy 

Smart packing starts with simplicity and comfort. 

• Choose a color palette so everything mixes and matches. 
• Pack clothing to layer for warmth—not bulky, one-item pieces only. 
• Select wrinkle-resistant, climate-appropriate fabrics. 
• Limit shoes to 2-3 pairs (wear one), including one ultra-comfortable pair for walking. 
• Break in flip-flops before beach trips—new blisters and new bacteria are not a souvenir you want. 
• When visiting developing countries, buy local for cultural immersion and easier packing. 
• Try rolling your clothes instead of folding so that each item is viewable at a glance when opening your suitcase, when possible. 
• Pack knowing that carry-ons sometimes get stowed below deck, making access restricted during the flight (fit essentials into your Personal Belongings bag). 
• Stuff shoes with socks or other small items. 
• Consider dividing your wallet in case of theft. 
• Try a pill box for a jewelry holder, or simply roll it in fabric or a paper towel. 
• If you find packing cubes helpful, try using those made with mesh to keep excess weight down. 
• Source: Quick-dry clothing, bathing suits. 
• Plan for comfort and warmth on the plane or in the car with silk long johns. 
• Try packing for half of your trip and see if that could be enough. Repeat outfits are rarely noticed among family, let alone a stranger along your travel route. 

Toiletries & On-Board Backup 

Prepare a Dopp kit and pack a smaller bag within your Personal Belongings (the bag you stuff under the seat in front of you), with essentials in case your luggage is delayed. 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste. 
• Try a solid bar shampoo/conditioner or a two-in-one liquid option. 
• Medications and vitamins (such as for pain, sleep, digestive issues). 
• Lip balm and hand lotion. 
• Deodorant, sunscreen, razor. 
• Feminine products. 
• Nail care tools, tweezers. 

Travel Essentials to Bring 

• Cross-body travel tote and money belt (light, secure, and easy to carry). 
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, extra readers, contact supplies. 
• Mini sewing kit and mesh laundry bag. 
• First aid basics (moleskin for blisters). 
• Journal, pen, and notepad. 
• Power bank, adaptors, chargers, and backup device. 
• Earplugs, eye mask, neck pillow that snaps around the neck, holding it up. 
• Tissues, sanitizer wipes. 
• Snacks and a reusable water bottle. 
• Jewelry pouch, scarf, swimsuit, lightweight robe/cover, crushable hat, travel umbrella. 
• Laundry soap sheets if needed, when a washer/dryer is on-site at the destination. 

 Packing for Kids: Keep It Light, Calm & Kid-Proof 

Traveling with children adds a layer of complexity, but a little planning goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable (and keeping your luggage manageable). 

Clothing & Layers 

• Choose mix-and-match basics in neutral or fun patterns that hide stains. 
• Pack an extra top and bottom to plan for spills or surprises. 
• Include a lightweight jacket or hoodie, even in warm climates. 
• Limit shoes to two pairs: everyday wear + something waterproof or dressy. 

Kid Essentials 

• Medications, emergency card with allergies, parent and local contact information, and a copy of their vaccination record if needed. 
• Favorite snacks that travel well (and don’t melt). 
• A refillable water bottle, or reuse what you buy at the destination. 
• Lovey, comfort item, or bedtime storybook. 
• Diapers if needed. 

Entertainment & Calm 

• Headphones, a fully charged tablet, or an audiobook player. 
• Small activity kits: stickers, crayons, mini games, or puzzle books. 
• Notepad or sketchpad for drawings, journaling, or travel bingo. 
• Downloaded shows, podcasts, or learning apps for offline access. 

Emergency & On-Board Musts 

• Wipes, sanitizer. 
• Child-safe, sting-free sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray (if needed). 
• Basic first aid kit with Band-Aids, fever meds, and a thermometer. 

Pro Tip: Involve older kids in the process by letting them “pack” from a pre-approved list. This builds travel readiness and makes them feel empowered about the adventure ahead. 

Packing Example: What I Packed for a 10-Day Trip to Germany 

One “Personal Item” Only (light, cross-body tote) 
The destination had Wi-Fi, laundry, soap, and grocery stores nearby 

Best thing? Eight minutes to unpack when home! 

Packed: 

• Passport, insurance, 2 cell phones, 2 chargers, Euro-plug adapter. 
• Credit cards, cash, N95 mask, vaccine card/medication list. 
• Glasses, earbuds, pen, business cards, earplugs, toothbrush, brush. 
• Shampoo/conditioner bar, color lip balm, tissue, meds. 
• 1 long-sleeved shirt, 1 dress pant, 1 leggings, 2 socks, 4 undergarments. 
• Laundry soap sheets. 

Wore on the plane: 

• Down coat, fleece headband, gloves. 
• 2 shirts, 1 pair of pants, 2 undergarments, 1 pair of socks, walking boots. 
• Jewelry set. 

Purchased at destination and left behind: 

• Razors, local SIM card. 

Getting organized for travel is a beautiful blend of preparation and freedom. When your bags are packed with intention, and your mind is clear, you’re free to savor the joy, anticipation, and spontaneity of your journey. 

When you carry only what you truly need, you make room for what truly matters, or as American photographer Alexander Sattler said, “I’d rather own little and see the world than own the world and see little of it.” 

Bon Voyage! 

If you need help with organizing and productivity, find a judgment-free expert near you: napo.empowereddirectory.com

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Meet the author, Kimberly Corey, CPO®, CVOP™,