Packing is not an easy thing to do despite the fact that it conjures up all of these feelings of excitement in anticipation of a trip. While we all love the feeling of being finished with packing, none of us actually enjoys the process of doing so. It's a daunting task; something akin to the feeling of having clean laundry, but not wanting to put forth the effort of putting it all away.

To alley this same-vibes-type of situation, there are a few good first steps that any traveler can use to start off their packing routine. By answering some questions and determining several factors before committing to the suitcase, packing can be a cinch. Or, at least, it won't be something that brings forth feelings of dread.

Related: Long-Haul: Hacks To Survive The Long Flight And Actually Enjoy It

Step One: Don't Procrastinate The Carry On Vs. Checked Bag Situation

It's very easy to do this and most of us are guilty of doing so. It seems like one of the easiest things to figure out but, in reality, it's tough determining what should be stowed in cargo for what could be up to half a day. It's easiest to figure out one's carry-on situation first, and then go from there.

If it makes things easier, carry-on luggage should be thought of in terms of what a person uses every ten minutes to an hour, as well as what can be used on the plane. Some examples of carry-on items include:

  • Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers
  • Makeup for touch-ups and lip balm
  • Travel-sized lotions or essential oils for anxiety relief
  • Tissues
  • Book or e-book reader, phone, laptop, tablet, camera
  • Headphones (skip the ones given out on the plane for free)
  • Personal travel blanket or neck pillow
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Small snacks (if permitted)
  • Camera
  • Important items: Tickets, passport, ID, cash, credit cards, insurance cards, house keys, all of which should be in a wallet
  • Medications
  • Hand sanitizer
  • A change of clothes, if they fit

The idea behind packing only the essentials is so that all of the most important items are on one's person at all times. Additionally, this helps to alleviate some stress in the event that stowed luggage becomes lost or delayed. Once this is determined, make a list - and then save the carry-on packing for the last minute. Next, focus on the luggage that will be checked in on arrival.

Packing For Luggage That Will Be Stowed

Packing for stow-away luggage is not nearly as stressful as packing for carry-on luggage - but that's why making a list for the latter is highly encouraged. For luggage that will be checked in, the list is a bit easier but brings forth the issue of 'how much is too much?' In short, the answer will depend on the length of the trip. For a long weekend, luggage should be contained in one large suitcase or a smaller one, if a traveler can get away with it. Theoretically, this means only two full days, two half-days, and three nights. Thus, the outfit of arrival on day one doesn't need to be packed (the exception being a change of clothes on arrival), and only two more outfits after that plus another outfit to sit in on the plane ride home on day four.

For week-long trips or longer, multiple suitcases or bags might be required. This often means packing one's own bathroom essentials and seven or more outfits, including nightwear, warranting at least a suitcase and a second travel bag. Some things to include in stow-away luggage include:

  • All clothing (except for a change of clothes after the plane ride there)
  • Any extra charging cables, plus charging cables for things that won't be used on the plane
  • Bathroom essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.
  • An extra pair of shoes depending on the climate of the destination in question
  • A light or heavy-weight jacket, again, depending on the destination in question
  • Extra hand sanitizer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen and/or moisturizer
  • Pain relievers
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Hairstyling tools
  • Travel first-aid kit
  • Travel adapters and converters
  • Extra face masks

Other Important Packing Things To Note

No checklist will ever be complete right off the bat. Each traveler will always have something personal to add, whether it's a book to pass the time or a handheld video game. The easiest, and best, way to break down packing is to start with two separate lists - a carry-on list, and a checked luggage list. By dividing the two, half of the work is already done and allows travelers to pack their checked luggage far in advance, only having to worry about their carry-on luggage the night before the flight.

Next: We're Making The Case That Packing Cubes Are Worth It