Packing Essentials

Pack with intention, Make room for peace!

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There is something oddly "sacred" the way we prepare to go on a trip. It isn't just about rolling my clothes just right, or checking the boxes on my checklist, it's about curating comfort, creating ease, and a sense of home. Whether we are headed to the mountains, the beach or just a weekend away, what we bring with us, matters. What we pack is not only for convenience sake, but also for the calm that it gives us when we have what we need, and we are comfortable.

We just got back from our recent Big Sky Adventure. If you haven't already read it, head over to my blog post where I tell about my journey. Anyway, I just got back from almost two weeks, clocking over 5,300 miles, all on a road trip. These were hard earned "butt miles." So while this was on my mind I thought I would share not only for you, but for me to remember next time I am packing what my essentials really are. The things I am sharing are things that I personally used, that I have in my "carry on" suitcase that I take in every night, and I would absolutely pack them again!

My favorite Practical Packing Essentials and Why I They are a Must Have!

1. Carry On Luggage Set with Backpack- these creamy white suitcases roll like dream. I have a different set but they no longer have that exact set. This set is very similar, has good reviews, and I know people who have this set and love it. The matching backpack and toiletry bag makes this the perfect trio! They are lightweight, durable, and make packing feel so boujee. There is just something about matching that feels so calming and organized.

2. Packing Cubes- YES THEY ARE WORTH IT! If you haven't tried packing cubes yet, consider this your nudge! They keep outfits organized, make it easy to locate items, and give each day a built in sense of calm. AND they match the luggage.

3. Hanging Toiletry Organizer- If you are sharing a hotel room this is a game changer. Hang it on the bathroom hook or towel bar and you have easy access to everything, no more digging around a bottomless pouch!

4. Refillable Travel Bottles- These soft touch bottles made it easy to bring my favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Bonus: they didn't leak, not even once. One bottle was enough body wash to last for the 12 days we were gone.

5. Laundry Bags for Dirty Clothes- Simple, lightweight, and washable. I love having two, one stayed in the cargo carrier and the other we used nightly for the hotel. We would bring it down and put the dirty clothes in that one so that we didn't have to carry a big load of dirty laundry in and out every night. And...it matches.

6. Small Fan for Hotel Rooms- this rechargeable fan is so worth it and it even has a light! I have used it almost every night in the hotel room. It also works great as a beach fan and clips onto your chair.

7. Foldable Travel Hangers- Perfect for extra hangers (hotels never have enough), for hang drying clothes, and organizing outfits. They fold up small and are pretty sturdy. They take up hardly any space but make a big impact when you need them!

8. Travel Power Strip with USB/C Ports- Let's be honest, charging phones, watches, fans, tablets, and cameras is like a puzzle! This outlet strip keeps us powered and charged. The chord wraps around the outside so that it doesn't get all tangled up. On a side note I keep an extra charger for each item that needs charged along with this power strip in a bag with a zipper and put it in my "carry on". This way I am no scrambling to find my chargers or forgetting them in the car. (Learned the hard way.)

9. Portable Makeup Mirror with Light- let's face it hotel lighting is less than ideal. This compact mirror comes in very handy when you have to share the bathroom space. I just set it out on the hotel desk, light it up and I do my hair and makeup using this sweet little mirror.

10. The "everything tote" Bogg Bag- I use a Bogg bag to keep all of my extras together so that they are not rolling around the car, or in the hotel room to keep all of my extras together in one place. The reason I like the Bogg bag brand is that it is so sturdy. I have used it for a footstool, at the beach, and even when I go shopping. It wipes down easily and I don't have to worry about insects getting in the cloth. I just wipe it down or hose it off and we good as new. (and the accessories are kinda fun too!)

I will leave you with these thoughts: when you pack with intention, you make space for peace. It's not about being over prepared, it about bringing the things that hold your routine together so that you can focus on what really matters- the people you are with, the places you are going, and the memories you are making! Whether you are planning your next big adventure or just want to feel more grounded on the go, I hope this curated list helps you pack with purpose and you Wander Well!

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Do you have a must-have that you would have included on this list? Leave us a comment below.

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