sanctuary jacket; l’ agence jeans; andi bags

When you ask friends whether they’re traveling for the holidays, have you noticed that “no” is often followed by “thank goodness!” The culprit, it seems, is either flying or packing – both of which get a popularity rating close to broccoli for 5-year-olds (look, they’re just like cute little trees!). We can’t do much about our kids’ aversion to vegetables – or weird seatmates – but we can make a more pleasant experience of packing. The first thing to consider: not waiting until you’re about to make a trip to prepare your suitcase. Read on to find out why the best time to get yourself travel ready may be right now - long before you leave for the airport.

1. DO make a packing list; DON’T wait to write it

my oldest son and I with our respective packing lists!

Usually you make a list before the activity happens. Write your to-do list, do unfathomable number of chores. Write a list to Santa, magically receive your desired gifts direct from North Pole-azon. Packing lists are different. These living documents should contain your latest and greatest knowledge about what needs to go in your case. So, the best time to start or update one is when your memory is fresh – immediately you get back from a trip. That sundress you wore all the time - add it to your ‘warm getaway’ inventory. That pair of shoes that gave you blisters – never again need they your suitcase grace. Add things you forgot but needed and make a note to buy things you need by don’t have. Next time you’re packing, simply start with the most relevant record – adjusting as weather and activities dictate. If you need a bit of help the first time around, sites like Travelfashiongirl.com have great lists to get you started.

2. DO decant skincare staples; DON’T trial while you travel

the ordinary skincare; travel containers from amazon

Travel-sized skincare is so adorable it’s hard to resist. However, unless it’s a wee version of something you’ve already tried, you might want to pass. It’s fun (and smart) to tweak your regime as the weather and your skin’s needs change, but before a big presentation or your best friend’s wedding may not be the time to risk a rash. Decanting your beloved beauty products into leak-proof travel containers can keep things nice and familiar. And if you top them up each time you return from a trip, they’re always ready for the next adventure. I like the squishy ones for bath and hair products, clear, hard plastic ones for cleanser and toner and opaque ones for finicky formulas that are sensitive to light. Or, you could use travel-ready receptacles all the time. The Ordinary sells most of its “effective technologies at honorable prices” in 1 fl oz bottles. They’re tiny, cheap and, in my experience, effectual. A winning combo at home or away!

3. DO use packing cubes; DON’T limit yourself to one color

Packing cubes, from companies like eBags, Travel Fashion Girl and Away, play a variety of roles in your suitcase. Firstly, they can compress clothes – helpful if you’re trying to fly with just a carry-on or squeeze your family’s clothing into one case. Secondly, they can show whose items are whose. Our oldest lad is always blue, the youngest, silver, and me, as a tongue-in-cheek nod to being the sole gal, pink. Thirdly, they can corral items logically. And this is the role you can plan for way ahead of your trip. To avoid starting from scratch for every excursion, keep cubes stocked with ready-to-go staples. My accessories cube, for example, sits ready with a spare brolly, thin gloves, eye mask, charging cables, ear plugs and makeup and jewelry pouches. These needs don’t change much over time; and, if you buy spares, you won’t miss things in your daily life.

away packing cube; delfonics/quitterie green and white pouches

4. DO let travel accessories inspire your everyday; DON’T duplicate unnecessarily

Travel items offer many advantages. They tend to be small, practical and light. So, what if instead of having dedicated items for travel, we brought travel items into our everyday lives? I used to carry a makeup bag to work and pack a different one for trips. That’s two bags to pack, replenish and maintain. Then I realized I could simply carry one travel-friendly bag, with small versions of my daily essentials, then chuck in in my carry-on when it was time to leave town. Being TSA-compliant, this makeup bag (a small clarity clutch from Truffle) lets you easily see what’s inside and ensures you always have ‘a face’ handy since it contains a full (if miniature) kit. You can do the same with charging cables, headphones and emergency kits. Just find some pouches you love (I’m a fan of Delfonics/Quitterie) and stock ‘em to cover travel around the world or around the block.

5. Do stock up on travel essentials today; don’t wait until even Amazon can’t ship fast enough

So how equipped do you feel for your next trip? Do you have the packing supplies you need? Are your comfy-yet-chic shoes sitting ready? How about the jacket that goes with everything? If you see gaps, why not fill them when you have time, funds, a birthday or maybe a good sale at your disposal – rather than in a crush before your trip? Events like Black Friday are a brilliant time to buy things you need anyway – just for for a smaller price. Some of my fave travel/fashion/lifestyle suppliers are having Black Friday sales, including: The ANDI brand (25% off with code LOVE) Anatomie (30% off sitewide), Athleta (20% off sitewide), Nation LTD (30% off sitewide), Truffle (25% off sitewide), Icebreaker (25% off sitewide), Shopbop (up to 25% off with code MORE19) and &Other Stories (20% off with code NOIR20). While you’re at it you can stock up on some gifts for your traveler friends. You’ll be ready for your travels - and the holidays - on time and on budget!

I hope these tips were helpful - and I’d love to hear yours too. Please share your thoughts or wisdom with a comment!