After being cooped up at home for almost two years, it’s time to pack your bags and head out on that long-awaited trip. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll pack way too much and ultimately ruin your trip by carrying extra weight or losing the count of your items. Travel writer and founder of Just Packed Lydia Mansel has a few tips for you on how to pack like an expert.

Pack According to Mode of Transport

Mansel advises allowing the mode of transportation to dictate how over-packed your bags can get. The way you pack your luggage depends on how you’re traveling. If you’re flying or driving with only a carry-on, you can easily allow yourself to overpack a little. If you’re hopping on a train, there’s more room! So, always decide your size of luggage and the amount you can carry based on your mode of transport.

Knowing the Weight Limit of the Airline

If you’re flying, you need to be extra mindful while packing your bags. While booking the tickets, don’t forget to check the weight limit provided by the airline for your handbags and cabin luggage. There’s no use in giving yourself any freedom here, as all airlines take their weight limits very seriously and check every luggage accordingly. Mansel suggests packing a little light, giving some wiggle room to bring a few souvenirs on the way back.

Ditching the Debate of Folding vs. Rolling

Both YouTube and IRL are filled up with videos and discussions regarding the pros and cons of folding vs. rolling, to pack a travel bag. But, at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter! Just go ahead and pick the packing method that works best for you, or go for a mixed bag. There’s no need to fuss about making a choice just because that’s trendy! A tip from Mansel, fold the casual pieces like jeans and tees but roll the clothes that are more delicate or tend to wrinkle.

Giving Outfit Planning a Try

Re-thinking your travel wardrobe can make packing a complicated chore. Start your outfit planning at least a week ahead of your departure so that you can give each ensemble a trial at home. That way, you can avoid packing four different pairs of just-in-case jeans, or one-time matched jackets. As per Mansel, it’s always better to formulate ahead what you’re going to wear on each day of your trip so that you don’t miss out on anything important to pack.

Ah, we’ve all been there. Scanning through your luggage to look for the boarding pass that you were sure was just in your right jacket pocket. You then end up unpacking all your stuff only to realize that it was in another bag all along. But it takes you forever to look for it and you only end up with stares of impatient people standing behind you. You could avoid such situations if you follow the tips that are listed below.

Being Unprepared

If you consider yourself to be a little clumsy and occasionally forget to carry things you need to have on your person, then you should start by making a list. This list would include all the things that you will need when you are at the airport. Start with the basics – boarding pass, identification, your passport. These are the three basic documents you must have handy when you are about to board your flight. Make sure you pack them well in advance so that you don’t forget them. Take it on a priority.

Pack it Systematically

Everything you plan should be backed by solid reason so, make sure that your packing is equally methodical too. To avoid forgetting ‘where you put your passport’ you can carry your essential documents and some cash in a small pouch that is handy, while you go through airport security. Do the same with all your other stuff, pack your toiletries and other essential stuff that you might need in a small bag which is easy to carry.

Carrying Prohibited Items

This might sound like stating the obvious, but despite knowing the common rules, many travelers pack prohibited items with their carry-ons, most of the time, without realizing it. To avoid such hassle, make sure you cross-check all items included in your luggage and see if you’re carrying anything that might get you in trouble at the airport.