Packing More Than a Weekend in a Weekender

I am a chronic over packer. Who’s with me? I’ve started to notice that I pack to my container, meaning that if I allow myself a large suitcase I find a way to fill it. I’ve always admired the women that can pack their life away in a chic carry on, so I’ve decided to give it a shot! I’m headed down to LA for an extra long weekend with my mom and she gifted me this gorgeous Vera Bradley weekender (PS it’s on sale!) that I’ve been dying to use. I’m using these tips and tricks below to fit more than a weekend’s worth of things into my weekender! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Snapchat (@blondebagel) for all my LA shenanigans (and to check out just how much I fit into my carry on)!

Roll don’t fold.

There are two philosophies of packing: folding or rolling. While some people prefer to flat fold and pack their clothes, I’ve found that if you’re really trying to maximize space rolling is the best option. Flat folding means trying to fit your squarely folded clothes into your bag while rolling allows you to stack, change directions, and squeeze items into every corner of your weekender! Rolling your clothes is easy. Simply fold your item in half (tuck the sleeves in if it’s a top) and roll your garment until it’s in the shape of a little tube!

Pack items that can be condensed.

Remember when I said I am a chronic over packer? I love options. If you’re like me and prefer to have multiple options, especially in the shoe and purse department, pack accessories that can be condensed! This is why I love traveling with a Longchamp. Longchamps are lightweight, durable, and foldable – they fold to less than half their expanded size meaning I can cram one of those babies into my weekender and know I always have an extra purse option! Same story with Tieks – flats that fold in half making them perfect for travel! If you really can’t be bothered with space saving accessories, just make sure to utilize every inch of space possible (go ahead and toss a handbag into your weekender – but fill it with underwear or bras so as not to waste any space).

Wear your heaviest items.

This tip is especially helpful if you’re flying rather than road-tripping. Wearing your heaviest articles of clothing – like those gorgeous over the knee boots or your heavy coat – means they won’t be sucking up space in your weekender while you travel! On my plane ride to LA I’ll be wearing my slip on sneakers because they have a heavy outsole along with my one pair of jeans and a jacket!

Plan your outfits out.

Plain and simple – planning will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether it’s sticking to a certain color palette so that every piece mixes and matches (I’m always on the white and black train what what!) or planning out each individual outfit, taking the time to lay everything out and put outfits together will save you the headache of doing it on the fly. Planning ahead will also prevent you from over packing!

Do you have any packing tips and tricks? Are you an over packer or am I alone? Tell me in the comments below!