The Forgetful Traveler’s Guide to Packing.

Guest article by Geraldine – the founder of The Everywhereist, a travel blog for the accidentally adventurous.

My memory is a peculiar one. I remember the details of what someone wore to a party three years ago, the names of most of my classmates from the third grade, and I rarely forget birthdays. But when it comes to packing for trips, I have the memory of a goldfish.

You name it, I’ve forgotten it. Some stuff (like toothbrushes and hair combs) are easily replaced. Other items (like my reading glasses) are much harder to go without over the course of a long trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve frantically searched through my suitcase in my hotel room, looking for a item that is still sitting on top of my bureau back home.

7 tips on remembering to pack the stuff you need

If you’re like me  - a traveler who’s constantly forgetting important items at home – then read on for my 7 tips and tricks on remembering to pack the stuff you need.

1. Make a list. You can even have one printed out and laminated (be sure to leave a few blank spaces at the bottom to write in items that might be destination-specific – like a bathing suit or skiing equipment). Use a whiteboard marker, and check items off only once they’ve made it safely inside your suitcase.

2. Once you think of it, pack it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “Oh, I forgot my sunglasses! I’ll be sure to pack them later.” Then I proceed to forget all over again. As soon as think of something you need to bring with you, pack it immediately! Don’t expect your brain to remember it twice!

3. Make sure everything has its place. If you’re a frequent traveller, Designate spots in your suitcase (or in packing cubes) for the items that you’ll need over and over again. If you notice your suitcase is a little light, or certain spots are empty, you’ll realize you’ve forgotten something. This technique works great for a friend of mine, who travels a lot for work, and is always forgetting items – she now knows if the front pocket of her suitcase is empty, it’s because she forgot to pack a belt and socks.

4. Pack from your head to your toes. I heard this tip from an experienced traveler, and it was so brilliant (and has saved me so many times!)  that I just have to share it. When packing, start with the top of your head, and think of all the items you’d need for each body part as you travel down your body all the way to your toes. E.g., hair = shampoo, conditioner, comb. Eyes = contact lens solution, contacts, glasses. Legs = underwear, pants, belt. Feet = socks, shoes.

5. Have doubles. I have a travel toothbrush and a handful of other toiletries (floss, mini shampoo and conditioner, a spare hairbrush, etc.) ready to go in a cosmetics bag. Since the bag never gets unpacked, I never have to worry that I’ve forgotten anything – they’re all waiting for me, ready to go (this also saves a lot of time when packing).

6. Text or email yourself a reminder. If I’m truly terrified of forgetting something, I send myself an email or text message as a reminder – then I make sure not to delete it until I’m sure the item is packed. Of course, this only works if you’re like me – and check your email and phone messages three dozen times a day.

7. Don’t fret! If you do forget something, remember: it’s not the end of the world. Odds are you can replace it, and if you can’t, it will make for a great story – and blog post (“Hey everyone – want to hear about the time I went on a hiking trip and only packed high heels?”)

Related packing articles

• Pack the Perfect Backpack for Stress-Free Camping [Outdoors] (lifehacker.com)
• Perfect packing (busybeelifestyle.com)
• Packing Tips For European Travel (ukirelandtravel.suite101.com)