The Last Minute Packing Guide

We’ve all done it. The trip is coming up, the suitcase is still empty and suddenly you’re looking at the clock thinking, “What do I actually need to take?”

The good news is that last minute packing doesn’t have to mean throwing half your closet into a suitcase. A little strategy can make packing faster, lighter and a whole lot less stressful.

First, think about the trip rather than the suitcase

Before you start pulling clothes out of your closet, think about where you're going, how long you'll be away and what you'll actually be doing.

A three day city break requires a very different suitcase than two weeks at an all inclusive resort. A business trip is different again.

Ask yourself:

Where am I going?
How many nights will I be away?
What's the weather expected to be?
Will I be walking a lot?
Will I need casual clothes, dressier clothes or both?
Will I have access to laundry?
What activities have I already planned?

Once you know those answers, packing becomes much easier.

For a short trip, think mix and match

For a weekend or short getaway, try building your wardrobe around a few pieces that work together rather than packing a different outfit for every day.

Think:

2 or 3 tops
1 or 2 bottoms
1 versatile dress or outfit
1 lightweight sweater or jacket
1 comfortable pair of walking shoes
1 slightly dressier pair of shoes
Sleepwear and underwear
A few accessories that can change the look

One pair of neutral pants can work with several tops. A simple dress can be casual during the day and dressed up at night with different shoes and accessories.

The goal is to make several outfits from a small number of pieces.

Going somewhere special?

You don't necessarily need a completely separate outfit for that nice dinner, soirée or special evening.

A simple black dress, a pair of dress pants, a nice blouse or a lightweight jacket can be surprisingly versatile.

Then change the look with:

A scarf
Statement earrings
A necklace
A belt
A small evening bag
A dressier shoe
A jacket or wrap

One simple outfit can suddenly look completely different.

Try an online packing search

If you're staring at your closet with absolutely no idea what to pack, let the internet do some of the thinking.

Instead of searching for “what should I pack,” try something more specific such as:

“7 day capsule wardrobe for warm weather vacation”

“Mix and match outfits for a European city trip”

“Carry on only outfits for 5 days”

“10 outfits from 5 basic pieces”

“Travel capsule wardrobe for a resort vacation”

“Women’s travel outfits for a city and dinner”

Adding the destination, number of days and type of trip will usually give you much more useful ideas.

Packing for a family

Family packing can get out of control quickly.

Rather than thinking about every possible situation, think about what each person actually needs for the days you'll be away.

For children, I like the idea of putting complete outfits together rather than simply packing a pile of shirts and pants. It makes mornings much easier when everyone is tired and you're trying to get out the door.

For a family trip, think about:

Everyday outfits
One or two nicer outfits
Comfortable shoes
Sleepwear
Swimsuits
Weather appropriate layers
Favourite comfort items for younger children
Small entertainment items for travel days

And remember to leave a little room. You may come home with souvenirs.

Traveling within Canada

Even when you're traveling within your own country, don't assume that your provincial health coverage will automatically cover every medical expense somewhere else.

Before you leave, find out what your provincial health plan actually covers outside your home province and what it doesn't.

This is where travel protection becomes important.

At a minimum, medical travel protection can help protect you from unexpected medical expenses while you're away. Your provincial plan may only reimburse certain amounts for services received elsewhere and there can be significant gaps depending on the situation.

And don't assume your credit card has you covered just because it offers travel protection.

Credit card coverage can have conditions, exclusions, limits and eligibility requirements. It may not cover every medical expense or every situation.

Take a few minutes before you travel to understand exactly what coverage you already have and where the gaps are.

Crossing the border

When you're leaving Canada, your preparation becomes even more important.

Make sure your passport is valid for the destination and check whether you need a visa, electronic travel authorization or any other entry requirement.

Also think about medical coverage, medications, emergency assistance and what would happen if your trip were interrupted unexpectedly.

Before leaving, it's worth having:

Your passport and travel documents
A copy of important documents stored securely
Emergency contact information
Medication in your carry on
Your travel protection information
Any required entry authorizations
A way to access important travel information without relying entirely on one device

A few minutes of preparation at home can save a lot of stress later.

Remember the unexpected

Last minute packing often focuses on clothes and forgets the little things.

Think about chargers, glasses, medications, prescriptions, contact lenses, toiletries and anything you use every morning without thinking about it.

One good trick is to walk through your normal morning routine in your head.

Wake up.

What do you use first?

Then what?

Keep going until you're ready to walk out the door.

You'll be surprised how many things you remember this way.

Pack your carry on with purpose

Your checked suitcase can go missing or be delayed. Your carry on shouldn't just be a place for your headphones.

Keep the things you absolutely need accessible.

Think about:

Medication
Travel documents
Phone and charger
Glasses
A change of clothes
Basic toiletries
Important valuables
Anything you can't easily replace

If you're traveling with children, add the things that would make the first few hours easier if your checked luggage didn't arrive when you did.

And then there's unpacking

Here's a little trick for when you get home.

Don't leave the suitcase sitting there for three days because you don't know where to start.

Take everything out first.

Put laundry directly where it belongs. Put toiletries back where you normally keep them. Put travel documents in their usual place.

Then deal with the suitcase.

It sounds simple, but separating “things that need to be put away” from “the suitcase itself” makes the job feel much smaller.

One last packing trick

Before you zip the suitcase, take everything out that you're not sure about.

If you're thinking, “Maybe I'll wear this,” that's often a sign you probably won't.

Ask yourself:

Would I choose this over something else I'm packing?

Can I wear it with more than one outfit?

Is it appropriate for the weather?

Is it comfortable enough to actually wear?

If the answer is no, leave it home. The best suitcase isn't necessarily the one that's packed perfectly. t's the one that contains what you'll actually use.

And if you're packing at the last minute, remember that you don't have to pack for every possible scenario. Pack for the trip you're actually taking, leave a little room for the unexpected and give yourself permission to keep it simple. Sometimes less really is more when you're traveling.