5 Ways to Stay Organized This Memorial Day Weekend
With Memorial Day just around the corner, it got me thinking about upcoming travel plans and how I like to prep for trips in my life. Trust me, I know how weekend getaways can really sneak up on us all, and this can lead to a lot of last minute prep that can truly take you by surprise. With my hectic schedule, it is not uncommon for trip prep to be put on the backburner and take me by surprise. Suddenly, I find myself in the same place, the day before a trip, with to-dos swirling around my brain. We have all been there. So, I decided to share with you how I conquer these days and take on trip preparations, so that I can feel relaxed and fully present during my weekend away.
Here are our 5 ways to stay organized when you’re packing for Memorial Day weekend…
Step 1: When I have a dozen things I need to get done floating around my head, the first thing I like to do to ground my thoughts is to put pen to paper (or rather, the notes section on my phone). I don’t put any pressure on myself here, I just write or type out whatever comes to mind until I know everything I need to do is written out. This way, I don’t have to worry about things being forgotten or slipping my mind, because I have a concrete list that I can reference to remind me. To see how I lay out this note, be sure to check out my packing list reel here.
Step 2: Next, I reach for my staple travel items. I have a few things that I grab for every time I go on a trip, and I knew I needed to share them with you. The first is my Beis carry-on suitcase. What I love most about this bag is that it makes going through security an absolute breeze. It has the most smooth-rolling wheels that seriously make travel effortless. I used to struggle with my bag toppling over at the most inconvenient times, but this bag has changed the game for me and I can’t go back. The interior of the bag also expands two inches, which is a life-saver if you're going somewhere cold and have bulky items, or are just one for accessories and options when you travel :) The next thing I couldn’t travel without are my packing cubes. These keep my suitcase organized, by making sure that everything is categorized and contained. They also make things easily accessible, so that you don't have to rifle through your bag looking for a specific item.
Step 3: My next move is to take the list I created on my phone, and lay everything out in front of me that I will be bringing. It’s so important to lay your items out in an area where everything is visible to you, whether it's your bed, the floor, or a kitchen or dining table. I always make sure that I only have items I know I want to take with me in this area. You’ll be surprised how much it can help to have everything laid out! This will help give you a better idea of exactly what you need, and show you if you have too much or need anything extra.
Step 4. Once everything is laid out, it's time to organize it! Here’s where folding and packing cubes come into the mix. I also love to apply the Life in Jeneral 5-Step Process here! The first step is already completed. I’ve removed everything I need to pack from my closet and have laid it all out in front of me. So, next on the agenda is to categorize and sort. This part is up to you. Whether you want to put like-items together in groups, like all socks in one cube, all tops in another, etc. or if you want to pack by bundling outfits together. The options here are endless and you should choose the method that makes the most sense to you. Whatever it is, group items together like this. Next, you can evaluate your inventory. Ask yourself - will I absolutely, 100% wear this? Do I need this? Am I positive I have to have it? This will help you realize what you might be able to leave behind, so you don’t find yourself over-packing. Afterwards, you’re ready to add in your organizational systems! A.k.a your packing cubes. Here, you’ll place everything in its categories into separate cubes. This will make sure everything is contained, and will fulfill the final step of maintaining your organized carry-on.
Step 5. Finally, I save packing my jewelry and cosmetics, including skincare, makeup, and hair-care, for last. This is ultimately because I find myself reaching for these items up until I leave for my trip, so I wait to pack them into my bag until I’m 100% ready. When I pack my jewelry, I love using my Stoney Clover Lane jewelry roll. It is the perfect, handheld clutch size that can be rolled up and contains my jewelry exactly how I need it to. For my cosmetics, my favorite way to organize these items is with my Beis essentials case. I love how it has two sides, so that I can separate my makeup from my skincare items. It also comes with a travel beauty mirror, which is so convenient for on-the-go touch ups!
Once I’ve finished all of these steps, my secret sixth step is to pour myself a glass of wine, kick my feet up, and relax. I feel so at peace knowing that everything is prepped and ready to go. Not only is it packed, but it is organized and I know that I’ll have a smooth sailing weekend ahead. Now it’s time to get excited for the weekend, and focus on making memories and being present. I hope that these tips help inspire you to prep for your Memorial weekend, and get you excited to organize your carry-on with me! If you use any of the packing methods I’ve shared, please DM me a picture on Instagram! I would love to see how you organize your carry-ons. For more travel tips, be sure to check out our folding tutorial to maximize space in your suitcase and our Travel Essentials list on our Amazon Storefront.