It’s finally time for your next big trip, and you’ve probably spent weeks, if not months, looking forward to it and planning everything you want to do. But have you spent as much time thinking about what you need to bring along?

Somehow, packing always seems to end up as a last-minute rush. Who doesn’t know the nagging feeling of having forgotten something at home just after leaving?

If you’re lucky, it’s only a luggage tag (did you know you can make your own?) or some sun cream; if you’re unlucky, it’s a memory card for your camera, or worse, your passport. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have everything you need the whole way.

5 Simple Steps to Perfect Packing

Step 1 – Make a List

There are plenty of online tools available to help you here – the more detailed your list, the easier it is to pack everything. There are even customized lists for your destination – skiing trips, beach holidays, or sightseeing weekends.

Lists are a great way to make sure you have everything down, from your new pair of cat-eye sunnies to your Galaxy S8 case.

Be sure to start making your lists a couple of weeks in advance, so that you have time to think of and jot down everything you could need.

Step 2 – Pack Less and Pack Well

If you pack twenty items, it’s much easier to forget one than if you only pack five. Packing less items will also reduce the stress of having to catch a flight with a huge suitcase.

If you can’t downsize anything, try to pack it logically. Before you put it all in your suitcase, stack all the clothes, toiletries, and essential items in separate piles so you can keep an eye on what you’ve already got together.

Having everything out in front of you in an organised manner will also help to remind you if there’s anything missing.

Step 3 – Plan Ahead

Unless you go on a spontaneous trip, you’ll probably see it coming – so plan accordingly. It’s useful to check the weather forecast beforehand, so that you know whether you’ll need an umbrella or strong sun cream.

You can also check out the area you’re going to and see if there’s anything specific you might want to have, such as snorkels. Planning ahead will also allow you the time to buy anything which you might not have.

Step 4 – Take Photos

Take photos of things you have packed, and that way, if you’re later not sure, you can reassure yourself rather than unpacking your entire suitcase.

This also applies to people who worry about locking the door or leaving the stove on; you may feel strange doing it, but when the anxiety hits you’ll be thanking yourself.

Step 5 – Relax

If you’ve followed the above steps, you probably have nothing to worry about. Take a deep breath and have some faith in yourself. Don’t let the stress of packing ruin your trip!

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

If you enjoy getting social, you can follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.