One of the most exciting things about a break from school is vacation: whether it’s a week-long spring break trip or a flight to Cali for the summer, vacations give us a chance to explore the world a little more. While it’s exciting to daydream about all the fun things you have planned for your vacay, it can be a little daunting to tackle the packing. We’re here with some great organization tips to help make packing for your trip as easy and relaxing as the trip itself!

Like most teenage girls, I tend to overpack quite a bit. “Well what if I need this?” or “You never know when I might want to wear that!” When packing, it’s essential to keep your priorities straight, only packing what you absolutely know you will wear. It might even help to plan out your outfits for your vacation so you know you have everything that you need and nothing that you don’t.

Speaking of writing things down, MAKE LISTS. They will save you from getting all the way to Mexico and realizing you forgot flip flops–yes it’s happened, not joking. Think through everything that you’ll need and write it down so you know that when you’re packing, you won’t forget any essentials; like flip flops for the beach. Even write down obvious things like pajamas, cosmetics, chargers, and your phone; too much detail never hurt!

Another way to help your suitcase stay neat and tidy is dividing your suitcase into slots or purchasing a suitcase that has built-in ones. This will ensure that your clothes stay (mostly) neat and folded throughout the trip, and it will make it easier for you to find things like your toothpaste or that one other sock. Also, bring a separate plastic seal-able bag for anything that might be getting wet, like a swimsuit or towel. This makes sure that you don’t get saltwater on your favorite sundress or chlorine on that one pair of really cute shorts. Dividing up your bag helps you to know where everything is and make sure you have everything you need, and it also makes it easier when you’re unpacking at home after the trip, because everything is already folded and ready to either be washed or put away.

We hope that these tips helped remove some of the stress of packing! Wherever you’re headed to, keep these ideas in mind while you pack and remember to have fun no matter where your journey takes you! Bon voyage!

By Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty teaches English and Mass Media Studies at Penn High School. He advises the Penn News Network and manages the PNN Studio and news room. For more information, navigate your browser to www.massmediastudies.net.