Get ready for your summer vacation and future travel with these expert packing tips! From carry-on to checked bags, here are some things to keep in mind when packing for your next trip.

• Use a packing list! It helps you not forget critical items. Start creating your packing list early in your Notes app
• Kim has an outfit planner that you can sign up for on Stuffed Suitcase
• Pay attention to your itinerary to figure out what you need to bring for each activity
• Also pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination
• Try to minimize the number of shoes that you bring on a trip
• Try on your outfits while packing and take a picture of yourself so that you remember what you put together (with shoes, accessories, etc.)
• You can also put the picture into your notes app with notes about what day you were going to wear it to remember
• Packing cubes with compression can be great for saving space
• You can pack the cubes by destination/stop on the trip or daily outfits or just pack all your pants together, all your shirts together, etc.
• If you are flying on an international carrier, make sure to look up their baggage rules to understand the size and weight of carry on and personal items
• Even domestic carriers have different weight limits
• If you are buying new luggage, buy the matching packing cubes that fit perfectly
• Look for packing cubes that zip to a rectangle and not lumpy
• Gonex and Eagle Creek can be great brands to try
• Lay flat bags are great for toiletry bags
• Travelon makes a good organizer for your electronics
• Vodka in a spray bottle can help refresh clothes
• Bring a travel scale to check baggage weights

• Packing tips for family travel