Hi, guys! I hope you’ve enjoyed the recaps of my sister’s wedding. I’ve really enjoyed reliving it through my blog posts. The entire wedding weekend was such an amazing time! It wasn’t even my wedding, but I’m sort of sad it’s over!
After that whirlwind weekend, I’m off to Fresno bright and early tomorrow morning for the POM Harvest Tour. I can’t believe I’m heading to the West coast again!
Tonight, I spent most of the evening unpacking my suitcase, organizing my life, charging all of my electronics, and then repacking my suitcase. Yowsahs. But, thankfully, I had a little help from my favorite pug friend. 
So, remember this post?
Packing for trips is always so stressful for me. It totally throws me for a loop! I’m always worried that I will forget something important. And even with all of the obsessing that I do, I still manage to leave something behind!
The biggest mistake that I make when packing is not planning outfits. I usually think of my suitcase as a closet and just throw my favorite pieces together with the hope that I can mix and match. Inevitably, when I arrive at my destination, I have “nothing to wear.”
This time for my trip to Fresno, I finally got my act together and packed strategically. I went with a brown theme for my shoes, coat, purse, and accessories, so everything coordinates, which ultimately saves space in my suitcase.
Here’s what I packed for a 3-day trip:
- 3 pairs of pants. Nice jeans, casual jeans, corduroys.
- 5 tops. 2 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 1 hoodie
- 1 dress. For a fancy dinner out.
- 1 jacket. For cool nights.
- 3 pairs of shoes. Sneakers, flats, and a pair of heels.
- 1 set of PJs. I usually pack shorts and a t-shirt. They take up very little space.
- 4 pairs of undies. One for each day plus an extra.
- 2 bras. Beige and black.
- 2 pairs of earrings. Dangly and studs.
- 2 sets of workout clothes.
- 1 pair of sunglasses.
- 1 purse. Dark purple. It matches all of my outfits.
- Toiletries & makeup. Check out my tips on packing sample-size products.
- Hairbrush & straightener.
- Electronics. Camera, computer, phone, flip cam, etc.
- Healthy snacks. Travel is so unpredictable. Might as well be prepared when hunger strikes!
This probably seems like a lot of stuff, but it’s actually pretty streamlined for me! I took the time to plan outfits and weed-out the things that aren’t necessities for my trip. It took a little longer, but I think it really helped!
Dinner
We had a few veggies that needed to be eaten today– or get tossed– so I made myself a big salad with roasted broccoli for dinner tonight.
For dessert, I enjoyed a pumpkin chocolate chunk muffin that I baked this afternoon. I used a recipe for Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins, but substituted chocolate pieces for the walnuts and raisins.
I still have a million things to do to get ready for tomorrow! 
Good night!
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
That muffin sounds great
Enjoy the trip! Can’t wait to see pics of (hopefully) sunny california!
I hate packing, too! But, I hate unpacking even more. But to make it less miserable for myself, I make a checklist of the things I need and keep multiple copies of them. I use a list every time I travel/need to pack. I check things off as they go in my bag. Then, I just hand write down the extra things on my copied list that I will need for that particular trip. Also, like you, I map out my outfits so that I know exactly what to pack. I have a tendency to over pack, so I take those extra few minutes to streamline by laying out outfits (including shoes and accessories) for each day. It seems like you have a good system, too! Have fun on your trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Giiiiiiiiiiiirl that muffin looks awesome! Have fun on the west coast!
Packing is the worst. Sounds like you’ve got a good game plan though.
Enjoy that yummy muffin!
I really don’t mind packing!!! Because I know I am going way although I don’t get to travel that much
Have fun in Cali!! I love Pumpkin Muffins.. I made Pumpkin Spice Cookies today and they were soo good!!
I hate packing too. I seriously throw everything I can fit into a suitcase and call it ‘packed’ because it stresses me out so much.
Delicious looking dinner. I am contemplating what I want for dessert and have the itch to bake!
You are a great packer! I tend to bring the house with me and never end up wearing even half of what I bring!
Have a wonderful trip! Murphy’s face is saying “Mom,don’t go!!!”
Those muffins look yummy! Great job on the packing. The last time I went out of town, I took the bare minimum and even though it made me nervous at first, it made things a lot easier for me in the long run (and my bag was a lot lighter). Have a safe and fun trip
I hate packing because I always take too much. I tend to pack a seperate outfit for each day instead of thinking of mixing and matching. Sounds like you have a good plan.
Murphy looks confused as to why Mommy is leaving again. Be sure to give him lots of love tonight and when you get back
I think a certain puppy wants to be packed in your suitcase!
Congrats on getting your packing streamlined. I need to get better at this
i hate packing/unpacking too. i just got back from san diego for a film festival and i have to go back next weekend to the same festival – i have to pack/unpack all the same stuff – feels like such a time suck!
I love your tips for packing! I always pack way too much when I travel, so I’m definitely going to use your idea of planning “outfits” instead of just throwing random pieces into the suitcase. Have a wonderful trip!
I always wait until the last minute to pack and then end up bringing too much stuff because I am afraid I am going to forget something! Also, Murphy is getting so big!
Thanks for sharing your basic packing list! I have a lot of trips coming up over the holidays and this will help a lot!
wow that is a super organized way to pack…
my method is – stuff EVERYTHING i own in a suitcase just in case i decide i want to wear it
god pumpkin is all over the blogs…i gots to get me some!
Have fun in Fresno!
Sounds like you packed really well! I find, as well, that the trick is packing specific outfits. So much better when you get there and know your options for day, night, fancy, casual, etc.
Can’t wait to hear about your trip. I’m so jealous, I love Northern Cali- best place on Earth!
I am the WORST at packing, so I’m glad to see there is hope for me after all! It’s a great idea to plan out outfits, I just have to make myself do it and then I’ll be golden. Have a great time with POM!
packing is so stressful for me too because i hate forgetting anything! i love making lists a few days before to write down everything i need to pack!
jenna
Packing can be such a pain. I always end up forgetting something that I want/need when I reach my destination. No good!
You look so organized!
I do the same thing…. throw lots of stuff in, arrive and realize I have no real outfits. So frustrating! Sounds like you planned well though. Safe travels tomorrow!
Murphy looks so cute in that suitcase!
Have a fun trip, can’t wait to see what you guys are doing!
Hey! I love your blog and just started my own: http://www.healthygaleatingwell.blogspot.com. I’d love if you and your readers would check it out!
I really figured out this whole packing light thing, when I had to go away for work for 2 weeks. I refused to pay for a second suitcase and I had all this work stuff to bring with me, whatever room was left was for clothes and toiletries, which was not a lot. It forced me to reduce!
Ah, planning is definitely the way to go when it comes to packing.
I hope you have safe trip
I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins this weekend, too!
I am terrible packer. I pack way too much. My friend and I are going to Dallas for three days in November to a Baron Baptiste yoga workshop and we have decided to share on piece of luggage to save money but I am so scared!! We have to fit two yoga mats and clothes. Yikes!
I just read your packing list and added another pair of jeans and shirt to my already packed bag!
see you in a little bit Tina!
I still havent gotten the hang of “packing”… Its always too much in my case!! Delicious lookind salad.. I am obsessed with roasted broc.. YUM
i think unpacking for me is worse, cause i dread all the laundry i have to do. lol. but i love your packing tips!
Finn always sits in my suitcase while I’m packing. It’s like they know we’re leaving and they just won’t have it! Such a cute pup : )
Wow, that I could go for one of those muffins right about now…pumpkin + chocolate is a perfect combo!