5 Steps to Stress Free Packing 

I have a pretty big typo in that first part so apologies! Also if you don’t notice it no worries and if you do then just know we are all human over here.😂❤️

This is exactly how I pack. My husband thinks I am crazy when I start packing a week before my cruise. No way could I pack the day of or even the day before

My favorite part of the dancing -trying on clothes part, is how there are progressively more and more doggies in this shot :) I use empty laundry bins to organize before a trip. Each of the 5 of us has a bin (we have lots in our house for some reason) It’s especially helpful when planning the travel/ airport day with their travel outfit and carryon stuff in their own bin.

I have a similar process but I’m not a pen and paper person, I use spreadsheets. I prefer this method because any packing list I make can be saved and repurposed for a following trip. I even like to add (and delete!) items to the my packing list mid trip if I find that I’m missing something I wished I had packed or had if I brought along something that I never used so I remember to do it differently last time. I use google sheets which I can access on my phone, tablet and desktop, and I’ve created tabs for each packing category (clothes, cosmetics, hair, medication, electronics, etc.) and mark each tab with an emoji when I have everything on that tab packed. I also use spreadsheets for my itinerary planning so it’s simple to refer back to it as I’m choosing what to pack.

It surprises me to hear how many of us don’t like trying on the outfits beforehand, it’s one of my favorite parts of packing! A built-in fashion show for myself or family/friends who are over😂

Loved the fashion show. (The pups didn't know what to think...LOL!)

Cute pajamas are a must. It’s definitely not just you!

I've already prepped a draft packing list and started shopping for our trip to Japan, which is NEXT YEAR! I get so much joy from planning and preparing.

The dogs think your nuts lol😅. Luv it!

Agree with the pyjamas comment. Always like having a nice pair to lounge at the hotel after a long day of sightseeing or travel.

That long light blue skirt is so cute!

Jennifer, the elevator music with you trying on your outfits killed me, but I freaking LOVED it!!! I’m doing this on my next trip, I love this tip!! We all deserve to feel fabulous, YES!!!!🙌 ❤

Fashion show was good but your guest stars made it great! 🐶❤️

I am leaving in a week but my packing list was done a month ago. I started putting items in suitcase 3 weeks ago. I took photos of my clothings, accessories, and shoes to edit every other day. I have to pack fir a cross country road trip, plane rides, cruise ship, and weeks in major cities; everything in a carry on and a tote.

I enjoyed your modeling montage! 😂

That’s how I pack as well. Loved the video, but esp loved seeing your dogs mesmerised by your fashion parade 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

Yes, Marshals has great luggage at normal $$

Totally with you on the cute pjs for vacation. I end up associating them with the good time had and they are special ever after!

We're going to Vegas next month & I'm already list making, prepping for carryon only. I love to be organized as it makes a trip as stress free as you possibly can be. Great video. 👍

I try mine on too..and start packing early.

Love this video, Jen !! Especially the modeling segment ! Lol…I planned just like this when we went on our cruises.

Love it! I just finished packing tonight for a Mediterranean cruise next week - our first cruise, ever! I had so much fun trying on the outfits and envisioning myself there. I admitted defeat when I realized I just couldn’t pull off COO. Not this time - it’s a 10 day cruise and I just want to bring all the fun clothes and dresses. This is the first time I didn’t pack last minute and I’m so relieved and proud of myself. Can’t wait! Thanks for all your travel tips!

OMG Jen, I love you! I totally agree with you. And have been wanting to comment for a long time that I absolutely love my purple Tumi backpack! We are twinsies 😊

Totally agree with the planning part. We use a spreadsheet for daily activities which helps us keep track of what we’re doing. Your idea to try on every complete outfit is so good. It means belts, scarves, etc don’t get left behind. We are getting to the point where we are keeping a carry on bag fully packed so that we can grab and go. That way we have our electronics, toiletries and the clothes that we need no matter where we are. Then we make a list of anything special we’ll need for a particular trip. New sun here. Love your video style.

Your packing videos are the BEST. Love your Longchamp bag.

#2 is an absolute must and I am surprised people don't do it? If I gained a few pounds, I want to be sure I can zip up that dress that I want to wear to dinner! 😂 Also, sometimes in my head I put things together and think it's gonna be a cute outfit, then I try them on and I'm like like...nah never mind! This process probably takes me the longest and I always do it the weekend before I start packing. A standard packing list is also a must for me. I have one saved in my Google doc for years and print it every time no matter it's a weekend getaway, or 2 weeks in Europe.

Yes to getting out your packing 'wishes' a week before. I spread them out on the top of my dresser as I think of them. I include everything I think I will want to wear due to the weather I've been tracking. About 3 days before, I fan out my tops and a bottom that will give me the most options. Generally, a neutral bottom (pants, shorts, skirt) is good for 3 tops. A 5-day trip, would be 2 bottoms, 6 tops. A 7-day trip, 3 bottoms, 8 tops. Always more tops than bottoms because tops get stinky and no one cares how many times you wore those jeans. Leaves room for specialty items. Toiletries is another video altogether, but you need to leave room for that and electronics and other specialty items. (Like mosquito nets for safaris, or whatever).

My daughter is super excited to know you are doing Epcot followed by the Wish - just like we did! 😊

I agree with trying on all your clothes before leaving. Our bodies fluctuate and sometimes stuff I love isn’t comfortable at that time and needs to be swapped. Great tips!

More silly dancing with dog montages! 😂

This was such a great video!!! I love your entertainment of trying your outfits on with the accessories! Great job! Thank you ❤

I need to know more about that navy jumpsuit in your fashion show…

Thank you for the video, I hope your trip is wonderful! The information is common sense, but we often need a well presented reminder 😁

I love step #1! I never thought to actually write down my planned activities by day. This will come in so handy for my next trip to the UK which will include a wedding, site seeing, family chill time, and hiking. Thank you for the reminder that an outfit should make you feel fabulous. I Swedish death-cleaned my closet last month and as a result have some gaps in my closet. Time to buy something fabulous! And I love how bag selection is so important to you - the right suitcase, handbag, day bag can make a trip so much more enjoyable. Have fun on your cruise and can't wait to see your swag!

Your comment about the bin is excellent! I keep a plastic bin in my spare closet for the same reason and it really helps not to forget anything. I also use the Notes app on my phone to keep a running packing list that I can add to as I think of things when away from the house. I start with the same list for each trip and just check off items not needed and add new ones as necessary.

I type up my packing list and use a highlighter to "cross off" items AFTER I've put them in my suitcase.

The dogs eventually getting fed up and eventually leaving is my favorite part 😂 I have two big, nosey dogs so this is so me getting ready to go somewhere lol

The only thing that gets me through the hours long packing process is knowing I’m going somewhere! By the time I pack my pared down hair/skincare/body/makeup things and a couple pair of shoes, one crossbody bag, some underwear and a couple pair of pants, 4-5 shirts and 1 pair of pjs, my 21” carryon and personal bag is STUFFED. I miss bringing a checked bag, but hate dragging one around. I’m now going to try and do laundry somewhere once while we’re at our destination. I hate packing!

I was hoping that you would mention to check the size of your bags against those specified by your airline if you are flying, making sure that all rechargeable batteries in and for your devices go either in your personal item or in your carry-on (if you are positive that you have overhead bin space and it won't have to be gate checked) and last but not least, ensuring a sufficient supply of medications for inclusion in your personal item. Have a great trip!

Don’t forget to check your suitcase wheels too. Hope you had a great trip.

My daughter and I like to go through things about a month before. And yes, trying things one is a big thing. She is 12 and is growing like a weed. We have a trip in November and we have to do some shopping. Thanks, Jen. I always love your videos ❤

Where do I get the to-do pad shown at the beginning of this video? I love it!

In the trying on clothes section, there were three clips and in every one a new dog was added ahahah. I loved it, I was like 'awww a doggy....oh theres two.....OH THERES THREE' hahah loved it

I want you to know that I have watched many many videos including yours about packing. I love the idea of putting on some music and trying on the clothes, it works it really does work. Thank you

The dance of the travel outfits!

Oh and we are leaving for Singapore soon!

Enjoy your cruise!

I flat pack meaning I lay each piece of clothing flat in the suitcase and create a clothing lasagna. My theory is, less folds = less wrinkles and less volume. You can seriously fit double the clothing in a suitcase. Try it!

Great tips!

I like cute new Pj’s.. Great idea about writing things down. We just tried ( hubby and I) all our outfits on for our cruise in 26 days time. Sort accessories…and check cases…great idea. Hope you had an awesome time 👍🇬🇧

Hey girl! Want to throw some support to you for the concept of trying on your clothes before you travel… my mantra is “Be comfortable - look cute!” I find that some of the colors I used to love to wear just clash horribly with my silver hair. What a Buzz kill! So I’m doing my try-ons today for an upcoming Vegas trip and can hopefully clear out my closet at the same time. Love your channel!💕

Good info. I try and start packing a week ahead for a big trip.

Thanks you for the helpful tips. Yes I do pull out clothing and take picture of outfits I think I will pack and ponder over it for couple of days and make edits! It makes for less stressful packing! Thanks again and enjoyed your video.

I prepare early as well (actually MANY weeks. Especially if I need to purchase some items). And, I write down too. However that doesn’t stop me from being thrilled to see videos like this, and I especially LOVED your fashion show!! Keep it up!!

Currently packing for a trip I don't want to go on so thanks for pumping me up. Hop you had an amazing cruise!

So many great tips! We pretty much always use packing cubes now and they’re a game changer! Have a fantastic time on your trip!

Great video I think you should sell a printed checklist on your site

Hi Jen , love your way to try on the clothes. ❤

Hey Jen, loved your vlog. This is exactly how I pack!! 😁 You look so stylish in the Vlog. Hope you have a wonderful trip ❤️😘

Have a wonderful time! Thanks for the good info!

The fashion show montage! 😂 Love this, super helpful!

Love your necklace in this video!

You’re a cool chick and funny. 🤣Just found your channel. Thank you for the helpful tips. 👍

The dancing made me smile

I just found you Jen, thru Adam and your cruise together. You are amazing!! and so very funny, I just finished your cruise with him, now I need to go see your take on it, but first I found these lovely vlogs and I may be up very late lol! My husband works for a travel company, so we travel internationally alot, heading to Ireland soon and just got home from a Norway cruise. I'm so looking forward to following you now, thank you!

Another wonderful video, Jen with great advice - you are SO consistent! I also love the cardigan you were wearing. Bon voyage!

This was a great video because your process matches my process. I start way in advance of my trip also. One tip…I keep a list of things I did not wear in my suitcase…a good reminder. I am in the minority but I really do not like packing cubes…I just cannot pack that way.

Great tips. ❤️😘

I'm really low maintenance, at home and when I travel. I usually take the same things to every trip and if they have issues when I get home, that's when I take care of it. I don't try them on before I leave since, again, take the same thing every time. I do start thinking about the trip about a week before and go through my toiletry bag but that's about it. I try to keep my toiletry bag packed at all times so if I use the last of something on a trip, I just replace it as soon as I get home, but I do double check. I also do a car snack run about 3 days before the trip (I live in Athens just north of you and drive down to Disney). I also start checking the weather about 3 days before since you can never be sure how things are going to go any further out. No lists except a shopping list if I need one. And, sorry, I pack the night before. I have a dedicated shelf on my closet for travel items and a dedicated shelf near my clothes for bags so it's easy to just "shop" from there. I don't cruise so I know if I forget something, no matter where I go, I can always buy it.

Loved the dancing! I need more Jen dancing while trying on clothes!

Thanks for posting this helpful video, Jen ❤ I always make a list ahead of time too - so much easier when packing 😊 Safe travels and have a great cruise 🚢 🙏🎶👏🏻🤩🍀💚

Great video! Love the fun fashion montage 😃 I've been wondering what the point of packing cubes was, so I'm really glad you explained that- thank you!

Uhm, Jenn?! I didn’t know I was coming to this video for THERAPY - but love you for it. As someone who has had a ROUGH year health wise, that line about deserving to feel good in my clothes (4:38) is really hitting me. I’m going to have to sit with that one a bit. Thank you! ❤❤❤ - Brooke

I do all of this except I don't wear clothes that need ironing lol! All my ironing is done with my sewing and quilting only! Thanks

Great tips Jen. The RU-vid creator nerd in me would like to know what microphone you are using. It is great!

At first I thought I heard the dogs whispering the F…. Is happening? But then I realized they were probably saying OMG, she’s doing it again

I NEED the weekly planner you use! Where can I find it?

I’m laughing when you said something about modeling because my first thought was I need to show Jen how to walk the runway 😂😂. We are not going to talk about how long my bags have been packed for my upcoming trip! 😐And I’m still a few weeks out! 😬

Love packing video!❤

Great tips. Thank you!

Check clothing you picked up from dry cleaners. I didn't check my dresses and found out upon my final destination that they ruined a dress. It was beyond wearable but was a planned outfit. :(

I go on the same trips every year so my packing lists are on my phone in the notes section. I can delete or add as I am thinking of things. I always pack a week before and since there road trips I'll start loading the car the night before.

Love the leaping horse purse. Can you link where to purchase one?

I made the mistake of NOT trying on my outfits before my last cruise. I wasted valuable packing space on things that didn’t fit or didn’t look the way I’d imagined they would 🤦🏽‍♀️

From your list, I can see you’re doing a day at Epcot & a Disney cruise. But…you’re only bringing ONE PAIR of ears?! I went to WDW for 4 days and took 5 pairs of ears!

That navy jumpsuit (second outfit) is super cute. Do you have a link to purchase?

You didnt mention a list. Having a packing list takes all the stress out of trying to remember everything.