I travel quite a bit, so I’ve got the art of packing down to a science. Obviously we’ve all been grounded right now, but that doesn’t mean the occasional road trip is in your future. Whatever type of trip it is, organization is key. I’ve culled down my efficient packing tips for a long weekend getaway, and hope these will help you pack quicker and adeptness!

Cardigan sweater (under $25) // Denim // Tile bracelets // Lay flat travel duffle bag c/o // Vera tote bag c/o // Hanging travel organizer c/o

Generally speaking, I’m a suitcase with wheels type of gal. However, when we do a road trip or head out for a long weekend, I usually stick to packing in a duffle bag. It’s one of those bags that isn’t super cumbersome and makes it easy to stick to a strict packing list since space is at a minimum.

Let’s be clear. I am not an advanced packer. I know some people who take the entire week before their travels to pack. I am not that person. I like to pack the night before my trip, but to each their own! For me, packing the night before allows me to get completely in the mindset of my upcoming trip and I also like that the weather report is much more accurate.

Efficient Packing Tips for a Long Weekend Getaway

The travel bag you use is key 

I’ve tried my fair share of duffle or weekend bags over the years. My top two needs in any weekend bag are the following: an adjustable shoulder strap AND interior pockets. I don’t need to be schlepping a heavy bag through the airport or up to our hotel room, that can’t be carried by a shoulder strap. Been there, done that. It sucks! One brand I’ve loved and makes a killer assortment of weekend and travel duffle bags is Vera Bradley.

Keep your shoes to a minimum 

Shoes are SO hard for me! Depending on a variety of factors, I try to stick to no more than 2-3 pairs of shoes: a pair of flats, a pair or running shoes and a pair of heels. Sometimes our long weekend getaways consist of going to my family’s farm, which means I’ll only need a pair of running shoes for the day and a pair of flats for the evening. Regardless, take closely into account what you’ll be doing for the long weekend, and that should help you to better determine which shoes to bring along. Plus, I usually wear one of my pairs during travel… one less pair to worry about packing!

Prevent overpacking with a checklist 

Every time I travel, whether it’s a long haul trip or simply a couple of days, I make a packing checklist. I simply use a piece of paper and write out everything I need. A weeks worth of undergarments, check. Chargers and my jewelry holder, check. Whenever I add the written down items into my bag, I check the item off my list. That way I stay organized, stay on task and avoid overpacking.

Keep travel-sized products on hand 

One thing I highly recommend for efficient packing, is to always keep travel-sized beauty products on hand. I keep my travel-sized products, like skincare, shampoo and pre-packed medicine all under my sink and packed up in my travel toiletry case so I can just grab it and pack it up as needed. So as to make sure I don’t leave something out of my travel toiletry kit, I always replenish it with items once I return from a trip. Plus, I always pull out the items I use on a daily basis the evening before my trip – my eyeglasses, mouthguard and deodorant. I’ve been loving using this hanging travel organizer because it’s spacious and efficient! Plus the print and color is so fun.

In case you need some long weekend getaway ideas, here are a few Adored by Alex travel guides to read: South Padre Island, Texas and San Destin, Florida. Safe travels!