As I prep for a much-needed long weekend in North Carolina, I realized something: I don’t pack the same way for family visits that I do for other vacations.
Hotels? Completely different story. A new destination? Next level.
But when I’m visiting family, whether it’s a long weekend in North Carolina or heading home to Bermuda, I’ve developed a system over the years that makes travel feel a lot less stressful.
And if you’ve ever found yourself sitting on top of an overstuffed suitcase trying to force the zipper closed, this one’s for you.
✈️ My Packing Secret: Start Early
I’m a notorious over-packer. Always have been. Probably always will be.
There. I said it.
Which is exactly why I start my packing prep early.
For longer trips (think 8 days or more) I’ll start thinking about packing two weeks in advance. For shorter trips like this upcoming long weekend getaway to North Carolina, I usually begin about a week before departure.
Not because I’m packing that entire time.
Because I’m editing.
I like having enough time to pull things out, consider options, and then slowly pare everything down as the trip gets closer – and of course do all the necessary laundry for anything that might be in the hamper that needs to come with me.
If I waited until the night before, every outfit suddenly feels essential.
Also… hello anxiety.
If I start early, logic has time to catch up.
📝 My Packing Method
The first thing I do is start making a list in my phone, usually by day and any events I know will be taking place.
Then I begin to pull out everything I think I want to bring based on that list.
Every possible outfit.
Every shoe option.
Every “just in case” scenario.
Then I walk away.
A day or two later, I come back with fresh eyes and start eliminating. Sometimes manually in the list and sometimes in the physical piles themselves if they’ve started migrating around the perimeter of my apartment.
Usually, I can remove at least a third of what I initially selected.
The goal isn’t to pack light.
The goal is to pack intentionally.
That’s where packing cubes become my best friend.
I organize by category:
- Everyday outfits
- Workout clothes + swimwear
- Nicer outfits for the special events
- Sleepwear
- Undergarments
- Miscellaneous items and accessories
Not only does it keep the suitcase organized, but it also makes unpacking and repacking so much easier.
Why Family Trips Are Easier
One of the reasons I love packing for family visits is because I know exactly what’s waiting for me when I arrive.
There are hair dryers.
Extra toiletries like toothpaste, floss, Q-tips, cotton balls…
The random things you don’t think about until you’re packing.
Family trips don’t require the same level of preparation as a hotel stay because you’re walking into a familiar environment.
And of all my family homes, nowhere is that more true than in Bermuda.
🌴 The Bermuda Advantage
One of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made was creating a “two-home” system. Over the years, I’ve slowly accumulated duplicates of the things I use most often. One set stays with me at my home. One set stays in Bermuda.
It has completely changed the way I travel.
There are already:
- Hair products
- Hair dryer + diffuser
- Toiletries
- Chargers
- Workout clothes
- Lounge clothes
- Sneakers, slippers, flip flops
- Pajamas
- Cover-ups ( + one basic year-round swimsuit option)
All waiting for me when I get there.
So instead of packing for every possibility, I can focus on bringing only what I actually need for the trip.
It saves space.
It saves time.
And honestly, it saves a lot of sanity.
At this point, packing for Bermuda almost feels like packing for a second home rather than a vacation. Of course, this system does require a few pre-trip phone calls where I drive my mother absolutely insane asking what’s still there, what needs replenishing, and whether the hairdryer is still working.
It’s a quiet luxury I don’t take for granted.
🧳 The Luggage I Reach For Again and Again
I’m a big believer that good luggage should make travel easier, not harder.
My favorite pieces tend to be the ones that are lightweight, well-organized, and easy to maneuver through airports. The same goes for backpacks and totes.
I want compartments.
I want easy access to essentials.
I want a place for everything – because I’m the person who likes knowing exactly where my charger, passport, lip balm, and book are at all times.
And I want something that can survive being dragged through airports, packed into overhead bins, and stuffed under seats without falling apart.
Travel is stressful enough. Your luggage shouldn’t add to it.
That being said, my fave and most consistently purchased luggage brand is Calpak. My collection started with the Luka Duffel when it was featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list and 6 years later I still love it and use it consistently.
My Luka collection has grown to now include the Expandable Laptop Tote and the 15” Laptop Backpack. And truthfully, I’m quietly eyeing the new Everything Laptop Tote Bag. That July 4th sale can’t come fast enough!
For checked luggage I opted for their Evry Starter Bundle 2 years ago and I couldn’t be happier with the purchase.
What keeps me loyal to the brand is that every piece feels designed by someone who actually travels!
❤️ Pack for the Trip You’re Taking
This might be the biggest lesson I’ve learned:
Pack for the trip you’re actually taking.
Not the trip you imagine you might take.
Not every possible weather scenario.
Not every outfit opportunity.
Just the trip.
This North Carolina trip is about family.
Good food.
Catching up.
Relaxing.
No fancy dinners.
No elaborate events.
No reason to overcomplicate things.
And honestly, these are often the easiest trips to pack for.
The older I get, the more I realize travel isn’t about bringing everything.
It’s about bringing enough.
And leaving room for what matters most once you get there. 💖
