This post is all about how to not leave anything behind when you’re packing.
Have you ever lost a valuable possession during your travels because you didn’t think there was anything in that one spot that you didn’t check? I can help you with how to not leave anything behind.
I have been there many times as I’ve been growing up. The worst habit I have is leaving behind necessities whether it’s before the trip, after the trip, or both.
I’ve left toothbrushes and undergarments at home when I take a trip six hours away.
I’ve left my favorite pillows or stuffed animals in hotel rooms when I went on vacation with my family. (Those were the saddest to leave behind).
Even if you’re a professional at packing and have yet to leave anything behind, extra precautions are never a bad idea.
Let me help you become a less forgetful traveler (unless you already know most of these then just read for fun). Here are 5 ways to not leave anything behind.
This post is all about how to not leave anything behind when you’re packing.
Disclaimer
I am not a packing guru. My memory is terrible for sure. These are the tips that work for me. What works for me may not work for you. This post is for informational purposes only. I cannot guarantee that you still won’t leave items behind (which would really suck btw because I know we all try so hard to remember). All content on this site should be used at the reader’s own risk.
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Let’s Begin.
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How to NOT Leave Anything Behind When You’re Packing
1. Have a Packing List
Now, this tip should be a given. If you can pack without a list and still arrive at your destination with all the items that you ever needed, then why are you reading this post?? Maybe you’re trying to find my packing flaws.
Let me know because I still need help. My tips can only do so much.
When I write packing lists, I create more than one. I have a list for clothes, toiletries, wallets/ purses, and a list for the car.
It seems like a lot but this way it allows me to grab everything into categories.
I’ve tried having one long list but I’ve noticed that since the list is so long, I tend to skim and tell myself that I already have it from memory when I actually don’t.
But all in all, a list will definitely help you not leave anything behind.
2. Make Two Sets of Checkmarks on the Packing List
When I say to make two sets of checkmarks on the checklist, I mean to go over the checklist at least twice.
I have to actively look at every noted item and physically hold the item in my hand to ultra verify that I have it with me.
Yes, it seems extreme but it has gotten to the point of me leaving so many items behind that this is the only way for me to ensure I have it all together.
3. Have a Partner Check Over Your Packing List
I feel that having a partner to check over your packing list is beneficial because they do not already have a preset memory of what was previously packed. So, they are going over your list with an open mind and no previous influence. (Did what I just said make any sense?).
If you don’t have a partner or anyone that can check over your packing list, you can always just check over your own packing list a third time.
If you do have someone that could go over your packing list but didn’t want to expose your list to someone else in fear of judgment or embarrassment then you don’t have to (Obviously!)
You can just go over the packing list a third time in this situation too.
Psh, if you really think checking over the packing list the first two times was enough already then you don’t have to listen to me. You never have to listen to me! I’m just trying to share my insights.
4. Check the Bathroom Right Before You Leave the House, Hotel, Car, ANYWHERE
I am notorious for leaving important toiletries. The toiletries were always my downfall. It’s mainly because I use my toiletries the morning I leave for the trip and then I forget to repack them again.
In fact, on the last road trip I took, I forgot to bring my toothbrush! Yes, my toothbrush.
I was on vacation with my boyfriend and we are too lazy, part-time working, young adults who didn’t want to spend money on items that we thought weren’t necessary.
So, I ended up sharing his toothbrush.
It sounds disgusting, I know. But we love each other so much it didn’t matter.
Don’t get me wrong, I tried not to think about it and would super scrub the brush under the water before and after each of my uses.
I also forgot my facewash so I had to use the hotel-provided shampoo.
Luckily, I had all of my other skincare routine items to keep my face pH balanced and moisturized. You can read about the skincare blog post whenever you need some skincare inspiration.
There are more that I have left behind that never came back into my life such as my sunglasses (that I lost for the THIRD time), my favorite princess pillow since I was a child, and my favorite stuffed animal puppy.
Sad sad times. I’m still upset about the princess pillow and stuffed animal puppy if you can’t already tell.
5. Check Under EVERYTHING
This tip is mainly for when you are spending the night anywhere other than your home such as a hotel (Well I guess it could be applied to anywhere really).
By everything I mean check literally everything.
Check every cabinet. Every bed sheet. Under the beds. Under the tables. Every drawer. Under pillows. In the closet. Even behind the window curtains. And then check all those places AGAIN.
You don’t have to feel ridiculous checking everything over and over again. It’s much better than losing a valuable item forever.
I lost my princess pillow and stuffed animal puppy from not thoroughly checking the hotel rooms for my items (why didn’t my parents not help me when I was a small child!).
All of the items that you leave behind might end up in the hands of a room housekeeper. I didn’t say that it will. Just that it might. And they’ll get your precious possession in addition to the tip you left them.
Ending Note
Honestly, even with all these tips implemented into my packing routine, I still manage to leave behind something.
These are all the tips that I have for now. I am sure I will discover other methods of being less forgetful as I go on more journeys in the future.
Let me know what you thought of all my products above and what you use instead. Have a good day!
This post is all about how to not leave anything behind when you’re packing.
According to Chren says
Great tips! Making a packing list is essential, especially when traveling overseas.
Lily-Anne says
I totally agree! Packing is always my favorite part of packing.
Lily-Anne says
Lol, my favorite part of traveling I mean