It’s LET’S LOOK!!!
Once a month, Erika and I host a link up where we “look” at little aspects of our lives. If you’re a blogger, make sure you blog and link up!
Here’s what we’ve been “looking” at so far this year…
In January, we looked at the coziest spots in our house
In February, we looked at our favorite reads
In March, we looked at the people in our family!
In April, we looked at our pantries!
In May, we looked at our favorite #OOTD
And today, we’re looking at what’s inside our suitcase!
Oh friends, today’s post is coming at the PERFECT time because I’m actually packing today! I am going to hop on Insta Stories as I pack and share with you some of the things I’m taking…so make sure you’re checking my Instagram account!
We’re traveling several times this summer and our first trip is right around the corner and guess what? It’s adults only. #happydance
We’re heading off somewhere warm with Tab and Erika, and my suitcase is out and ready to be packed!
Today, I’m reminding you what my FAVORITE packing tip is…YOU MUST BRING PACKING CUBES!!
I was not a packing cube person until the end of last year, and now, I wouldn’t pack for an overnight trip without them. You can read my full review HERE, but basically, look…
…all of this stuff fit into…
…that. It fits, it doesn’t move around, it doesn’t get anything wrinkly, you can pack more…THEY.ARE.AMAZING.
Since I’ve started using packing cubes, I haven’t gone anywhere without them. Here they are packed for our Disney Cruise this past Spring Break. They made getting 6 people dressed each day so simple. I opened the cube, passed out the clothes and zipped it back up. Everything was organized, everything was wrinkle free and everything fit neatly back into the suitcase.
Again, read my full review HERE.
Speaking of things I ALWAYS travel with…
…just in case we do find a wrinkle or just want to freshen something up, we bring our travel sized bottle of Tom & Sheri’s Iron in a Bottle. If you don’t know what this is, you can read my review on it HERE. This stuff really works!!!
Last week, I shared a full post on what’s inside for the trip…
…from tops to shorts, sandals, earrings, sunscreen and more, so make sure you read that HERE. I made a little widget for you below of what’s inside (including swimsuits and stuff too!)…
I’m off now to pack! WHAT IS YOUR BEST PACKING TIP!! Please comment and share!! After that, come visit me on Instagram to see what I’m bringing.
Next month, we’re looking at…
…YOUR TYPICAL DAY!
I love day in the life posts! I can’t wait to read all about yours too!
If you blogged today, please link up below! Happy Wednesday!
Erika Slaughter says
Eeeeeekkkkkkkk!!!!! I cannot WAIT!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Packing cubes are essential for trips! I can’t live without them too… I mean, how did I survive back in the day?
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sheaffer Sims says
They truly are amazing. I even pack in them when headed to the ranch!
Tara G. says
Contact lens cases – for creams/moisturizers, etc. that I don’t need much of because we rarely check baggage, even for a week overseas.
Lauren says
This may seem like a silly question, but how many do you need for a family of 6? Do you need one set per person? Thanks!! I’ve gifted these, but we don’t own any yet!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think it depends on how long your gone. If we’re gone for three nights, we only need like three sets…if we’re gone a week, we each need a set.
Nicole says
I pretty much own everything you posted today because of your previous posts!! Hahaha! Next month will you post your eats in your day too?? ?
Kate says
So, my brother is a daily ironer (not a word but that’s ok, ha!). Has his closet dedicated to ironing. I bought him this spray for his birthday last October to save him some time.I was visiting him last weekend and let me tell you, the bottle was 3/4 done and sitting right on his iron board. He LOVES it. Uses all the time! We use it as well and we aren’t avid ironers ;). Makes things easy!
Mix and Match Mama says
Really?!? I love that!! It truly is amazing stuff!!!
Amy says
Since I am in the market for new luggage, I was curious what brand of luggage do you prefer? Which do you think packs the most and holds up the best; the hard shell or traditional soft shell type? Have a wonderful time!
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, we use like Samsonite. We typically buy our big luggage at Kohl’s because they have great prices!
Kristy Moore says
I bought Travel Pro a couple of years ago. Best luggage ever! Lifetime warranty. Find a good sale though as it can be pricey.
Jennifer Wilcox says
Good Morning! I love this post with what you’re packing! Have you ever done a post on what and how to pack for a driving trip? My family and I are headed to the beach in NC from upstate NY in July and I am at a loss for what and how to pack for everyone. We are taking my SUV on the trip.
Sara says
How many packing cubes can you typically fit in your suitcase? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a good question! It depends on the size of the cubes I use, but I think easily 6 to 8!
Elspeth Mizner says
Love this post. Gave me some great ideas for packing! Can’t wait to see where you are heading off too! Have the best time!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Monica Quiros says
Tell me you guys are going to the Turks and Caicos ??! We love it there & you just gotta get there before all the mega resorts do!
Brea Withrow says
We just bought the cubes at the beginning of the year for my family of 6. I love them! But I find it harder to pack my suitcase back to come home. Any tips on when on vacation and coming home with the packing aspect.
Jen says
How do you handle dirty clothes? Put them back into the cube?
Mix and Match Mama says
If the cube is emptied, yes! If not, a garbage bag.
Kerri says
I also use the packing cubes! Also, just got an Away luggage. It’s amazing! I got the Carry On Plus. It’s great size, has the charger for phone and laptop (ideal for me when business traveling). I am usually an overpacker, but this is perfect for carry on for international. I am going to Amsterdam in a few weeks and will be taking this, and making sure I don’t overpack! It’s definitely more expensive, but worth it!
Steph says
I put everything in my suitcase on hangers so I can immediately hang it when I get to the hotel. I use packing cubes for bras, panties, nightgowns, swim, workout clothes. But I learned the clothes on hangers trick from Living with Landyn blogger chick and have loved it. I also keep a little bag with extra phone chargers, back up charger, etc and those are exclusively for travel. And I always bring a laundry bag to put all the dirty clothes into while I travel. Sometimes I bring a travel steamer but cannot wait to try your spray stuff. I like to bring my own silk pillowcase (helps my hair from being frizzy) but I ordered one from Amazon that is a bright color so I don’t forget to take it when I check out (if it were white I would never remember to take it off the hotel pillow). I use the white noise app on my phone but I have considered getting a travel noise machine 🙂
Michelle says
Besides the cubes the Packing List Checklists App! I tried the free version to see what it was like but very quickly upgraded! It syncs to the cloud so I can use my phone or iPad. Once you create a master list you can copy it and reuse! It is awesome!
Lisa says
Where is the blue shirt with small white stripes in the pic with the wrinkle spray from? I’ve never tried the packing cubes but I think I need to!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gibson at Nordstrom last June!
Diana says
Just curious… how do you handle dirty laundry when you travel with your family? We’re a family of 4, and I feel like we can never fit all of our dirty laundry back in the suitcase when vacation is over, the laundry bag is too big and doesn’t fit the same! Do you do laundry when you go on longer trips? Thanks for the tips!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just trash bags! We fill them and put them back in the suitcases.
Corbie Baugh says
Shay, is there enough room in your suitcase for toiletries, curling iron, etc? Do you pack that as carry-on seperalty?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I take my makeup with me in my carry on because that’s too difficult/expensive to replace, but the rest of it, goes in my suitcase.
Lindsey Wolfe says
I wonder what I’m doing wrong with that wrinkle spray. I bought some and I spray it on the clothes and it does nothing! I haven’t used it in a while because of that. Maybe I’ll try again.
Mix and Match Mama says
Are you shaking out the clothing after you spray it? I spray, shake it out and then if you take your hand and run it down the front, the wrinkles go away.
Kim says
Just a tip…consumer reports just rated sunscreen. Trader Joe’s spray sunscreen was #1 on the list. Coola was #24 out of 29. Thought you might want to know since TJ’s is $6 vs. $36
Thanks for the packing tips. I’m the worst at it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Really?? I’ve never tried TJ sunscreen!
Kim says
Yup! I’ve been using it for years because it’s not stinky or sticky. I was so happy when I saw it at the top of the list.
Alexa Jae says
Have you had any issues with the dye from the packing cubes rubbing off onto your clothes? I love white shirts and I love the color of the pink cubes but I’m afraid they would turn the clothes pink ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Packing cubes are the greatest invention ever. Y’all are going to have the best time!! xoxo
That Inspired Chick
Ela says
I would say my best packing tip is to save my lists from one trip to another. If I forgot anything on the trip, I’d add it to the list and keep the lists in the suitcase for the next trip. I just started this year by accident and it has helped me a lot since the hardest part of packing is trying to remember what you forgot.
I also like to stuff socks and underwear into the shoes so they don’t arrive smashed.
I have extra zip pouches for toiletries that I keep the sample sized toothpaste, lens solution, mouthwash etc in always.
Amanda @ Cupcake N dreams says
I really need to jump on the packing cubes train ASAP. My best packing tip for ladies is buying a Vera Bradley travel hanging cosmetics bag! I love that I can pack it then hang it in the hotel bathroom with all my makeup/toiletries in one spot! Using it for years!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Lea Culp says
Yes, to packing cubes! I don’t always use them but I should. I find I only use them for longer trips. And, I’ve got to check out that “iron in a bottle.” My goodness, I may need that for sure. Enjoy your “adult” getaway.
Michelle says
Saran wrap (cling film) over the bottle openings of any liquids and then screw on the caps. Nothing will leak. EVER! I also pack one of those over-the-door shoe organizers for the bathroom and keep toiletries (sunscreen, lotions, hair spray, brushes, etc etc) in it so the sink area in the hotel or house doesn’t get so cluttered!
Mix and Match Mama says
THAT. IS. BRILLIANT.
shauna says
How many suitcases do you usually need for your entire family?
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on how long we’re gone and where we’re going. When we go skiing and snowboarding for a week, we need five…for our Disney Cruise, I think we took three. If we need all of those layers, coats and boots, we need more just to maintain the weight of each one.
Denise says
What kind of carry on do you use when you travel? I have not found an option that I love yet. I typically bring an Ipad, magazines, a book, snacks, makeup, etc, in my carry on.
Mix and Match Mama says
I always bring a big tote. I like that it makes it easy to put it under the seat in front of me, and it’s easy to just reach in and grab what I need.
Shannon says
Love Trader Joe’s spray sunscreen and its so cheap! Quick question I have packing cubes for everyone and love them when we use suitcase. Just curious do you use them for a short weekend trip and if so do you put them in a tote style bag or do you always pack with suitcases?
Mix and Match Mama says
I put them in a tote style bag! It keeps things super organized!!
Kris says
Shay, what do you use to pack your toiletries? And what case do you use for your makeup? I need to replace my travel toiletry bag but am struggling.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! I need to share that! I just bought something new off of Amazon! I’ll post it ASAP. I think I even took pics of it!
Kris says
Awesome! You’re the best! Xo