Call us crazy but to us there are three favorite things about taking a vacation. One is visiting sunny and exotic locales; two is spending quality time with our families away from computers and video games and three is… PACKING!

Yup! You read that right! Packing is fun for us! Which is why we love when clients asks us to help them get ready for a trip! Before we start packing we first get out our notepads and make an old fashioned list! We start this list a few weeks before the trip to get us in a holiday mood. When the list is complete we check it over and over. Making corrections and additions so that when the time is ready for the next step we are prepared.

We call the next step pre pack stack! Now is the time to take your list, go into your closets and drawers and lay things out in stacks. Find a spot in your house where your housekeeper, dog and kids won’t get in the way and start stacking. Again check it over and over each time you past by. Ask yourselves, “Did I forget my favorite sarong?” “Do I really need to bring two red maxi dresses?” By seeing it neatly layed out you will be able to make sure you are not overpacking or forgetting the essentials.

The last step is to neatly lay your stacks in your suitcase. Wrap silks and linens in plastic to avoid wrinkling and try rolling & stuffing socks, underwear,t’s and tanks in shoes, bags and small corners. This will make more room for bigger items. We also like to put our favorite garments near the top like a new bikini or colorful coverup. Seeing them in plain view gets us super excited for our trip!

Final packing words of advice: leave blowdryers at home. Most nice hotels offer them. Remember to pack a lightweight jacket or cardigan even for warm, sunny destinations. Air-conditioned restaurants are everywhere! And if your are traveling overseas don’t forget your passport!!