By Bekah Landers and Claire DeFrancisci

With spring break approaching today, many have plans to travel and escape their every day routine and monotony of southern Indiana.

Packing can be stressful and sometimes last minute. Toothbrushes and chargers can be left at home so a packer would need to make a list of essentials. Here are some tips that will make packing more efficient and stress-free.

• Make a list of everything you need to bring; this is a crucial step in packing. If a complete list isn’t made, things will probably be forgotten. A list will help a traveler stay on track and avoid packing extra and unneeded items. Make a list of the clothes, toiletries, and accessories you will be bringing. Read through the list when you are finished and get rid of any items that seem unnecessary. While packing, check the items off as you pack.
• Once you have a general idea of what you’re going to wear, lay all of your things out before packing them. This will guarantee that you aren’t missing anything, and it will help gauge how much suitcase room you will need.
• Next choose a suitcase that will fit the amount of things you are packing, but also has a little room for items you might purchase while traveling. When flying somewhere baggage can be expensive. Get the most out of a piece of luggage by rolling clothing. After you fold a T-shirt or pair of jeans, roll it up like a burrito and tightly tuck it into the luggage. This technique makes more room for clothing and less room for holes and gaps in between clothes. Rolling clothes also prevents wrinkling. After packing the big items, slip small essentials like socks and undergarments into the empty slots.
• For girls, traveling with necklaces can be a pain. To avoid tangles either wrap necklaces in washcloths or put them in a gallon sized storage bag with a half inch of the necklace or bracelet sticking out of the bag. Seal around the chains and the jewelry should stay in place without tangling.
• Don’t over pack.

If making a list doesn’t relieve traveling stress, lay a day’s outfit out. Make sure to only pack enough items for the duration of your trip.

Packing for spring break is something many students at FC will be doing in the next few days. Follow these simple steps to keep traveling stress free. Stay safe this spring break.