If you’re about to embark on an extended-stay vacation, it goes without saying that you’re about to make some wonderful memories for years to come. What you don’t want to remember, however, is a waste of time, money, and space because you over-packed for the trip. One of the best things about furnished vacation rentals — especially when you’re on a family vacation or a beach trip — is leaving a lot of your necessities at home because they’re already waiting for you at your destination. Here are some ideas to follow when you’re packing for a week’s worth of fun (or more).
Choose a Spot That Has On-Site Laundry
Many furnished vacation rentals offer on-site washers and dryers, and this is an amenity to take complete advantage of. Having a washer and dryer while you’re on vacation allows you to cut your clothes packing nearly in half. Being able to wash and dry your clothes also means that any spills, stains, or unexpected mess can be sorted out right then and there. Plus, no more laundry to tackle right after you return from your vacation! Also, to save space, instead of folding your clothes, roll them. If they get a wrinkle or two, simply toss them in the dryer at your destination with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes or so to fluff them up.
Think Neutrals
Even if you have a washer and dryer at your disposal, many vacationers still manage to overpack clothing. A good rule of thumb is to pack all neutral-colored clothing (grey, black, white, and beige). This allows you to mix and match every piece. While you may be wearing certain pieces multiple times, you’re not replicating entire outfits. This is the perfect time to try out a capsule wardrobe and you can find lots of inspiration for limited travel packing on Pinterest.
Limit Your Footwear
If you’re headed to a sunny beach spot such, leave the fancy footwear at home. You’ll be spending most of your time in the sand, anyway. Pack one or two pairs of sandals, a pair of sneakers, and one pair of dressier shoes, which are easily stowed in the side compartment of your luggage. Limiting your footwear means there’s more room for souvenirs from your trip and less places for sand to stowaway!
Forget the Beach Gear
Furnished vacation rentals often come complete with beach gear you can use when you arrive, such as coolers, umbrellas, chairs, and, in some cases, towels. Check your specific rental agreement for details, but in most cases you can leave all the heavy accessories at home. Some rentals even provide items like boogie boards to help you enjoy the waves! When you’re staying at a rental that’s furnished, you’ve got one less thing to pack in your car or haul through the airport.
“Just in Case” Items
When travelers tend to over-pack, it’s often with “just in case I may need this” items. While these items are small, they can easily add up quickly in luggage space. In many cases, a furnished rental will already provide the item for you (like an iron) — and if not, it’s simple to run to a local pharmacy or store to pick up an item like nail polish remover. Alleviate the stress of wondering if you should pack just in case items by asking ahead of time whether your place will have things like hair dryers, an iron, or even first aid items. This way, you’ll know what you’ll absolutely have to bring along and what can wait for the trip to the local grocery store for essentials for your stay.
Your vacation should always be relaxing, so don’t let an extended vacation stress you out before you’ve even left. By using the above tips, your extended stay is sure to be a memorable one for all the right reasons!