If you want to pack everything you need in a carry-on bag, but are more high-maintenance and over-the-top than minimalist, I think you’ll find my maximalist packing list handy.

People always peg me as an over-packer, but I’m not. I’m just an over-planner. While packing for a trip can certainly be a process for me, I rarely find myself forgetting things or running out of outfits. The secret is to have a packing list, a travel toiletry bag that’s always stocked and ready to go, and to plan out your outfits (I literally write mine down) to make sure you’ve brought items that can be interchanged and worn for multiple occasions. It’s easy with a good carry on bag, like the one I recently received from Ricardo Beverly Hills.

I’ve always kept my OCD-esque packing lists to myself, until I took a trip to Big Bear with a friend and found myself in her room while she packed manically the night before our early morning departure. I decided to read off my list for her, since she probably needed most of the same items, and realized that my list might come in handy for others too.

So, here it is, maybe you’ll find it helpful? I tend to keep mine in my notes app and use the checklist format so I can cross things off as I go.

Packing List

• Skincare stuff
• laptops + chargers
• Purses
• Sunglasses
• Masks
• makeup bags
• Makeup brushes
• Jacket
• Zinc + additional vitamins
• jewelry
• lingerie
• swimsuits
• underwear
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Comb
• Deodorant
• Inhaler
• sneakers
• workout outfit(s)
• Travel toiletry bag
• Pajamas
• socks
• strapless bra/bras
• camera
• Flip flops
• Baseball cap
• book
• Makeup remover
• Phone charger
• Portable charger

This list is all encompassing for me, and generally still allows me to fit everything into a carry-on so long as I plan my outfits strategically and around no more than four pairs of shoes. Of course, for certain trips I modify the list slightly and for every trip I start fresh with the outfit list (keep scrolling for an example of this).

Certain items on this list are general because I already have them packed. For example, my travel toiletry bag is always stocked with first aid items (Pepto Bismol, Band-Aids, Benadryl), hygienic items (toothbrush, Q-Tips, shampoo, perfume) and beauty items (hair ties, makeup remover, moisturizer).

I recently transitioned to using the Martha Large Briefcase from Ricardo Beverly Hills, which I love not only for the cute snake print, but because the interior bags are actually detachable, so you don’t take up all the hotel sink counter space with your toiletries (seriously, this was an issue for me prior to getting this organizer). Same goes for my makeup bags, which I always just bring as is.

If the idea of having a travel toiletry bag ready to go at all times sounds psychotic, I understand. However, keep in mind that for about two years of my life I was essentially traveling full-time, so it made sense for me. Also keep in mind that I get tons of free samples of skincare products, etc., which helps me have extra stuff that I can always keep in the travel bag. But really, even if you’re not getting freebies all the time, I bet you have a mini toothpaste from your dentist or you can take a few capsules of Advil from your medicine cabinet and put them in a tiny Ziplock bag to be travel-ready.

If you have to buy yourself some mini Pepto or a new pack of makeup remover like I did, it’s a purchase that will probably last you a long time. Not to mention, it’ll definitely save you time. Nobody wants to wake up in a new city needing tampons and have to take a cab with period cramps. Doesn’t it sound better to be prepared with feminine products, painkillers, and your other fave remedies so you can curl up in a hotel bed and order room service? I thought so too.

Here is an example of my list for my recent trip to Miami.

Miami:

Airport: snake dress/ sneakers

FRI:

DAY: yellow bikini/ RESA skirt/black slides

NIGHT: yellow suit + yellow bra + white heels 


SAT:


DAY: white bikini/mint pants/ silver sandals


NIGHT: Mint pants, white thong, white bandeau or NG top, silver heels 

SUN:


DAY: Ark snake bikini + black kimono + black slides 


NIGHT: White Fringe Set or white jeans/nude top/white heels 


MON:


DAY: white teeny bikini/ RESA skirt/black slides


NIGHT: Airport outfit

ALT DAY:

red one piece + red sunnies

Yellow Bo + Tee set

Nude Tobi set

• laptop
• makeup bags
• Makeup brushes
• camera
• strapless bra/bras
• Ponytail
• jewelry
• Makeup remover
• Zinc + additional vitamins
• Jacket
• Pajamas
• lashes
• tampons
• Travel toiletry bag
• Skincare stuff
• workout outfit
• Comb
• Deodorant
• Inhaler
• Baseball cap
• Chargers: phone 
• underwear
• swimsuits
• socks
• Masks
• Sunglasses
• Purses
• book

Did I end up wearing all these outfits and/or wearing them all on the exact days? No. Did I have enough outfits for my four-night trip? Absolutely.

Plus, I was able to fit all of this into my brand-new Ricardo Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive carry-on suitcase. My old carry-on was soft and a bit oversized and the gate agent nearly always would make me check it at the gate for fear that it wouldn’t fit on the plane (even though it always would). This Ricardo suitcase is hard-shelled so there’s no argument that it won’t fit, but it’s surprisingly roomy inside. It also has four rollers, so it’s super easy to just glide through the airport with. The two-sided layout allowed me to put my clothes on one side, and my shoes and toiletries on another.

Another travel hack I use is Fashion Pass. You can read more about my full review of the fashion rental service here, but essentially I will order my latest rentals to my hotel or destination and then return it before my flight home, so that I have clothes for vacation that don’t have to take up space in my suitcase. You can use my code ASHLEYGIOV for 30% off your first month.

My last packing hack, in case you haven’t already utilized this is to take advantage of all negative space in your bag! It’s pretty common for me to stuff any shoes or purses with socks, underwear, or even rolled up crop tops. Of course, this isn’t super convenient if you plan on living out of your suitcase, but I like to unpack everything, so it works for me. Even if you don’t unpack everything, a suitcase like my latest one makes it simpler since you can open it like a book and see most of your stuff at once.

Thank you Ricardo Beverly Hills for sponsoring this post!