#packing-essentials

#packing-essentials

With 2025 almost in the rearview mirror, I'm placing all my focus on my jam-packed year ahead. Already on the calendar is a trip throughout Italy, a few visits to Stowe, Vermont, and a weekend in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, with more to come. That being said, I'm taking advantage of as many end-of-year clothing deals as possible so I don't have to splurge at the eleventh hour before a trip-a habit I'm kicking in the new year.

Before you start opening boxes, take time to clean your new home from top to bottom. Even if the previous owners or builders cleaned before you arrived, dust and debris can easily collect during open houses or construction. Wipe down shelves, cabinets, and counters, and vacuum or mop all the floors. It's also a good idea to sanitize bathrooms and the kitchen before putting items away. A freshly cleaned space gives you a blank slate, and an empty house is easier to clean than one that has already been fully furnished.

Polyester might get a bad rap, but it's one of the best fabrics for avoiding wrinkles, therefore making it a major asset for traveling. So, after scouring Amazon, Nordstrom, and more, I've uncovered 10 wrinkle-free, long-sleeve blouses I'll be adding to my packing list this fall to wear with every bottom in my suitcase without breaking out the iron. And, being the deal-hunter I am, prices start at just $12 with select tops even reaching up to 62 percent off.

While many big-ticket travel essentials are on sale during the two-day event, we found an astounding volume of gear under $50 that's primed for refreshing your seasonal packing list on a budget. The Prime Big Deal Days event has no shortage of packable must-haves that are both affordable and deserving of making an appearance on your next tripand we even found steals from brands like Apple, Adidas, and Puma.

Travel dresses are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward outfit—just add shoes and sunglasses, and you're out the door looking polished.

The holiday countdown is on with a pre-trip checklist designed to ensure no detail is forgotten, preventing any derailment of your well-earned vacation.