To keep yourself as organized as possible, break down your week-long trip packing list into four sections:

• What you’re going to wear on the plane
• Your personal item (small travel backpack, etc.) that goes under your seat

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

• Check the weather at your destination. This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.