Getting away for a weekend should be just that, getting away, without being hampered by loads of luggage. Learn how to pack the essentials so that you’ll have everything you need without weighing yourself down and raising eyebrows. Just follow these simple steps.

Find the Perfect Piece of Luggage

This may take some time, but finding just the right bag makes all the difference. Make sure it’s sturdy, easy to carry and roomy enough to fit everything you need. Follow your preferences, whether you choose a soft satchel, hard roller case, duffel bag or whatever. Wheels are always a helpful option.

Start With a List

Decide how many changes of clothing you will need and what type. It always helps to check the weather ahead of time so that there are no unpleasant surprises. Don’t forget about things like bathing suits, shoes, socks, exercise clothing and jammies.

Assemble Your Belongings

Dig out everything that you plan to bring and assemble it in one place so that you can get an idea of how much room you will need, and whether you might need to whittle it down. Consider whether you will have laundry service available, in which case you might want to save room by bringing mix and match clothing pieces. Check off your list and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Start Packing

The best way to pack clothes so that they don’t wrinkle is to roll them up Navy style. Put shoes and heavier items on the bottom, then rolled clothes, with your more delicate items at the top. Then start stuffing the smaller items, such as underwear and socks, into the empty spaces. You can even stuff these soft items into your shoes to help them keep their shape.

Use zipper locking plastic bags for jewelry and other small items that might otherwise get lost, as well as toiletries that might leak, and to keep your toothbrush clean. All of these items can be slipped into empty niches in corners, pockets and between other items.

Pack Your Toiletries in a Large Baggie

Per TSA rules, place all of your liquids into a quart-sized zipper locking baggie if you are flying. The containers can be a maximum of 3.4 ounces. Hotel freebies and other free samples are perfect for the occasion, and after you use them up you’ll have more room on the return trip.

Don’t Forget the Most Important Stuff

Don’t get so wrapped around the handle packing your bag that you forget things like passports, tickets, credit cards and travelers checks. Also, consider any medication you may need; do you have allergies? Could they possibly flare up? Don’t spend your weekend getaway looking for a drug store. Make an inventory of critical items that you absolutely must have, and check it carefully one more time before you head out the door.