To get the best out of a shopping weekend in New York, it’s a good idea to prepare and pack carefully. If you bring too much, you’ll slow yourself down, make your travel logistics complicated, and leave yourself too little room for all the fun new stuff you’ll be buying.
But if you pack too little, you might find yourself without your go-to essentials when you need them most. How can you strike the perfect balance, and how can you pack smart for a shopping weekend in New York?Â
Plan transportation before packing
One of the most important aspects of packing doesn’t involve putting anything in a suitcase. Logistical planning – particularly when it comes to transport – will give you a lot of insight into how much you can handle in luggage terms.
For example, if you plan to get a car rental in NYC, you’ll give yourself much more scope when it comes to storing and transporting your purchases, but you might also leave yourself less time for shopping (traffic and parking can make driving a bit of a chore in New York).
On the other hand, if you plan to use the subway and your own two feet to get around, you’ll need to think harder about the weight and bulk of what you bring and what you buy.
Choose luggage that’s easy to move with
Ideally, pick a suitcase that you can lift without assistance. Remember that New York subway stations often involve stairs, narrow platforms, and crowded entrances. It’s much easier to navigate these spaces with a compact, wheeled suitcase than with something bulkier and harder to maneuver.
In fact, you should probably avoid bringing a case or bag that’s too oversized if you’re going to be hauling it about a lot on foot or on public transport – it’ll quickly become a burden and an annoyance, even if you plan to do a lot of shopping.Â
Leave space for purchases
This may sound obvious – but leave space for the stuff you’ll buy! Any trip to New York usually ends with you bringing back more than you took, and a shopping trip is bound to result in a much heavier case on the return journey. So, leave plenty of empty room for new items.
Packing strategically can help with this. For example, rolling clothes is often more space-efficient than folding them in a suitcase. Packing multi-purpose items also helps (for example, a soft sweater can keep you warm on a chilly day and be used to wrap any fragile items you buy, so you don’t have to fill the space with tissue paper).
Wear practical clothing
Shopping weekends involve walking long distances between districts. So, pack shoes that are already broken in and that you know you can wear comfortably on hard sidewalks for hours.
Yes, it’s great to wear smart, stylish shoes and feel like a million dollars on the streets of New York, but if you can’t be comfortable in them for hours on the go, then you’ll ultimately end up regretting them.Â
Also pack clothing that you can layer and dress up or down, rather than a range of different outfits for different situations. For example, a lightweight jacket or sweater can give you options for various weather conditions without adding bulk, and something as simple as a swish scarf or vibrant earrings can add a touch of evening glamor to an otherwise everyday outfit.
Organize receipts carefully
Shopping generates paperwork. If you plan to keep the receipts for your purchases, bring a small envelope or pouch to store them in. This will make returns easier – especially if you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with store return policies before making any purchases.
Bring reusable bags
Many New York businesses charge for non-recyclable shopping bags as part of the city’s sustainability drive. You can save money and space, as well as help to protect the planet, by bringing your own reusable bags. Pick bags with sturdy, well-attached handles and heavy-duty fabric that won’t rip under the weight of heavy items.
Keep electronics minimal
Try to keep your electronics to the bare essentials. For example, unless you’re explicitly planning to take a whole load of artsy photos, leave the bulky DSLR at home and rely on your phone camera for snaps. Also, while it’s a good idea to bring a portable charger with you for long days on the go, you probably don’t need to stuff out a whole section of your bag with chargers and power banks. Pick one or two reliable necessities and use them strategically.
Prepare for airline limits
Review the baggage rules of the airline you’re using before departure and before making any major purchases. Remember, airlines charge for overweight luggage. You can save yourself a lot of avoidable airport stress by paying attention to weight limits both when you’re packing and when you’re shopping.
Maintain awareness throughout the day
New York is a lot safer than stereotypes may have you believe, but it’s still a good idea to stay aware – especially when in busy shopping districts. Keep your zippers closed and personal items close and safe. Stay aware of your surroundings, and try not to get so distracted that you lose track of your valuables.
Close the weekend thoughtfully
Before heading home, review what you purchased. If there’s anything you’re not sure about on review, dig out the receipt and return it. Remove packaging that takes up space, and consolidate smaller items into larger bags. Careful organization will make your journey home much smoother and less chaotic.
Remember, a successful shopping weekend in New York depends on restraint, awareness, and preparation. Packing wisely at the start will set you up for success throughout the trip and make sure that you have a great time without any avoidable complications.
