How to Pack Light

So my new favorite magazine is Shop Smart from Consumer Reports. It's full of great tips and advice on the things -- big and small; special and ordinary -- that we spend our money on.

There's plenty of good stuff to share from the current issue but the item that seems timely is their list of travel websites. As you prepare for the July 4th holiday or summer vacations, keep these in mind.

Load Lighteners
Need help slimming down your suitcase? Check out these websites:

• Onebag.com shows you how to cram all you need for any trip into one bag.
  Tip: Use space inside your packed shoes for fragile items.
• Travelite.org has suggestions on selecting the best clothes and luggage for your travel.
  Tip: to make packing easy, color-coordinate all your clothing, using neutrals as a base.
• RickSteves.com explains how to spend weeks in Europe with just a few changes of clothing. Tip: If you're not going to wear an item more than three times, don't pack it. And look for patterns and fabrics that don't show wrinkles.
• Magellans.com offers a slew of packing articles and includes an electrical adapter guide. Tip: If you're taking a jacket on the plane, stuff the pockets.
• TSA.gov lists the latest TSA rules. Did you know that you can wear a gel-insert bra on a plane but not gel shoe inserts?