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With most major airlines now charging $25 each way to check a second bag (and some starting to charge for checking even one), it makes sense to rethink your packing routine so that you won't bust your travel budget before you get to your destination.

An organized approach to packing can also make loading and unloading your suitcase a breeze. You'll zip through airline security checkpoints and reduce the wear and tear on your luggage (and body!) that often results from hauling too much stuff in the wrong luggage through the airport.

Before you take your next trip, consider the following tips to help streamline the packing process so that you can avoid airline surcharges without giving up your personal style on the road:

Before you pack

1. Think strategically. Jot down each day you'll be gone and the number of outfits you'll need. Keep in mind the activities you'll be doing, the image you want to project and the climate you'll be visiting. Lay out on your bed everything you want to take and then pack half of it. You never need as much as you think you do. 2. Check in with your hotel before you arrive. Check your hotel's in-room amenities - such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo, etc. - so you'll know what to leave behind. On-site dry cleaning services can also help you cut down on the amount of clothing you need to bring.

3. Size matters. Check the weight and size restrictions for both carry on and checked luggage with your airline. If luggage exceeds these guidelines, fees can start adding up fast. Whenever possible, stick with carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow you to enter the aircraft with one carry-on bag and a tote for such things as wallets, cell phones, computers, travel documents, reading material and in-flight entertainment items and snacks. Wear (and then store in the overhead compartment) a jacket or coat with pockets to give you extra storage for small items.

4. Opt for soft-sided luggage. Whether you are planning to carry on your luggage or check it, soft-sided bags are the way to go. Weighing less than hard-sided bags, you can fit more clothes without tipping the weight requirements at the check-in counter. They are also easier to fit in an overhead compartment. Those with rolling wheels and retractable handles are the best to consider for mobility and comfort.

As you pack

5. Divide and conquer. Categorize the clothing you plan to bring and give them its own home before they go in your suitcase. New on the market are individual packing folders and cubes for specific categories of clothes and accessories such as shirts, socks and undergarments. These products keep personal items neatly folded, compact, wrinkle-free, and they open up space in your suitcase. Many feature mesh panels for visibility, a plus when passing through airport security.

6. Roll and compress. Rolling your clothes is another great way to maximize space. This technique can be combined with other forms of packing to fill in dead space in your bag. If the items are freshly pressed before packing, they will also have a better chance of remaining wrinkle-free. Compression bags also reduce volume in your luggage. They are ideal for packing bulky items like sweaters that take up a lot of room.

7. Use tissue paper. If you end up with extra room in your suitcase, fill in the dead space with tissue paper to avoid things from shifting too much and wrinkling or breaking during your flight. If you plan to shop while you are away, replace the tissue with your new purchases on the way home - you'll save a bundle on shipping fees.

8. Consolidate your toiletries and cosmetics. In our post Sept. 11 world, airline regulations limit the amount of liquids that can be brought via carry-on luggage onto an airplane. Passengers are limited to one clear, one-quart bag per person. To abide by this important regulation, pare down on your toiletries and then transfer lotions and liquids you need into 2 to 4 ounce leak-proof plastic bottles and place them in one-quart zip-top plastic bags. Powder-based cosmetics are also handy on the road as they are not considered liquids. Small plastic bottles are readily available at drugstores and travel websites.

Extra tips

9. What to wear in the air. On a business trip? Plan to wear your power suit on the flight. Pack extra shirts, blouses, ties and accessories to get extra mileage from it when you arrive, especially if you won't be meeting with the same people each day. On a pleasure trip? Women, opt for a versatile black dress. Layer it with a cardigan that you can wear with other things you have packed. Men, a versatile navy blue blazer is the way to go. It can be dressed up and down and may even get you upgraded. 10. Store your packing lists on your computer and update them frequently. We all have our favorite items that pack well and serve us well on the road. Although there are many downloadable packing lists available on the web, creating your own and updating it frequently is the best way to manage your own travel needs. Print it out and keep it with your "travel only" items so you'll be ready for your next trip.

Foxboro native, Mary Lou Andre is the president of Needham-based Organization By Design, and editor of www.dressingwell.com. She is also the author of "Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe." Andre drew from one of her client's Web sites, www.businessbalance.com, in creating this column.