For some of us, we have enough clothes to open our own stores. Yet according to the Pareto Principle, we typically use only 20% of what we own. This being said, 80% of our stuff is basically available for viewing only. Or is it? Let’s talk.

A debt-free shopping spree? Possible? Yes, and benefit from every penny spent, especially on clothes. To be satisfied with your shopping long-term, you may find the following steps helpful in getting yourself an excellent wardrobe.

Here are some packing tips:

Luggage Color. Warmth. Comfort. These three words define what you’ll need in clothing. Stay within a similar color family and create different looks with just a few pieces. A black outfit can be made casual with a cozy cardigan or blazer, and jazzed up with a shawl and jewelry. Comfortable shoes are essential. Don’t forget a well-stocked toiletry case, extra lingerie, slippers, and a travel clock. For that comfy at home feeling, a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt will do just fine.

Daypack. A daypack or fanny pack is a practical option for day trips or overnight stays. Carry it in front of you and attach it to your clothing with a safety pin as an added safety measure. To prevent an energy downslide, and avoid unnecessary stops to the store, pack it with bottled water and a snack or meal replacement bar. Oh, remember to include any prescription medication, in their containers, that you’ll need to take at meal times. And tuck in a mini-umbrella, just in case.

Wallet. When out of town, streamline your wallet down to the essentials. Foreign currency, birth certificate and/or passport, Medicare card, medical insurance info, debit and credit cards, telephone calling card, hotel and emergency contact numbers.

When you contact a home stager, ask for an estimate. Most home staging businesses will be happy to give you a free estimate and it is usually a quick process. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate and estimates can be a bit off. However, unless something unforeseen takes place between the estimate and the actual job itself, an estimate should be fairly accurate.

Just like any service, pricing in the home staging industry can vary over a wide range. Some charge an hourly rate and some will charge you a set fee for the entire job. Be sure to ask how they determine their fee so that you can make an educated decision. Also, factor in the condition of your home, the average amount of time homes have been on the market in your area, and the asking price of your home.

Asking price can play a huge factor in what a homeowner should be willing to pay for staging services. Some professional home stagers bring in rented furnishings, driving the price up considerably. Some simply charge too much to make it pay off. Most home sellers are not willing to invest a huge amount of cash in a house they are planning on leaving behind. Find out up front what the stager is planning to bring in and at what cost. Though expert services do come at a price, the cost should balance with the expected benefit of a higher selling price. As a rule, the higher the asking price of the home, the more one can spend to have it professionally staged.

Agent Participation

In some instances, it makes sense for a real estate agent to contribute to the cost of professionally staging a home. “As a real estate agent,” says Tony Cirelli, a Minnesota Re/Max agent from Apple Valley, “I have to look at profit margins. I analyze current market trends and what will be spent on advertising before dropping any cash into staging.”

Pat Cirelli, Tony’s wife and partner, agrees. “For the most part, an agent should be able to determine if a home is in need of this type of service, and if it would be of benefit or not. If you know it would be in the homeowner’s best interest and if you know that something will need to be done before the home is listed, it might be wise to set aside an amount of your marketing budget for staging. If it’s a reasonable fee, it is usually a worthwhile investment. It could certainly make all the difference in your showing.”

Think about where in your new home your possessions will go before you even begin packing. Take stock of the existing storage spaces in the new home you have chosen. If you can’t easily see your possessions fitting into the space, speak with your professional organizer to help you find the best storage solution provider for your needs. Together you can discuss whether custom made storage or cabinetry/shelving is an option to consider.

Pack your remaining items room by room, keeping like items together. Label and number boxes for each room, and keep a master list with contents noted by box number. Boxes holding items you will need immediately should be marked for Immediate. For example, “Kitchen – Immediate” would hold daily dishes and glasses and cutlery and those containing archival items marked for “Long-term Storage” to streamline unpacking.

Plan for unpacking

Upon arrival each box should be delivered to the appropriate room, with boxes marked “Immediate” easily accessible. Place your possessions within the appropriate storage areas, keeping in mind how you use and access each item. As you unpack, place frequently used items in sight and easy reach. Items used less frequently should be placed in drawers, or higher shelves, and make every effort to keep everything