Packing Tips

Packing can be the worst part of a trip. Especially if you aren’t much of a planner! There are several schools of thought on what the best way to pack is, but I think it ultimately depends on the type of trip you are taking. Note: Packing liquids is a whole other class of its own.

If you are going to just one location, and will only have to unpack one time, the “core” packing method works really well for limiting the number of wrinkles that arrive with you at your destination. Basically, you should find a pouch that will hold your socks and underwear. Ideally the pouch will be about ½ the size of your suitcase. Fill the pouch with items that don’t matter if they get wrinkled – socks, underwear, swimsuits, pajamas, etc. Place your first item flat on the bed. Then lay your next item at a 180 degree angle. Follow with the next at a 90 degree angle, then the next at a 180 degree angle. Have I totally confused you? There is a great site, www.onebag.com that gives you amazing instructions and a picture! I tell you, having tried to figure out what people meant by this method, I was confusing myself. A picture truly is worth more than a thousand words for me.

Too much hassle? Try folding together. Take two like items of clothing (2 collared shirts for example) and lay them on top of each other. Fold the whole thing as one item. This helps to provide extra protection against wrinkles. Tissue paper also works well in preventing wrinkles, especially for delicate items but what a bother.

Multiple destinations can be more challenging. I personally don’t want to unpack and repack every time I arrive at a new destination, especially if you are on a tour kind of trip and are relocating every 2-4 days. It just seems like too much extra work! For these types of trips, I prefer to roll my clothes. Rolling clothes takes up less space and still allows you to see what is left in your bag. A new thing I am doing now, is “compartmentalizing” my suitcase. Mainly because I do all the packing for our family and I grew weary of either having to dig for anything my husband needed or fixing the mess he created while rooting around the suitcases. Eagle Creek seems to have a great and popular product. Packing cubes allow for sorting out your various types of clothes and keeps the suitcase much neater! As a side note, I also love the Baggallini Teenee! It has an inside zippered compartment that just fits passports. It is small enough to tuck inside another purse or carryon bag, but can also be easily carried to dinner to keep your passports safe and secure.

For any method, button all buttons and zip all zippers is a good general rule. Also, the more you can give your clothes a head start and have them wrinkle free before you fold, the nicer they will look when you arrive. (Maybe you should not take this to the extreme that I do. I used to iron my husband’s t-shirts. He quickly tired of having perfectly pressed t-shirts and practically begged me to stop. Much to my dismay, I listened to his requests. And well…also his taunting !)

While there is a slew of checklists available online, I think it is best to custom create one of your own. However, if you want one for ideas of what to include, try one from www.worldtravelguide.com. I always make sure that I have a travel alarm clock and a travel flashlight with me! You never know when the hotel’s alarm clock won’t work. If there is an emergency, you will be very happy to have your flashlight.

Now that packing seems like a less daunting task, call me! I would love to help you find a great place to vacation and try out your new packing ideas!