Part of Living 31:27 for me includes being well managed while traveling. My hope is that instead of wrestling with excessive luggage through airports or fretting about what to wear once I get there, I can enjoy where I am and maximize my down time. Especially if the trip includes kids. This fall we took 2 different trips without kids where I was able to compare 2 different packing methods. Here is the first entry from October.
This week we are in Las Vegas celebrating my husband, Jesse’s 30th birthday, as well as his dad’s 60th. Without kids. For this trip, I needed to pack just for myself for a week of sightseeing, hiking, shopping, and going out to shows. I want to be comfortable, but remain stylish. I do not like to look like a total tourist. So, for this trip that means I need to have flexibility in my wardrobe rather than preplanned outfits for each day. Due to these factors, I decided to use an in suitcase organizer than can hold all of my small clothing items and can be nestled into the larger items. I recommend Samsonite’s Packing Cubes. I have one as seen below, but you can buy them in different sizes for all of your needs. I have found them on Amazon.
- I roll up all of my t-shirts, cardigans, and shorts and put them on one side of the organizer.
- When I am done with the item, I roll it back up and put in on the other side. Keeps any smelly laundry from mixing in.
- My larger items like dresses or jackets get layed out across my suitcase. The organizer is put in the middle of them, then the items are folder over top of the organizer.
For this trip, I have been able to keep any small loose items at bay by storing them in the great pockets in my new Heys Quadrant suitcase. Plus, no matter which packing method I use, I always keep my toiletries and bathroom items in their own small bag that can be put into any suitcase. My new Heys luggage is great because it has a whole separate quadrant that I was able to put that bag in. Now it doesn’t squish the clothes.
I have also heard that Eagle Creek products are really great too.
Next trip, I’m going to retry the ziploc bag method of packing. So far it has been great for the kids, let’s see how it works for me. Will post on this tomorrow.
What is your number one packing tip when going away? What is the one thing you never leave home without when going away (besides underwear).
Cindy
December 8, 2011 at 3:02 pm# one tip: no white shirts, at least one shirt and skirt that can be “sink washed” replaces at least 2 shirts and one “bottom” piece.
One thing you never leave home without – a nice, stylish scarf – keeps you warm if needed, and dresses up the casual shirts you packed.
Linda
December 9, 2011 at 7:46 amI have a tip I learned from watching a show on TV. I used to roll my shirts but they showed folding them into about 6″ squares and then lining them up in your suitcase like books on a shelf. I tried this on our last trip and you can fit more in, less wrinkles and easy to see the colours. My other tip is to stick with one colour palette. So everything goes together. I like blue. Love Cindy’s tip about always taking a scarf. I’m going to do that for sure! Although I always take a white t-shirt as it goes with everything and good for hot climates. Happy travels to you all!