This is the second entry for packing smart and traveling light that I wrote at the beginning of November. You can see part one here.
Well, off we go again, this time to Orlando for business. No kids again. I am trying a second packing method for this trip. I take my inspiration from an article I read on Martha Stewart’s website. Please note that this is an adaptation of Martha’s version that involves dry cleaner bags and packing hangers. I call it the Ziploc method for this reason:
- Take a good evaluation of what you will be doing each day of your trip and plan each outfit you will be wearing. You may have 2 bags for one day if you are going out in the evening or plan to workout.
- Fold/roll each outfit together, set accessories and undergarments on top, and slip into a large freezer bag.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag and put it in your suitcase.
- When you are finished with an outfit while on your trip, just put it back in the bag and then you never have dirty laundry mingling with clean.
I include a bag for extras, like pajamas or swimsuits. If I want to have options for varying weather, I will put them all in the same bag. For example, I wasn’t sure if I want leggings with a particular skirt but I included it in the bag with that outfit. You could also use a separate bag for any electronic gadgets and cables.
Basic packing rules that I try to follow include wearing the most bulky items on the plane and laying out dresses and large sweaters or jackets across the length of the suitcase then nesting the ziploc bags into them. My toiletries don’t vary on how they are packed compared to the first packing method.
Why I chose this method for this trip:
- I knew what is was doing each day and knew exactly what I wanted to wear. We go to Orlando every year so the weather and events are not a surprise for me.
- I will need to look more pulled together this trip and will not be shopping to add to my selection. This means I need to be certain I have everything for each day.
I have had great success using this method with my kids. Our 3 year old, J, can pick out a bag in the morning and get himself dressed. Everything is there for him. Then the dirty clothes are not getting lost in with the clean ones (maybe I have said this already, I just really don’t like smelly laundry).
Tell me if you try this or any thoughts you have. What is your biggest pet peeve while traveling?
Related blog posts: Minimized Packing, Part 1. Note the comments made by others. They give some really great tips too!
Helpful Links:
SimpleNotebook’s Tips to Travel Overseas with Babies and Kids