When it comes to packing for a trip, taking the time will make all the difference. In this first post I am going to be explaining how to pack a suit case. We will be going by air so we will have to take suit cases. Its the holiday season and its going to make it a little harder to pack but I am doing a lot of light gifts. And we will also be doing some shopping the night we get there on the 23rd.
So here is some tips for a neater more organized suit case!
Determine how much and what kind of clothing you'll need for your trip -- a weekend getaway to the country obviously requires fewer items than a week in the mountains. Will there be laundry facilities where you're going? What kind of weather can you anticipate? You won't need flip-flops for skiing, and camping trips are no place for a nice tie.
Travel toiletries should be as small as possible, and packed in sealable plastic bags for protection against spillage.
Make a travel packing list of everything you think you'll want on your trip, then try to eliminate a few tertiary items. Remember, if you find yourself in need of something when you arrive at your destination, chances are good that you can purchase it there. Does the vacation list seem reasonable? Now you're ready to pack.
The stacking combination:
Start with your shirts. Stack unfolded items on top of each other, starting with the most easily wrinkled and moving up.
Fold all the shirt sleeves together in toward the body of the shirts.
Now take all the bottoms of the shirts and fold them together toward the tops of the shirts. This should result in a largish rectangle of shirts, which you can then fit into the bottom of your suitcase.
If you have dresses, lay them down in the suitcase over the shirts-rectangle. Let the bottoms of your dresses hang over the sides of your suitcase.
Take your skirts and pants individually. Fold each in half lengthwise.
Stack all the now-folded skirts and pants next, in the same very-wrinkly to not-so-wrinkly order.
Now take the entire pile and fold it in half lengthwise, resulting in a largish rectangle of skirts and pants, which you can then place into the suitcase on top of the shirts or dresses. If you have dresses, this is the time to fold the bottoms over the pants-and-skirts rectangle.
Fit shoes, which have been stuffed with underwear and socks, into the empty spaces in your suitcase.
Continue your game of packing-Tetris with toiletries and accessories.
The Daily Plan method:
Decide on an outfit for every day you'll be traveling.
Pack each outfit in its own large resealable plastic bag -- the rolling method works well for this packing style.
Place each plastic bag in your suitcase, along with your plastic bags of toiletries, and shoes.
The Rolling Method:
Lay each item of clothing you'll be packing out on the floor. Partially fold them -- fold pants in half lengthwise, and shirt arms neatly to the back of the shirt.
Starting from the bottom of the article of clothing, roll tightly until you reach the end. This should result in a neat cylinder, which you can then fit into your suitcase -- think of it as playing clothes-Tetris.
Place heavier items like pants and jackets in the bottom of your travel suitcase. Shirts and skirts go on top of these.
Underwear and socks should be rolled as well and placed inside shoes, which can go either at the sides or on the bottom of your suitcase.
Very delicate or otherwise unrollable items like blazers and fancy dresses can either be placed flat at the very top of your suitcase, or hung inside a separate garment bag.
To avoid crushing bras, place softer items inside the cups, and try to nestle them in a corner of your suitcase.
Leave room in the center of the suitcase for your toiletries bag(s). A snug place in between your clothing cylinders should prevent squashing and spilling.
Quick Tips:For extra protection, place each pair of shoes in a plastic bag. Be sure to fill the shoes with smaller items first, though -- don't forget to maximize your space!
Guard against the most heinous luggage-loss woes by packing your plastic bag(s) of toiletries in your carry-on bag, along with your most valuable items, and one change of of clothes.
~ I know that this sounds like a lot but I personally think its much better to be organized that to be without stuff you need. I have traveled a ton of places with my husband. He is rarely organized and if it wasnt for me, he wouldnt have anything he needs. But I cant do that. I really take the time to get it all right so we have no surprises! ~
More to come!!
K Jaggers
♥
