08/27/09
Suitcase Envy
Need to pack for a trip away and not sure where to start? Think you've got it worked out and then can't close your suitcase? Packing a suitcase can be an art, but not complicated.
Before you get started consider:
- duration away
- activities you will be doing while away
- climate at destination
- accommodation and whether you have access to things like closets, irons or hairdryers
- appliances; if you are going to another country, you may need to think about adapter plugs for those you may want to take with you
- choosing whether a suitcase or a backpack is most suitable for your trip
- length of time spent on transport and what you'll need, e.g. in an airline cabin on a long flight, to keep you comfortable and refreshed on arrival
There are many in-depth articles around on this subject so I'm not even going to attempt to reinvent the wheel here, especially with the little amount of online space I have to dedicate to this topic. Instead I thought I'd focus on basic hints and consolidate some already ‘established' methods for you complete with video links which ‘demonstrate' how and save you some ‘viewing' pain - boy did I watch some horrendous versions before settling on these ones for you!.
Basic Packing Tips: Rhonda Baron of Baron International LLC. It's rare to find someone with an easy to listen to personality who can demonstrate well. Rhonda is one of those. Here are three of her You Tube videos. She has many others if you want to access them. Click on the following headings to access the links to Rhonda's wonderful tips.
Order of Clothing Items to Prevent Wrinkles: Starting from the bottom and working up.
- Put shoes on the base of the suitcase, socks can be stuffed into shoes that need them
- I also suggest packing a plastic bag for any items of dirty laundry while traveling and en-route home. (nothing worse than having grubby stuff packed in with clean)
- Less wrinkle prone shirts and knitwear on the bottom
- Easily wrinkled shirts (folded & or rolled)
- Dresses (for the gals) •
- Top off the pile with any long pants then jackets or men's suits
- Underwear and accessories can be rolled and placed around the edges or fill gaps
Other Stuff:
- Keep toiletries well contained to prevent spillage
- Don't forget to padlocks your bag and use some kind of identification marker such as a bright ribbon tied to a handle to help you find your bag quickly on the baggage carousel.
Wrinkle Free Folding Tricks:
- Shirts: Linda Koopersmith, the Beverly Hills Organizer.
- What I particularly liked here was the easy folding method which is the one I have always used - as for the use of plastic in-between? Depending on the length of time shirts are ‘in' transit. I have gotten away without the plastic for short trips of say max 5 hours (base to base, including travel).
- T-Shirts: Apply the same folding technique to t-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts, then roll them from bottom to neckline. It does work and it saves space (no plastic required).
- Dresses: Gotta love this one, very proper! Wayne Fitzharris, IGBH, The International Guild of Butlers and Household Managers, Butler Training. There's nothing like watching a bloke fold a frock. You will notice the technique is similar to a dress shirt.
- Mens Suits, All Jackets & Pants: Gabriela Garzon is the principal of G.G. Image & Etiquette Consulting in Miami, Florida
- Jeans: A suitcase is a drawer after all, and I doubt you will pack this many pairs! Rolling Jeans is one method Folding in half and lying them flat is another. They don't require much TLC. Thanks to dearGirlieLetter for this great tip.
- Basic Knitwear: Thanks to Melody Mann at Expert Village for this one.
Interactive Travel & Packing Checklist: Packing List Online (you will have to live with the spelling mistakes however).
Bon voyage!
© Angela Miller-Davis. For more tips and ideas visit the Less Equals More website. Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle through her consultancy Less Equals More, Brisbane. Click here for Angela's Blog. Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).
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