Packing 101
Last month when I posted about my great new 3-in-1 dress (which I’ll be taking 2 of with me), TravelMuse left a comment inquiring about my skill when it comes to packing. I thought what better time than now, when I’m doing exactly that. Whether packing for a long weekend or a week and a half, seriously, it’s the same thing. It’s like a puzzle using as few pieces as possible to get the maximum result.
- You pack it, you carry it (thanks mom and dad)
- Pack versatile outfits and (minimal) shoes that you can dress up and down. Comfort can still be stylish.
- Pack your bag (or in my case pile everything together on the bed) with everything you plan on taking a day or two in advance (including what you’re wearing on the plane…even shoes). That way it ensures you have a little extra room to bring home souvenirs and lets you think about if you’re missing anything.
- Aim for carry on there (lose the fear of lost baggage) and if you have to check bags on the way home, so be it.
- Be brutal. What do you really need? Are you really going to wear it? or is it “just in case”? (When I had a car I used to throw everything and anything in it, but now that I live without wheels I’m forced to think about what I really need).
- If there’s something you forgot/need, buy it there! Anything from a foreign country is fun to come home with.
- Don’t be afraid of doing laundry. Washing clothes in the hotel sink takes all of 5 minutes. (check out the “mini” aisle of your local pharmacy- I just picked up some Tide for travel packets).
{“if only packing your suitcase were as simple as checking in from home” ba.com ad by BBH London via got ads?}
Joanna Goddard
May 13, 2008 at 4:04 pm //
that is so great!! thank you, really helpful xo
design for mankind.
May 13, 2008 at 4:04 pm //
OOOH, I love your dress! And amen to thanking your parents for the whole ‘you pack it, you carry it’ mentality— I’d be lost without their discipline! :)
alex
May 13, 2008 at 4:33 pm //
I am a master at over-packing. I always bring one or two things that I never end up wearing “just in case.” But this post has inspired me to pack-lite for my weekend trip to NYC this weekend and my 1 day road trip to canada later this month! Thanks Anne!
Prêt à Voyager
May 13, 2008 at 4:43 pm //
Alex, It’s totally do-able. Every time I go to NYC, I just pack my Timbuktu messanger bag and carry it with me the whole time. I’m always trying to see too many people and do too many things. So packing light and carrying it with me is my solution. And if I can do it in winter (and stay stylish), surely you can do it in spring :)
Anne
Lauren Kilberg
May 13, 2008 at 5:43 pm //
I’m moving to Prague for the summer. The most difficult aspect of this move has been the thought of packing. I’m only living over there for 2.5 months an plan on traveling a decent amount as well. Ah! This really helps, thanks for some great advice!
Prêt à Voyager
May 13, 2008 at 5:46 pm //
Lauren, I’m SOOOO jealous! I LOVED Prague!!!!…when I lived in Paris I still made it over with one suitcase I affectionately named Big Red (Marshalls or TJ Max is great for this). Weight was the main issue I had. But Prague is very affordable and without a doubt you’ll adopt some of their style, so don’t feel like you have to bring the world with you!
Anne
Alexandra
May 14, 2008 at 1:33 am //
I usually overpack as well, unfortunately… Sometimes because I just can’t decide what to take and I take all! I guess being able to do your laundry in some laudromats or the hotel where I’m staying would simplify things but sadly that’s not always possible.
This summer I’m going to Santorini so I won’t have to pack any jeans (given the heat they have there). That’s a big phew!!! I guess it’s a good idea to pack according to the lifestyle in the place you’re going to and of course the average temperature.
Thanks for your great tips!
Prêt à Voyager
May 14, 2008 at 6:50 pm //
How to Pack Everything in One Bag: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90297199
(thanks, Santa!)
Prêt à Voyager
May 28, 2008 at 5:40 pm //
Lauren has a great round up of packing resources here too (which I’m honored to be a part of).
http://www.wanderlustblog.com/2008/05/packing-like-profressional.html
Prêt à Voyager
June 17, 2008 at 8:48 pm //
more good tips: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/travel/15pracpacking.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Travel Muse
July 14, 2009 at 5:27 pm //
Anne – I can’t believe I missed this post! So glad you republished. I’ve linked you over on my site. Thanks so much for sharing your packing wisdom.