how to pack efficiently
I am the queen of last-minute packing. I hate doing laundry, I hate folding socks, and I hate fitting everything in a small suitcase. I usually forget vital things like my wallet (remember when?). So this time, as I am doing a round-the globe trip and won’t be back in my apartment for two whole weeks, I thought I would actually prepare myself instead of waiting until the last minute.
You see, I’m not just going to Italy for two weeks. That would be simple – a few pairs of dark jeans (with elastic waistbands to account for the pasta consumption), some red lipstick and you’re out the door. I’m going to the Spanish countryside to work with professionals in an intensive English program, paticipating in a semi-marathon, and spending a week in the desert. The tricky thing is that I need enough space for clean running clothes, cute boots, and baby wipes! Here is how I am staying organized – and still leaving room for cute clothing.
1.) PAPERASSE. First and foremost, I printed out all of my travel info, and organized it so that I wouldn’t be frantically lost somewhere looking for addresses when I was tired or stressed. I also haven’t left the countryside in two months, and am afraid lots of people, noise, or general over-stimulation will leave me confused. I printed out a map of each city’s public transportation system, and marked the stops near my hostels and important meeting points. I’m traveling alone for most of the journey, so sending someone my itinerary was a must – in case I was in any sort of trouble!
2.) LISTS! I am such a list girl. There are post-it’s all over my desk, stuffed in my purse, and flowing out of my pockets. Once, an entire classroom of 7 year olds laughed in my face, and when I asked them what was up, they pointed at my fesse and said, “you have a post-it on your butt”. True story. The point is that by writing everything down first, you’ll be sure not to forget it.
3.) PILES! I put everything into piles. A pile for what I’ll need at each stage of the trip! This way you can see everything laid out in front of you – you’re much less likely to forget something (I don’t think my mother quite likes this strategy, as before I leave my house to move wherever I’m going I leave a hefty “pile” of things I ditch last minute).
4.) STRATEGY! The hardest part is fitting everything into your luggage. Fold and organize everything neatly, and get the most out of your space. As I am flying both RyanAir and EasyJet, the two biggest sticklers for baggage allowance, I need to make sure that my suitcase is not too heavy! Do one final check and take out things that are absolutely not necessary. Yes! Take out those high heels, you’re not going to wear them.
With a little luck, I will get everywhere I’m going in proper attire. What are your packing strategies? Have you ever had airport nightmares?
So jealous!! Have so much fun and take loads of pictures!! x
myheartstumbles.blogspot.com
Yes packing is essential for a great trip! I also remind myself that when I pack- I am not going to a place with out stores- so if I forget something I can just pick it up there.
I am the queen of lists
omg! why am I so foolish! i forgot that im going to be shopping in the souks! not to mention going to the birthplace of mango! i need more space!
Lists are what make my packing much less stressful. Can’t wait to read about your trip!!
Excellent tips! I especially like printing out everything you could possibly need. GPS is not always reliable and it’s such a comfort to have a back up plan.
Oh, that is a lot of travel! I’ve done both the EasyJet & RyanAir shuffle, and they are sticklers indeed – safe travels, & most importantly, have a wonderful time
thanks tuula!
great tips! i need to heed them next time.
true story, one time i pretended i was pregnant. with my huge camera. people looked at me like i had a deformed illshaped child underneath my coat. but it worked.
hysterical sarah! and an excellent idea; especially since ill probably be bringing home lots of goodies from the souks in marrakech!
I’m such a messy packer too – so I love the fact that you have a list. I really should stick to writing lists before going on holidays…!
oh my gosh I love this. lists and piles, lists and piles. my parents live in canada and i live in southern california. packing for christmas gets really interesting seeing as a “coat” is a foreign object to me now. hahaha!! imagine piles of layers of semi-warm clothing trying to add up to very warm clothing. it’s a mess!!
have a great time in italy – lucky!
I am the worst packer ever! I always do it with minutes to spare. HAHA
Sounds like you going to have an amazing trip, my dear and your travel tips are brilliant. I need to remember them as Im pretty bad with packing. Kisses and enjoy it
Kisses
Ps: I’m hosting a stunning Ruche GIVEAWAY today! Hope you’ll join in
Lists are my best friend and I also use Ziploc bags for EVERYTHING. When I came home from the US I brought back so many Ziploc bags I have enough to last a lifetime. They are perfect for storing things like socks and undergarments in addition to toiletries. I also keep a second set of travel size toiletries in my suitcase (in a plastic bag of course) ready to go so I don’t have to transfer my regular stuff for traveling.
Hope you have a fabulous trip! Can’t wait to see pics! Will you get to blog while you’re gone?
I bought zip-locks this afternoon, as well as little shampoo, shower gel, etc. Thanks for the tips! And no, I’m not blogging for two weeks! EEE!
your trip sounds amazing (and definitely difficult to pack for…) have an awesome time and be sure to take lots and lots of pictures!
xoxo
Haha I’m horrible with packing…I’m totally last minute in the sense where I’m still throwing things into my suitcase when my ride is honking their horn for me to leave!
Have fun on your trip!!
that is me too – and I promised myself this time would be different!
i am such a piler!! your trip sounds like so much fun. i’m excited to read all about it.
as I read your post, I’m sitting here among a pile of dirty laundry that’s waiting to be washed…ugh….
Have the most amazing time! Can’t wait to see pics!
xx tash
Cute blog!
Follow me? I’ll be very happy if you do it!
Thank you so much!
http://www.cipollainspiration.blogspot.com
I love these tips! I’m the same way. I’m a good packer, my only problem is wanting to be overprepared. Because I’ve been caught underprepared and it blows. Haha. I once went a whole week on the greek islands wearing the same outfit because the airline lost my bag, too. That’s when I mastered the art of the carryon.