For all of you who are heading out of town to spend time with loved ones over the Holidays this one is for you! Turns out that spending a childhood of moving internationally several times and a few more times domestically (from one state to another) I've developed a talent for packing. Until now, I've kept this bit of information about myself hidden from most people. Of course my family has always known and as far back as I can remember I've gotten the "honey, can you come help us pack?" call any time someone is going anywhere. Which is precisely why it's not been made common knowledge. I'm okay with it in this setting though, because I'll be sharing my tips with you so that you can become your own expert packer! :) Of course, there are all kinds of ways to pack and I'm sure there are plenty of good ideas I haven't come across, but these have always worked for me. The tip I'm sharing with today are my ways to save space. In another post I'll share with you another packing tip to use when space isn't as much of an issue.
The pictures I'm showing you are from our 2 week trip to San Diego this September. This is my daughter's suitcase, a carry on sized bag.
Just getting started. Underwear and socks in the pocket at the top. |
Everything that I'll be fitting into the suitcase |
Another view of the pile to be packed. Each pile is laid out as an outfit. |
The shoes that will be going with us |
Outfit laid out ready to be packed |
All rolled up, ready to be packed |
Another example of an outfit. This one has a long sleeve and short sleeve option that will be rolled up together. |
All packed up |
Everything is in! |
That's everything. In the top pocket we added her swimsuits and swimsuit covers. |
When I pack shoes, I like to put them in between each little rolled up outfit. Shoes fit nicely in those little spaces. I put them in with the top down so that the dirty soles aren't touching her clean clothes. You can also put them in a bag before putting them in or lay a plastic bag or two over them if you're concerned about how dirty they might be and to keep the soles from touching the items in the pocket above them.
Just in case you weren't sure it would close! ;) In the smaller top pocket I have her hair accessories and brush and in the larger pocket below we put her Bible and a few other books in. |
A quick picture of the hair accessories (in a separate bag) and her brush. |
A quick recap:
-Put outfits together
-Roll them as a set
-Stack outfits according to style or weather
-Place shoes on top of the stacks facing down
For those of you who like to be extra organized and prepared, you can also print off my packing list. Then on pinterest (because I LOVE that site & I'm slightly addicted) I found this great resource for packing light. There are great suggestions that I totally agree with! :)
Chelsea, this is a great post!! I'd love it if you'd write a similar post for my travel blog: Tourist Mom! Email me if you are interested!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if the packing list was a Microsoft Word document instead of a jpg
ReplyDelete