I started packing for my trip last night. This is good and bad at the same time. Good, because I’m working today and don’t have very much time between getting home and having to be at the airport so at least I’m being organised, but bad because the more time I have to add things to my suitcase, the more I do.
I’ve got five t-shirts already (above), is that excessive for 35 days travel? It’s so hard to say. Five tees and three pairs of pants and one short sleeve shirt and one long sleeve shirt. But that’s not all…
Presenting: A gratuitous ‘iPhone pictures of my suitcase’ post:
As well as my things, I’m also taking a couple of Isaac’s things over for when I see him in New York. As you may know, he went to Paris intending to come back after three weeks (and only packed for that amount of time) but never really did. So he’s lacking a bit in the wardrobe department. Those brand new navy chucks are his. They don’t call me a good friend for nothin’.
One dress (so far), two pairs of shorts, a skirt and two sweaters added to the mix…
That green bag is full of my toiletries. That little one next to it is also. This is actually quite good for me, especially as I am taking toothpaste and shampoo and cleanser and toner and moisturiser and all sorts of other stuff. The bag on the bottom right hand corner is underwear. Yes, it’s all folded, and yes it is in a zip lock bag. Yes, I’m weird.
Socks! and tights! (Also zip locked.)
Two pairs of shoes (and a pair I’m wearing on the plane). Again, zip locked.
What do you reckon? I think I’ve done quite a good job so far. Someone told me today that the roll technique is much better than what I’ve got going on, but I like my zip locked bags and folded piles. But then again, talk to me tonight when I’ve added about two more dresses and at least two more sweaters…
Not long to go now!
The rolling thing DOES work but once you get to the destination and rummage through it once, it just becomes a big mess that seems to have evolved like a pokemon into thrice the amount of crap. Pack like you have [less but bulky] so you don’t squeeze more crap in for on the way there, then aplly the roll technique to fit in the extras when you come back.
Love the zip locked bag thing! I go so far as to ziplock my tops, sweaters and bottoms as well. So much easier to find what you want quickly! Also, everything slips and slides around so i like to think there’s a little party going on in my suitcase.
Overall I think you’ve done a crazy good job of editing too! On my last week long trip I took 3 overcoats, 2 sweaters, 3 cardigans, jeans, pants, shorts, 3 skirts and 5 pairs of shoes; and still proceeded to raid my sisters wardrobe once there.
I fold things into each other – if that makes sense. So if I’m taking a heavy coat, I pack all the little things into it and zip it up. This works if you want to keep “outfits” together as well.
I am a stacker myself. Tried the rolling thing once because of its supposed anti-wrinkle effect, but my silk shirts came out more wrinkled than ever when I got to my destination! A tip that I am keen to try out is running the bath and hanging wrinkled shirts in the bathroom so the steam basically smooths them out, but there is the prerequisite of having a bath/decent sized bathroom at said destination…
http://enya-abeautifulmess.blogspot.com/
Looking good katherine! http://thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com/page/3
Also are you still thinking of getting yourself a pair of dub monks, your time overseas could be the perfect opportunity.
Re: Aidan keen – Wow, thanks for looking out. That picture has really gone everywhere! Too bad my hair is a full on windswept mess. I AM still looking! If there’s one thing I’ll be looking for, it’s them.
Sweet Jesus! I DIG it! When I lived in Japan I found these crazy bags for packing that were giant Ziplock (but not Ziplock of course) bags and that you could then squeeze all the air out… like DIY freeze drying your packing!! Ultimate!