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Secret Of Successful Packing
You have an important trip to make. You have a basic idea of what you need to
take... or so you think! But when you try to proceed you're totally flummoxed !!! You have
a hundred other details on your mind as well. Where do you begin ?!! Here are some
straight forward pointers to transform the "ordeal" to "organized".
What to take with you ????
Deciding what to leave behind is as important a deciding what to take. Check
this list from time to time while you're laying out things to be packed, and you'll find
it a lot easier.
Always start with a list. Planning on paper, what you'll need (according to the
plans you have) gives you an overall view and a more secure feeling of not leaving out
something important behind! Include categories for garments, undergarments, accessories
and any health or beauty needs. Check out the weather conditions in the city you're
visiting. Then pack accordingly.
To make things simpler (and foolproof) plan your wardrobe around one basic color. Black or
a neutral shade (depending on individual taste) are the most versatile and work with
almost everything. Mix patterns or shades that will coordinate with the foundation color.
Use this code: Darker colors for travel and
brighter and lighter for during the visit.
Learn to choose the most basic and workable pieces, and then mix and match. For a
three-day to one week trip you could expertly narrow down your wardrobe to this: One suit
jacket with matching pants and skirt; neutral colored pants or skirt; two blouses that
work with all pieces; two knit tops; a lightweight sweater; last but rather importantly
you must have a simple dress for evening, which can be dressed up with accessories or
dressed very simply, depending on what an occasions might demand. Scarves and other
accessories add versatility as well, but plan so that you only need to carry one set of
accessories.
Stretchable and wrinkle resistant pieces are a traveler's blessings. Be sure to give those
preference, as they are light and easy to pack.
It is good idea to pack three sets of underwear, one to wear, one to wash, and one to
spare. You will also need a couple of pairs of pajamas or two nightgowns, a scarf or two
and a shower cap.
Keep your jewelry to a minimum for security purposes. Keep your jewelry to a minimum for security purposes.
If you're going to a beach resort, take an extra bathing suit, some sun
dresses, a pair sandals and suntan lotion. If you require a hair dryer, get the
compact "travel size." For leak able toiletries, squeeze the sides of the
containers as you put on the top to create a vacuum which will hold the top down more
firmly, and put them in plastics.
For the gentlemen, if in doubt, lean towards the traditional and you can't go wrong. Build
your wardrobe around a neutral color, like blue or brown. Don't bother with formal
wear unless you're certain you will need it. Lightweight and wrinkle resistant are the key
words. A good coordinated suit and sports jacket/slacks set are most practical.
The two pair of pants can serve as slacks and each of the jackets can be worn either as a
sports coat, or with matching slacks, as a suit. A pristine cotton shirt and a couple of
sport shirts; 4-6 pairs of socks; a pair of pajamas; 4 sets of underwear; some
permanent press shorts, 3 neckties and a neutral belt. And of course, pack your shaving
kit, medicine and miscellaneous items.
Your choice of shoes is critical. Two pairs will do (an advantage you can use mostly only
if you've planned your wardrobe around one color). One really comfortable pair of walking
shoes or sandals, and a more dressy pair for occasions.
A favorite photograph or memento would make your hotel room feel more like home.
Always carry a small flashlight in your purse or briefcase.
Make sure you put your work telephone number on your bag in case your luggage gets
misdirected. If you check your luggage, bring a carry-on with you, complete with a change
of underwear, a fresh blouse, and any items of value - just in case.
What to put it all in
Air travel limits passengers to two carry-on bags. Each bag can be up to 50
inches in order to fit in the overhead storage compartments. Effective packing will help
you comply with these necessary guidelines, as well as ensure you bring only what you
need.
Try to restrict your luggage to one good-sized bag, plus a small tote. Luggage should be
light, soft sided, durable, portable and easy to close. Suitcases with wheels are very
helpful. Pack a smaller collapsible case in your suitcase for bringing back gifts and
souvenirs.
You need a purse that is big, with side pockets, zippered compartments and a sturdy
shoulder strap.
Take two sets of suitcase keys and keep your bags locked while in transit. It will prevent
luggage from accidentally popping open, and it will deter prying fingers.
Important: All luggage is ordinarily tagged with your name and address. Paste an
identification label both inside and out on each bag, or attach large distinctive baggage
tags. In addition to that, make your luggage with brightly colored tape or ribbon to make
your luggage more easily identifiable.
How to put in
Packing is deceptively complicated. But you needn't worry now. You are
adequately armed with your list (which I am sure has been many times amended and is now
final) and you have organized all your items and layered them out neatly. Now all you have
to do is put it all in carefully, to protect the clothes in transit, to make them easily
available when you arrive, and to make them easy to repack. Here's some advice to follow:
 | Put things you will need first in a carry-on bag or on top of the suitcase |
| It is important to pack tightly as the clothes will wrinkle if they slide around. |
| Place heavy items next to the suitcase hinges so they won't crush your clothes
when the suitcase is upright. Pack cosmetics, shampoos and other toiletries in plastic
bags to avoid possible spills. Fill the bottles half-way and squeeze out excess air to
create a vacuum. |
| Buy trial size toiletries or pack them in small, travel size containers. Consider
using cosmetics that serve several purposes, body and hair shampoos, moisturizer and
sunscreen. |
| Pack in layers. Arrange clothes on top of each other with the excess material
(including shirt sleeves and pant legs) hanging over the side of the suitcase. Then fold
in from bottom to top so each item is tucked inside the one above. |
| Fold slacks lengthwise on natural creases. Put first in suitcase, waistband to
the side of the case, seat of pants towards hinges, and legs draped outside case. Then
place sweater or blouse, folded in thirds, lengthwise, face down on pants, letting half of
it hang out of the suitcase at right angles to the slacks. |
| When folding dresses and skirts, put the most fragile in last. Fold lengthwise,
front down, in thirds along natural curves. Fasten zippers and buttons. Sleeves are folded
down the back. Place in suitcase, collar touching side and hem hanging out. Pack other
dresses similarly folded, placing each in the direction opposite from the beneath it.
Suit jackets should be placed on their skirts, folded in thirds toward back. When all the
garments are in the suitcase and facing opposite directions, begin carefully folding all
the ends that are hanging out into the case--one over the other--and smooth out the
wrinkles. This arranging of layers interlocks the clothes and keeps all of them from
sliding. |
| Suits: pants first. Unzip fly and fold lengthwise on creases;
place in case with seat of pants toward hinges; don't fold them inside the case yet; allow
legs to hang outside. Button the jacket and place it face on the pants, collar nearest the
hinges and bottom hanging out of the
bag. Sleeves should be folded back and flat along the length of the jacket. Now, carefully
fold trousers legs into the suitcase over the upper part of the jacket, then fold jacket
bottom over the trousers legs. Interlocking keeps everything from sliding. With more than
one suit, place the two pairs of trousers on the bottom, with the legs pointing in
opposite directions. |
| Lingerie: pack together, preferably in plastic bags which can be
used on return for laundry and wet swimsuits or washed clothes. Fold slips, panties and
girdles in thirds and roll together to make a set. |
| Belts: Place along the sides of the case. Don't roll or
they might crack. |
| Your clothes will remain wrinkle free if packed in plastic dry cleaning bags.
(This is particularly effective in hanging garment bags.) |
| If your clothes arrive wrinkled, hang them in the bathroom while you shower. The
steam eliminates many of the creases. |
| Shoes: use fabric shoe mittens. Plastic bags can mark leather.
Small items like your travel alarm clock, cosmetics, film, tissues and jewelry can be put
in the toes of shoes. Place shoes heel-to-toe on top of each other near the suitcase
hinges. |
| Stack piles evenly, leveling out layers with odd shaped or small items before
adding the next layer. Line up shoe, books, and other heavy articles along the rear of the
case. Put film, cigarettes, and other small things inside shoes and in odd corners. |
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