Traveling is a time to let go and to let the course of events just take us for a ride. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in a mess. If you’ve read Seven Tips for Packing Light, then you know the key to traveling in comfort is contingent upon how much you bring. But what if your toiletries and clothes are always scattered across the hotel room, friend’s couch, hostel bed etc.? Even 20 items can begin to look like a mess. Let’s break it down based on the essential items that accompany us on a trip:
1. Toiletries
The problem—The following items have a tendency to be left sprawling on countertops
- toothbrush: find a traveler’s toothbrush that can fold into itself
- toothpaste: a small traveler’s container will suffice for the first part of the trip. Depending on the length of your stay, you might want to purchase a larger tube at your destination.
The solution—a mug or glass
Find a cute mug or glass at the local thrift store that will house your toothbrush and toothpaste during the duration of your stay. It’s better to air dry your toothbrush in a mug so that it doesn’t grow something strange in its container.
2. Clothing
The problem—Shirts, pants, skirts and dresses build up on a guest bed in a matter of minutes when you’re having fun on a trip.
The solution—categorize and rank
Take a look at your clothing and decide what you will be doing in them and how frequently. The most straightforward example: a bathing suit will be used for water activities and possibly a visit to a spa. If I am in Hawaii, I will be swimming often so this is something I should keep hanging so that I can: 1) keep it dry 2) access it. A fancy dress (I like to bring one wrinkle proof dress) might only be worn a couple of times during the week. Items like these can stay in the traveling bag.
Hanging the clothes you will be wearing frequently will keep them in plain sight. This will also help air them out as a light packer will be wearing items more than one time.
3. Dirty laundry
The problem—dirty laundry can pile up quickly when you’re packing light. It can also be hard to organize when you don’t have a hamper.
Solution-Bring a mesh bag for your laundry for easy hauling to the laundromat. Shirts and pants can stand to be worn a few times before washing them.
Top 3 Reasons for Staying Organized on a Trip:
- Who wants to come home from the most incredible day on vacation to find a bed (that isn’t even your own!) covered in your clutter?
- Being organized means everything is accessible. This is the key to utilizing what few items you brought on the trip.
- It makes packing to go home or to your next destination extremely easy!
1. Make a list: A list will determine what you absolutely need. Checking it off as you pack will eliminate packing too many pairs of socks or the two extra shirts. Decide and pack only what you need for the number of days you will be away.
- 1 top per day
- 1 pair of pants/skirt for every 2-3 days
- 2 pairs of shoes. One dressy pair if necessary, one comfortable pair for walking.
2. Accessories: I like to bring only one necklace, one pair of earrings and one scarf. I do not want to risk losing a favorite pair because I left it on the hotel dresser and put another one on. I also do not want the stress of keeping track of valuable items. If I do not bring them, I can not lose them.
3. Toiletries & Medications: I like to travel with a small separate bag (which fits my purse or doubles as my purse) where I place toiletries/medications (in a Ziploc bag), a sweater and socks and a book, cell phone charger, etc. It’s handy to have these items with you on the plane. Keeping these items separate eliminates the possibility of losing them if your luggage gets lost.
4. Safety and Recycling: Minutes after getting off the plane in Paris, my friend broke his arm as he flung his garment bag over his shoulder. Remember, there are dry cleaners and laundromats nearly everywhere. You can also pick up inexpensive toys or beach equipment at a local thrift store and re-cycle the items back when you leave for home.
5. Start Packing Several Days in Advance: Doing this gives me the opportunity to think and re-think everything I pack. I usually set the suitcase out 4 or 5 days in advance and throw possibilities in. I re-pack later making the final decision.
6. Roll It Up: I find this to be the best way to pack and fit all that I need. Rolling offers pocket of space for smaller items.
7. Leave Space: This provides the opportunity to bring gifts or a new outfit home.
Top Three Reasons For Packing Light
- Carrying a heavy suitcase from house to car, around airports and hotels just isn’t fun. Remember my friend in Paris.
- Keeps decision making about outfits to a minimum.
- I pack and re-pack and still come back having not worn a couple of items.
Enjoy Your Vacation!
Traveling to New York to visit a friend, amongst the hustle and bustle of all that is New York City, I came across the Medicine Cards by Jamie Sans & David Carson with beautiful illustrations by Angela Werneke. Have always enjoyed these spiritual cards. They directly speak to me each time I draw them. Today is no different. On my dog Winslow’s 7th Birthday, I drew “The Dog” card. The card for loyalty.
As the authors write, “Dog has been considered the servant of humanity throughout history. If a person carries Dog medicine (s)he is usually serving others or humanity in some way. Like the dog, I enjoy helping people bring peace and harmony to their homes and lives. Clarity often comes to people when there is harmony and balance. When the home is free of clutter, the mind is at rest from trying to sort through stuff to find things. Two of the questions asked if one draws this card are:
Have I recently forgotten that I owe my allegiance to my personal truth in life? What a good question to ask ourselves. This question comes at a good time for me as I begin a new year tomorrow; it’s my birthday. What is my personal truth? How do I work towards honoring my truth?
Have I been loyal and true to my goals? Another question to unveil another part of who I am. I ask myself at each new year a similar question.
What are my goals for this new year?
- Improve my business by 20%.
- Take an extended exotic vacation.
- Be the healthiest I have ever been.
What are your goals? Let us know what they are.
