Packing your suitcase

PharCyDe · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Tennessee, USA

There are many trips where I've had to live out of my suitcase. When I've known ahead of time that this was going to be the case, I packed my suitcase in a certain way that made it easier. I put everything I need for one day- boxers, socks, shirt, and pants together and stack them in order. On the bottom I put the last day I'm going to be there, on top of that I put the day before the last day I'm going to be there, etc. On the very top is the outfit I am going to wear for the first day I'm there. That way you can just pull everything out one day at a time without having to dig around in your suitcase.

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

I got some of those one-way valve packing bags. I was going on a trip where the weather could be variable, so there were somethings I had to take even though I might not ever need them. You put the clothes in the bag, "ziploc" them shut, and then roll the bag to compress the clothes and get all the air out of the bag. It saves a lot of space. If I'm not throwing out my clothes as I go (see my other post under "Easy Luggage"), I put my dirty laundry in one of these bags. That way my cleans are separated from my dirtys, and the dirtys are compressed to save space.

The only problem is that, by compressing your clothes, you make even small bags quite heavy! And if you're flying on an airline like British Airways that weighs your carry-ons, you could get yourself into an over-weight situtation and have to check your bag even though it's of legal length/height/width dimensions. I pretty much avoid flying BA now because of this....

Virgilio · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

So those one-way valve bag things work!! I'm always sceptical about some of these new-fangled things advertized on TV. Been burnt once too often. What kind do you use Laura?

When I pack for a long trip I usually pack to maximize space, using the idea that things I'm less likely to use/or use later on lower in the suitcase.

PharCyDe · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Tennessee, USA

I had a friend who had some of those. They were actually very useful for him to. I always wanted to get some but he ordered his from an infomercial off of tv lol. Do you know where I could get them?

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

http://www.magellans.com/store/Luggage___Packing___Packing_Aids___OrganizersParent_Compressor?Args=

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

I always "roll" my garments when packing. My mom took a "professional travellers seminar" and they recommended this. I tried it and became hooked! Start w/largest garments first, spread them out and start layering them on. Finally, fold in the sleeves/sides, then roll the thing up. You can sort your rolls for each day, dressy/scasual, etc. I usually roll my blouses, then casual stuff/work-out & sports clothes, then slacks. They can pack into little corners of your bag or if you're neat, line 'em up. It's amazing, nothing hardly ever wrinkles! I always put shoes in plastic bags(is this common sense?) when I pack. I especially make sure I do this when packing for my return trip(have had some pretty scuzzy-soled dance shoes after a hot night out!).

allpromediaman · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

Before packing your luggage it's always good to make yourself a list of everything you want to take with you. As you pack, check off each item from your list that you packed. This helps you not forget anything, which is never fun when you realize you forgot something very important while your miles away from home.

Not only does your list help you pack, but it also can be a documented inventory list should your luggage become lost by the airlines.

Make sure you always check ahead what the weather is like at your destination. That way you can plan accordingly.

When packing your carry-on luggage, make sure you only pack items that are necessary like medicines, first-aid kits, jewelry or fragile items that you may need in hurry or that are expensive. Remember all airlines have size limits concerning carry-on luggage, so make sure you take that into consideration in your planning.[/b]

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

More links than a chain fence there, boyfriend! No ads!!!!!

Candlelight · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 25

When heading for a trip I always make a list of everything I'm going to take with me on vacations: from clothes to medicines, books, cameras...whatever. Then, a couple of days before travelling, I put everything on my bed and start organizing it in my suitcase and handbag. I always check it throughly to see if I haven't forgotten anything important.

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

I always check the 10-day weather forecast before I leave, and adjust my packing accordingly. Of course, the weather can change, but at least I have an idea as to the range of temperatures and the chance of rain or snow or whatever.