How To Pack the Perfect Suitcase…

Now that summer is upon us and the tank tops and flip flops are in full swing, it’s time to talk travel. Even as gas prices reach record highs, families, couples, and sassy singles are packing their bags and getting away for a little summer fun. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, Hawaii, Disneyland, your favorite national park, or a jaunt to Europe, knowing how to pack the perfect bag for your destination will make life so much easier.

Being a seasoned air traveler has allowed me to put together several tried and true tips that can be applied no matter where you are headed. Here are few to get you started:

1) Keep it simple- Too many times we go a little overboard and try to cram everything from our closet into the suitcase. Remember that your travels are only temporary and you should pack that way. Plan your outfits according to how many days you will be gone and the climate of where you are going. Try to pack just the basics when selecting pants, shorts and skirts. You can never go wrong with pair of black pants or a khaki pair of shorts. Then you will have more room for the fun and fancy tops and create multiple outfits.

2) Plan, plan, plan- Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to pack. You don’t want to throw everything in the suitcase just to find that you are stuck with a wrinkled wardrobe or your favorite pair of shoes is still at home next to the bed. When you rush, you forget and it will make for a bad vacation. To help avoid leaving things behind, make a list and write everything down. A good one to use is the Travel Prep Pad or Pack This Pad by Buttoned Up.

3) Pack your accessories and toiletries separately- Keep socks, undergarments, jewelry, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. in their own compartments within the suitcase. If you don’t have extra compartments, mesh laundry bags, toiletry bags or cosmetic bags work great. If socks and undergarments are packed separately, they will be easier to find and help your suitcase stay organized. And toiletries always have the tendency to explode all over your favorite blouse. Placing them in a toiletry bag allows them to stay secure and contained. Real Simple (one of my faves) has some additional pointers on the how to avoid spills and other suitcase disasters.

NEAT Things I Love Today:

Recently there was a new addition to the Mrs. Organized family, and his name is Sammy. He is my Yorkie Maltese and I adore him. Since he is still a puppy and needs constant supervision, the Iris Pet Pen has saved my life! I couldn’t live without it and you shouldn’t either. I can place little Sammy in the pen while I get ready for work in the morning or while cooking dinner at night or when we have guests over to the house. It gives him plenty of room to roam without taking up a lot of room in the house.

July 18, 2008 on 12:03 am | In All