How to pack a suitcase BETTER- my desert to swamp trip

I’m a chronic over-packer.  But I’m efficient and this is why I can be an overpacker and never go over the allowed suitcase weight or dimensions.  I consider myself to be a “pretty good” packer (although I’ve entertained friends with my frantic unpacking-trying everything on-repacking episodes before big trips) but this time, I’ve done some light researching to tweak my skills for my trip from the desert (Palm Springs, CA for the Coachella festival in Indio) to the swamp (actually Disneyworld in Orlando, FL).  I’m literally flying across the U.S. and visiting these two different climates for two very different types of trips (concert festival then professional seminar) in 11 days.

THE DESERT.  Field of Wind turbines outside Palm Springs, CA. Photo taken March 2006 by Jim Harper. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The SWAMP- a swamp in Florida from Flikr

I was going to type a simple post about how to pack efficiently but I’ve decided to also give myself a challenge- pack all the clothes I need into my carry-on!!  This is tough, especially considering that I’m a girl who likes to dress up AND I’ll be attending many different types of functions in two very different types of weather.

I decided to keep the challenge to clothing, excluding accessories (including shoes and my large hat) and toiletries.  I’d like to do some shopping at the outlet near Palm Springs so I need some room for the deals I score.  Plus I enjoy a challenge.  Here are the tips that I researched-

• 3 popular methods of putting clothes into the suitcase: rolling each item individually (normally my preferred method) or bundling (see video below) or outfits assembled into large ziploc bags.  Lay out and plan outfits a day or two in advance- mix ‘n match tops and bottoms to maximize outfits with less pieces.   
• Check the weather at all destination(s).
• Pack in advance then go back later remove some pieces that aren’t essential for layering or certain functions.
• I like to shop when I travel so I always need extra room for the return trip- packing an flat extra duffel bag or an expandable bag (eg. Longchamp has some) can help because you can check it or put all your carry-ons into it for more room.
• Layer, Layer, Layer!
• Put loafers, flipflops and flats in front pocket as well as reading material (shoes in plastic bags).  Big shoes inside the suitcase and at the bottom by wheels (to balance the center of gravity when you’re pulling and avoid squishing clothes down).  Put your socks inside your shoes to maintain the shape.
• Use a handy weight scale by Heys for an accurate reading of how much weight you are within the limit.
• Store a photocopy of your passport, credit card info, etc in a different area such as in your carry-on if your originals are in your purse or wallet.
• Pack large belts around the inside edge of the suitcase.
• Pack your towel last to protect the items inside from drops or moisture.
• Pack jewelry in a makeup case with smaller containers or plastic bags.
• Always have one simple dressy outfit in case- it’s tough to buy in a pinch.
• Martha Stewart uses drycleaners’ thin garment bags and she swears that this prevents wrinkles.
• Pack fragile items in the middle.
• I use packing cubes to sort out different types of clothes- eg one for bathing suits and coverups, one for pjs, etc.

The result of my challenge?  Since I’m staying in only two different places and my accommodations only change once, I tried the bundle method.  It was a SUCCESS!  I packed all the clothes that I wanted to take (well, I had to part with some non-essentials that I likely won’t wear) but they all fit in the carry-on suitcase.  I’ll pack them into my regular suitcase but now there’s so little that I’m not stressed about over-packing and I have room for souvenirs (ALL my little cousins want the Mickey ears from Disney!!) and my outlet shopping purchases.

The challenge was to move all my clothes from the large suitcase to the small carry-on. I used the bundle method (see video) and made two bundles- one for Palm Springs and Coachella, one for Disneyworld and my seminar in Orlando

I started with the professional clothes and Orlando clothes

Folding…

More folding…

Bundle complete!

Next bundle was for the first part of my trip in Indio, California

I fit a lot into this bundle. In the end, I zipped up the carry-on with no problems!

My handy packing cubes, hanging toiletry organizer and makeup case.

The clothes that didn’t make the final cut.

I have to cut back on the shoes before I go.

In the end, I put the bundles into two large garment bags to pull out in the different cities.

Some general tips for those who do a lot of traveling:

• Keep a carry-on suitcase pre-packed with everything but your clothes (show pic)
• Consider the type of trip you’re going on to guide your packing- backpacking trip, professional seminar, visit to family and friends, tropical holiday, vegas fun trip, tour exploring.  I’ve done it all!
• If you’re gone longer than about 1.5- 2wks, plan to do laundry!
• Think of what you can buy at your destination.
• Don’t count on buying essentials unless it’s a long trip but some things are easy to stock up over there.
• I love bringing bottles almost completely used up and I toss them out on the trip to make room for more!

Have fun- packing can be stressful but remember that many things are usually available when you get there.  Pack essentials and have a good trip 🙂