I finally developed a system for packing that I am so excited about I just had to share with you girls. If you are going on vacation soon (or later) I hope this will help you.
If you are going to a different climate than your own I reccomend packing a week (or more if you want) in advance. This will allow you time to remember things you didn't pack the week before you leave.
Plan your outfits from head to toe. Unlike at home when we can afford to waste a little time, being on vacation you don't want to spend time putting on and pulling off things - you just want to get out of the hotel. I tried on a bunch of stuff and made enough outfits for the duration of my trip. I wrote down each outfit including which jewelry and shoes to wear with it. I organized the outfits on different pages according to type (ie. Day, Night, Either - then I would indicate if an outfit was dressy or casual with an asterick or whatever - I made a little legend). This was so awesome on my trip. All I had to do each morning/night was take a look at my "Day"/"Night" outfits and run down the list til I found which one was most appealing that day. Plus, it allowed me to take a quick inventory of what I packed - it was all on the lists. I also included a few extra clothing items and would simply list those items on the bottom of the appropriate page (ie. at the bottom of the "Day Only" list I might have: (1) mini cargo skirt) just in case. I kept these pages because they will be great reference this summer for outfits.
Keep Running lists of things that need to be done (You should start this at least a week before trip). My lists included: "Still Need to Buy," "Pack the Night Before," "Don't Forget! (included things like making sure windows and doors are locked, tickets, camara, i.d...)" Cross things off the list as they are done or add things on if you need to. I am keeping my lists for next years vacation for easy reference
Pack one outfit change in your carry-on in case they lose your luggage (It hasn't happened to me yet, but it has to everyone I know so I am just waiting for my turn)
I found this vacation we forgot nothing except a shower sponge thing which was no biggie at all. Also, my SO really appreciated that I took no time in picking out my outfits. I was ready in no time, and I was thrilled to not have the "what to wear" stress the whole trip - I fealt cute and pulled together the whole time.
I am so happy with some of the outfits I created, I may just post them for fun (many items are available now or are common). If anyone is interested just let me know.
Drew - I admire your organization! I am very OCD, so I completely enjoy packing as well. My sure fire packing tip: I save all the sample I acquire throughout the year for beauty products and take them with me on trips. It saves room in your suitcase for the important stuff...like shoes PLUS, you throw them away before you go home, so you have more room in your suitcase for all your vacation-shopping!
WOW! That is some major organization, chica! I am going to print your post - I've been meaning to come up with a packing system for years, so thanks for doing it for me!
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quote: Originally posted by: Tara " My sure fire packing tip: I save all the sample I acquire throughout the year for beauty products and take them with me on trips. It saves room in your suitcase for the important stuff...like shoes PLUS, you throw them away before you go home, so you have more room in your suitcase for all your vacation-shopping!"
I do this too! I especially like those for weekend get aways. For this trip I brought small bottles, but brought trial packs as back ups.
quote: Keep Running lists of things that need to be done (You should start this at least a week before trip). My lists included: "Still Need to Buy," "Pack the Night Before," "Don't Forget! (included things like making sure windows and doors are locked, tickets, camara, i.d...)" Cross things off the list as they are done or add things on if you need to. I am keeping my lists for next years vacation for easy reference
you can laminate it and then cross things off with a dry-erase marker. you'll have it ready for every trip!
You guys are hilarious- I love it! I, on the other hand, use the Worst Packing System Ever. It generally consists of staying up reeeally late the night before I go on a trip procastinating because I HATE packing, getting exhausted and finally throwing some clothes into a bag (inevitably all the wrong things but yet always way too much clothing), and stressing about it for the rest of the trip. I swear I have packing ADD!!!
Your advice is really relevent to what I need help with. One question though, how do you limit the stuff you pack so you can buy stuff, but still bring enough clothes?
Berryahou35- I don't have any official method to my madness, but I pack VERY minimally if it is possible (which might not be as possible for those that are on a trip for, say, business, but it works for me.) I went to France for 3 weeks this summer, knowing I was going to shop my face off. I packed as if I was going to go backpacking through Europe, heh. From past experience, I NEVER wear everything i pack, so I just packed a few basics and wore them again and again- it's not like I saw the same people everyday or even really cared, I was just happy to be there. I always make sure to pack a few things that are the opposite of the climate I am expecting. I packed a fitted sweatshirt jacket, a light jacket, a pair of jeans and a couple of pairs of socks with me. Even with all these layers, I was still a little cold at night sometimes! I was in the south of France in June- NOT what I was expecting. Other than that, I brought a light dress, a couple of skirts, a pair of shorts, and a few tops. Everything matched somewhat. Only 3 pairs of shoes- flip flops, sneakers, and a dressier option. Then a few bathing suits. I had about half of a suitcase left. Even though I missed not having my full wardrobe for flexibility, I got to wear my new things during the trip and I liked taking a "vacation" from trying to figure out the perfect wardrobe and just have fun on my trip!
I'm the same way. I'm leaving town this Thursday & began packing last week Sunday. It gave me time to see what fit & didn't--both in the suitcase & on my body--& allowed me to pare down my bag. I've got my "last to pack" list taped to my mirror so I don't forget anything & carry my toiletries in my carry-on. I figure it's easier to buy a change of clothes than all my cosmetics & skin care.
quote: Originally posted by: Mara "You guys are hilarious- I love it! I, on the other hand, use the Worst Packing System Ever. It generally consists of staying up reeeally late the night before I go on a trip procastinating because I HATE packing, getting exhausted and finally throwing some clothes into a bag (inevitably all the wrong things but yet always way too much clothing), and stressing about it for the rest of the trip. I swear I have packing ADD!!! "
This is me! I just go with the flow...or the angry procrastinator not-really-flowing-stream of thoughts when packing. I usually stay up the night before and do it.
Thanks so much for posting your tips, Drew! Maybe...just maybe...I will try to use them the next time I go somewhere!
Very impressive. I do a lot of thinking about packing ahead of time, but I don't sit down and plan everything out. I need to try your system for one of my upcoming trips. Thanks for sharing!
Ok, so I always plan my outfits and end up bringing something that I don't want to wear and I am always limited in space so I only really bring enough.