When it comes to packing a suitcase the most practical of us often start defying reason. One of my cousins, despite being one of the smartest people I know, packed seven pairs of shoes for a two day trip and, of course, she ended up wearing only one pair. This need to pack a number of options either comes from the fear that an occasion may arise for which you might not be prepared or simply to have the luxury of choices. The fear can be overcome by being prepared for all likely situations and as for the latter, you simply have to face reality and learn how to come up with a well styled outfit with limited options.
The right suitcase: To pack a suitcase properly, you will first need to find a practical suitcase. The ideal suitcase for most trips would be a small roll on that you can use as a carry on. It will prevent you from waiting at baggage claim and from losing your luggage. Try getting a lightweight one that looks different. Also, carrying a large handbag or an extra tote, if your handbag is small, is always a good idea when travelling.
Checklist: Once you have a suitable suitcase, the first thing you will need is a checklist of all the things you wish to pack. When making the checklist, be mindful of the weather of your travelling destination and consider all the possible situations you might have to face. My mother always says that no matter where you are travelling, you should have at least one outfit fit for formal occasions.
Products: Limit the amount of products you will carry by purchasing the travel sized versions of the products that you use or by getting a set of travel size bottles which can be found in almost any drugstore. Be sure to label them and to wrap the liquids and creams in a zip lock bag to prevent spilling.
Clothes: When deciding which clothes to pack, do not forget to count the outfit you will be wearing when you start off as you can wear it again during your travels. To increase your options, pack separates like skirts, pants and tops that you will be able to mix and match and create new looks with. You can pack a dress that you can wear for both casual and formal occasions by changing the accessories. If travelling for more than a few days, try to pack cotton t-shirts and other such clothes that you can easily wash and dry in your hotel room – it will save you laundry expenses and keep your luggage light. And, try to keep in mind that clothes like jeans weigh a lot, so it is best not to pack too many of them if you have a weight limit to maintain.
Shoes: At all cost, refrain from packing more than two pairs. When you think about it, you do not really need more than three pairs. You can have a pair of comfortable heels that you can walk around in and use for a formal occasion, should it arise, a pair of flats which can be either ballet flats or open toed ones and, a pair of sneakers if your travels include athletic activities. If you wear one of these shoes and pack the rest in your suitcase, you have your three possible options for shoes.
Make-up and jewelries: Also, try to limit your make up and jewelry options by carrying only the basics. For instance, a pair of hoop earrings will go with almost every outfit. And, you might want to carry your jewelries and make-up in your large handbag along with a book or a magazine for your entertainment.
Placing items in your suitcase: Try to put your camera and cell phone chargers in the side pocket of your suitcase to avoid misplacing them. If packing dresses, lay them out at the bottom of the suitcase with the neckline and the hem line sticking out of the two sides of the suitcase, then place your other belongings on top of the middle portion of the dresses and then wrap the ends of the dresses on top of them like a bundle – this way you will avoid creases and save space. You can also roll up your t-shirts at the end and use it to fill the empty gaps in your suitcase.
If you happen to break your camera or phone while you were travelling, you can get them fixed at Photo Tech with a 10% student discount.
Bushra Tawhid
Image credit: www.oldbirds.co.uk and www.sks-bottles.com
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