The Art of Packing

It's time to come clean and admit my failure to myself and others.  I am horrible at packing.

Over the years I have packed hundreds of suitcases. Note that i have packed entire households numerous times as well and am just as bad so let's just focus on suitcases.  Everything from the overnight bags for me, my husband and son to the 3 month stay for temporary work duty.  I think I have tried every gadget known to improve my skill set here.  We did the air vacuum for Paris, I bought the wrinkle free suitcase system for work, and the strategic carry on carry all for Hawaii.  I have even resorted to searching eHow.com for help.  Incidentally that article doesn't tell you how to determine what you will want to wear when you are there.

Its not like I don't have experience.  For over 6 years, I had an overnight bag packed at all times.  I had doubles of everything I used at home and would need on business trips.  All I had to do was add the suit.  I even bought duplicate pairs of shoes I liked. I was pretty efficient eventually, but I still cannot pack for vacation.

My most significant problem is space.  I like to wear a different pair of shoes and bag with each outfit.  I also like to have my favorites around - you know that white t-shirt and those hugging jeans.  I recently packed three bags for a 7 day trip.

My husband has a great tip.  He packs clothes that he intends to leave at the resort.  So he takes his sneakers just before he needs to buy new ones, he takes his worn khakis that should have been thrown out months ago and he takes his least favorite shoes.  He always comes back lighter.  I usually return with a bunch of clothes not worn but really wrinkled.

So for this next trip, my solution is easy.  I am only wearing swimsuits and coverups during the day.  My evenings will rotate between two sundresses and one pair of heels.  I am leaving vanity at home and will relax without pulling a muscle lifting an over 50 pound suitcase.