Organizing for Vacation - Packing Part 2

Techniques for packing

In last weeks post I mentioned I was able to pack for a 16 day business trip to Europe and a week long combination business trip / weekend get-a-way. For both trip I used a carry-on bag but two different packing techniques.

Technique for European trip:

•Cut a piece of cardboard to fit edge-to-edge inside your suitcase

•Pack toiletries in small bag and pack in corner of suitcase. For carry on bags place liquids in a clear quart size zip top baggy and place in a outside zipper pocket.

•Pack under garments and socks in soft sided bag (e.g. shoe bag, pantyhose laundry bag, or gallon size zip top bag) - place in a bottom corner of suitcase.

•Place 2 pairs of shoes in remaining space

•Be sure the shoes, toiletries, and under garments create a level surface – use a swimsuit, pajamas, and workout clothes tucked neatly for leveling

•Next, place the cut piece of cardboard on top to create a new layer in your suitcase

•On the top of the cardboard, fold in half pants, skirts, or jeans and place the waistband at the right edge of the suitcase – allow the length hang off the other edge

•At the left edge of the suitcase place the neckline of the folded dresses, blouses, and shirts - allow excess to hang over opposite edge



•To avoid wrinkles with this technique – place the item most prone to wrinkling on the bottom of the top layer (closest to the cardboard).

•All other items should be tightly rolled and laid on top of the other clothing

•Lastly, fold items hang off the edges over the rolled items – zip closed!

•Why the cardboard? Simply for access. If bag is searched at airport, there’s a need to get to your toiletries or you need to change shoes – lift cardboard get item off bottom layer, replace cardboard without disturbing neatly folded clothes

•It’s tempting to use the pockets inside the suitcase, but if you don’t it will help eliminate bulk

My technique for the one week trip:

•Compression bags! They really work. Be sure NOT to choose the bags requiring vacuuming, only the zip top bags

Pam Moore
Open Spaces

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.