I just want to have: an organized suitcase (AND travel experience)

I think I have finally learned from the painful consequences of overpacking. I realized that once I eliminated about half of what I set out to bring, I carry with me a lighter load, physically & mentally. When I overpack, I have more to worry about & keep track of, so I'm already starting my trip overwhelmed, wasting energy from hauling my closet around, & feeling a bit unorganized. Bottom line: I think that packing lightly could just be the answer to an ultimately organized travel experience. So, here are some "packing lightly" travel finds (& tips) to help start your (our) travel adventures fresh, light, convenient, simple, & organized (can I get a "wha! wha!?").

1-1. First things first, I religiously use this "Pack This!" notepad. It's my saving grace to my forgetful nature--it simply keeps me in check of the necessities to pack, & what I could get away with not bringing. Nothing like a pre-made checked off list to start!

1-2. I have recently turned towards the backpack club when using a carry-on. Messenger bags are fine, too, but backpacks are convenient because you hands are free to easily hand the security guard your license, or walk the airport when you have a layover, & more importantly, not knock everyone in the face when you walk down the aisle on the plane to find your seat. 

2. Poketo's organized planner--I know, why would you bring your planner with you on vacation? Personally, I need to feel at ease when I have a million to-do's & not enough time to finish before I leave. So having my list in front of me can sometimes make me feel at ease & like I'm not missing anything important, & can therefore prepare me better for when I return & give me the relief I need to enjoy my trip. Also, it has a nice envelope in the back to place any nice momentos or travel tickets you may need or want to hang onto.

3. If you travel with technological items, this would be a brilliant piece of luggage to take with you! It's seriously a genius idea to have a place for everything in one contraption. No more USB ports, flash drives, power cords, & earphones consuming your bag.

4. I would prefer to call this the "travel handy-dandy notebook" by Moleskine. Similar to the Poketo planner, it goes a few steps further. It has space to write your traveling thoughts, has ways to help budget & plan your trip itinerary, provides travel checklists during your trip, & other organized ways to gather information about your traveling endeavor(s).

5. This suitcase seems like an easy travel companion--with the silent rolling wheels to easily navigate through airports & stations, multiple pockets for organized packing, & small enough to pass for carry-on luggage. & it's pretty!

6. This is strangely my favorite idea--how refreshing would it be to open your suitcase & see it neatly packed in neatly placed compartments? Your clothes in one sectioned bag, your shoes hidden in another bag, & your undergarments in another, all nicely folded & packed as if they were your dresser drawers hiding the clutter inside 

7 & 8. Talk about security-check friendly pouches to keep your liquids neatly stashed, & "Go Clean" bags to keep your suitcase dirt-free & ... yes ... organized! Don't you just love that word when associated with travel?

I hope these were somewhat helpful & gave you ideas on simpler things to use or ideas to get used to when traveling on your next adventure! Although packing lightly is a challenge when you want to dress to impress, do you really wear all that you pack? I bet in the majority of cases, you don't. So, sacrifice your multiple, great outfits, & make a few work in multiple ways (at least that's what I'm telling myself as I pack for my weekend trip to Boston & Salem as you read this). 

Bon (& light) Voyage!

Comments

[Susan]

So organized and chic...the way I (try) to travel! ;)