Packing: Clear and Simple
Posted by Sue on Jul 6, 2010
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” ~ Jack Kerouac
With a week to go before take off for my long anticipated trip to Italy and Macedonia, I confided in Joanna, “I’d be looking forward to this trip if I could only figure out what to pack!” I was embarrassed. It seems to me that a professional organizer shouldn’t be cowed by the simple task of packing for a vacation; but I didn’t have a clue where to start!
Packing quickly becomes convoluted with multiple layers of “What if’s?” What if it pours the whole time? What if we have to get really dressed up? What if there are no laundry facilities? What if … what if … what if????
I asked Joanna how she keeps clear and simple about what to bring when she travels. And … out came THE LIST: Back and front of a 4 by 6 index card, hand written, clear and simple. Joanna’s delightful mother-in-law gave her this list a long while back when Joanna was similarly flummoxed. And now, we offer this list to you, our dear readers. If it’s not on THE LIST, think twice abaout bringing it; though there may be some things on the list that you clearly don’t need. I’ll report back when I’m home and let you know if WHAT I packed supported HOW I want to travel.
THE LIST
Clothing: Pants - tops – dresses – skirts – sweats – sweater; Undies: bras – slip – panties – pads – swimsuit; Feet: socks – shoes – hose – boots; Jewelry: scarves – earrings – rings – bracelets – necklaces – watch; PJ’s: robe – slippers
Medications: Vitamins – first aid items – Tylenol – band-aids
Teeth: Paste – brush – floss
Hair: Comb – brush – clips – rollers – dryer – shampoo – shower cap – hairspray
Cosmetics: Lotions – makeup – sunscreen – deodorant – insect repellant – nail clippers – file – scissors – razor
Outerwear: Coat – jacket – gloves – hat – scarf – sunshade – rain jacket – umbrella
Purse or tote or backpack
OTHER STUFF
Car: Snacks – water – gum – paper towels – tissue – GPS – tapes/CD’s for listening – blanket – pillow
Books: Magazines – datebook – notebook/journal – pens – pencils – needlework – photos to share
Camera: Film/batteries – binocs – video camera
List of names: Addresses – phone #’s – phonecard – money – moneybelt – passport – credit cards – copies of important papers in case they get lost
Laundry: Bag, small portable clothesline
Flashlight: travel clock – suitcase lock and key
Gifts
Try out THE LIST to curb your packing frustrations or let us know if there’s another method that’s helped keep you clear and simple!
Ciao! Sue (and Joanna)
P.S. Joanna will be happy to help you while I’m away. Just give her a call at: