My thoughts on the art of packing…
As many of you may know, 2014 was packed full of travel for me! From a cruise to Bermuda, blog conferences, weekend trips, and a recent trip to Italy I’ve had lots of opportunities to master the art of packing. Guess what? I still stink at it. HaHa! There are two areas that I’ve had the most improvement — toiletries, and accessories (i.e. jewelry). One of my favorite places to buy my essentials is The Container Store®. (Confession, The Container Store® is one of my all-time favorite places).
This summer, my parents flew in for a visit and we took an overnight trip to Springfield, MO. They’ll be retiring there soon and, well, that couldn’t get here soon enough. 3-1/2 hours will seem like a breeze next to the current 18 hours between all of us. Anywho, I booked the hotel and since there were 5 of us I decided on a suite. It was a brand new location and I was tickled silly to see that they had the elfa® closet system in them. Apparently, TownePlace Suites® and The Container Store® had a partnership. Who knew?
This is perfect to help travelers stay organized for longer stays! There are currently 11 locations with the elfa closet® system. Pretty cool, right? While we weren’t there for an extended stay, they offer so many amenities to help their guests from a fully-equipped full-size kitchen, in-room workspace, free breakfast, and MORE! It’s a sweet deal…
Sorry, I got a little sidetracked there… back to the art of packing. Since I’ve yet to master it… I thought I would talk about the areas where I’ve learned a few lessons: Toiletries and Jewelry.
The travel must-haves that I purchased from The Container Store® include (but are not limited to) the following:
1.) Travel Lint Brush. A. Must. Have!
2.) Reusable/Washable Zippered Travel Pouch. I’m usually the queen of plastic baggies, but this is a great bag that will hold up and can store all of my 3 ozs. bottles so I can keep them in my carry-on.
3.) Soap Dish. I can’t use hotel soap due to sensitive skin — so this is a must {smile}.
4.) 3 oz. plastic storage bottle for shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and pills! Confession. I used to be the queen of packing all of my toiletries in full-size. Hairsprays, Mousse, Leave-In Conditioners — you name it, I had it and it weighed a TON! I’ve come a long way. I learned that a 3oz. bottle of shampoo and conditioner can last two weeks! Boom.
5.) Umm, this pack list is perfection! I don’t think you can forget anything with this handy-dandy notepad. I wouldn’t say it’s essential, but it sure does come in handy!
6.) Stackers Folding Jewelry Tray. This box is awesome sauce! I’ve learned to minimize packing so much jewelry and this seems to be a great size. It can hold bracelets and bangles too!
All of these essential consolidate nicely too!
So, there you have it! If I had to leave you with one tip:
Bring HALF of what you think you need!
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Hugs and Blessings!
Krissie says
I would utilize both the glide-out drawers and the shoe rack. They are both great ideas which would make staying organized so much easier. To help stay organized, I utilize a hanging makeup bag to keep my makeup, hair products, medicine, etc. all visible and handy.
Linda F. says
I like to make lists of what I need to pack and then pack that list with me so I know that I don’t leave anything behind when it is time to leave.
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nadya kotik says
I don’t travel often but i always keep personal hygiene items in a separate bag and clothes organized by events/days. I bring extra things depending on weather.
Marcia Goss says
I love the shelves and drawer in the closet. I like having all my things in one place instead of in dresser drawers and a separate small closet.
angela lazo says
I would use the closet rods to keep my clothes from getting wrinkled. sweetangela26(@)yahoo.com
Shelly says
Roll out toiletry bag and packing cubes are a must! Keeps everything in its place for easy access and clean up! Shelly.bergman13(at)gmail.com