Most people just assume you have to pack a huge bag to ensure that you have every wardrobe possibility available on your trip. After everything is stuffed in the luggage, the notion that you just packed way too much stuff typically sets in. Especially if you're sharing a suitcase with your husband and there's no room in the bag for his stuff. Sound familiar?
I received a message earlier this week with this very dilemma. We'll call this person the Overpacked Wife. After Overpacked Wife realized that her attempt to pack light left her husband with nothing but the clothes on his back, she contacted me. Her question can be summed up as- you talk about packing light on your blog. I tried but it's not working. Way to call me out OW. I welcome the challenge. Now, let's make it work. (I'm channeling my inner Tim Gunn from Project Runway.)
Start with the purpose of the trip. If you have an event to attend, pick that outfit first. The trick is to select pieces that can do double duty. The easiest multi-purpose pieces are jeans, jackets, cardigans, and of course, shoes. For example, if you're wearing a dress for the event, add a cardigan, jacket, or shoes that can be worn with other outfits on the rest of your trip.
Factor in your other activities. Will you be doing a lot of walking? Fancy dinners? Planning to workout? You can make it all work. Have cute, comfortable shoes for walking. And be sure not to take too many clothes for working out unless you know you're going to really be working out everyday. I usually pack a pair of shorts and two tops for fitness. I hand wash them after use and let them air dry so they're ready to go again for the next day.
Stop packing all of your shoes! I know people who have a separate bag just for their shoes. You can't travel light with six pairs of shoes, people. I think the simplest solution I've ever heard concerning packing shoes for a trip, came from The Lucky Shopping Manual by the editors of Lucky magazine. I've said it before but I'll repeat it since I know many of you continue to balk at the suggestion. But only take three, that's 3, pairs of shoes on your next trip. I usually do flats, heels, and some athletic shoes. Plan all of your outfits around these shoes and you're luggage needs will be instantly minimized.
If you still need extra space, use space saver bags. These bags allow you to push out the excess air in the bag, reducing the size to a flat packed item. It can mean the difference between bringing an extra shirt or two. You can find them at the drug store, discount store (like Target or Wal-mart), or online. I prefer the ones that don't require a vacuum because they're a simple, no equipment necessary solution to getting more in your luggage, while using less space. Packing light, accomplished!
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