What's in Your Bag?

10 Easy Steps to Packing The Perfect Suitcase
Well here we are, at the most frustrating part of taking a trip....packing.
I don't know about you, but I usually end up with my suitcase much too full and when I return (with even more items in my bag) I realize that I didn't wear many of the pieces that I packed. 

It's a good idea to start thinking about what you want to take with you prior to packing day. 

Determine how much and what kind of clothing you will need.

Ask yourself: 

Will there be laundry facilities? What will the weather be like?
Then make a list of of everything you want to take, Go back over the list and edit until you get down to a manageable list of clothing.  Be sure that your travel toiletries are in the smallest possible containers and put them in plastic re sealable bags for protection against spillage.  You will also want to make all of your clothing work double duty. You might even try using a wardrobe capsule, where you choose a  color scheme and everything you take can go with everything else. For instance, black, white and red.

When you begin to pack, I suggest using the ROLLING method

1. Start by laying all of the clothing on the floor. Zip every zipper and button every button.
2. Take belts and line them around the side of the suitcase,
3. Roll socks and put them inside the shoes. Then put the shoes in a resealable bag and put them on the bottom of the suitcase. Try t take only 3 pairs of shoes. A sandal or loafer, a sneaker or walking shoe and a pair of evening shoes. Go for versatility. Also wear your heaviest pair.
4. Begin with your slacks. Fold them in half, lengthwise and then roll them tightly until they are in a cylinder.
5. Fold shirt arms neatly to the back of the shirt and then roll.
6. Next place slacks and jeans and jackets on top of shoes
7. Place Shirts and skirts on top.
8. Any delicate or unrollable items like blazers or fancy dresses should go on the very top or put in garment bag.
9. Cover everything with a dry cleaning bag. You can also use tissue paper between layers. Both of these keep clothes from wrinkling. 
10. Pack expensive jewelry in 7 day plastic pill boxes or 35 millimeter camera cases. Wear any jewelry pieces too valuable to pack. Or, I oftentimes keep them with me in my carry on bag.

Here's a How-To Video you might find helpful as well

I'm Just Sayin