How To: Pack Your Suitcase

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I'm a day late on this, but it's Christmas time and preperations are getting hectic around here! 

Alright, for today's post, let's talk about packing your suitcase.  Now, let's assume you're going for more than a day or two.  You should have a suitcase that you check at baggage as well as a carry on.

Carry-on - make sure you pack all the things that you couldn't live with out if your luggage happened to get lost.  This usually includes the necessities of makeup (although make sure you are in the right range for allowed liquids), toothbrush, toothpaste, extra pair of panties, as well as any valuables such as jewelry, and of course money and all travel documents.  When I travel I try to make sure that my carry-on is just a nice large purse so that I don't have to drag too many things through the airport.  A girl can only carry so much!  Then, pack a few things to keep you entertained, be it your ipod, books, magazines, or knitting - if you're like me and find it soothing, or are trying to finish off that hat for your Mom's gift. 

Suitcase - now there is a science when it comes to packing your suitcase, you can't just throw everything in there and expect to arrive in good condition.  It just doesn't happen that way.  So first things first, pack all your tolietry items (that you didn't pack in your carry-on) as well as all other leakables, in plastic baggies and place in the zipper compartment that is away from your clothing.  Last thing you want is something to explode and leak onto your silk gown...eek!

Next you would place your shoes (in their own baggies) into the bottom of the case, layer with heavier items such as jeans, and bulky sweaters, then top with lighter items like dress shirts, gowns, dresses, dress pants, etc.  To use every available space, roll up thinner sweaters, tops, jammies, etc, and tuck them into the little cracks here and there.  Also a word of advice, when packing your intimates, place them in a drawsting (non-see-through) bag so that if you get selected for luggage check, you won't be super embarrased by everyone seeing your lacy panties or bras on display.  Another thing to do if you have anything that has beading on it, or even just for your special dresses or tops, is to turn them inside out when packing them so they don't get snagged on anything and get damaged.  If you want to be extra careful, after turning them inside out, you can also slip them into dry cleaner bags.  And my last word of advice is to unpack everything when you get there so that you can limit the amount of wrinkling, I know it's a pain, but it saves you so much time ironing in the morning...trust me, you'll thank me later! 

-SB

P.S. One other thing, tie a bow or scarf onto your suitcase so you can quickly identify it at the baggage claim!  You'd be surprised at how many people have a suitcase that looks just like yours!