Packing is a difficult task. Whether it's for a vacation or for going back to school, it's something we all have to do. After many trips with my family and many times flying back and forth between school, I have become a self-proclaimed expert in packing. If packing were an Olympic sport, I'd probably win bronze. I'm humble enough to admit that I wouldn't win gold or silver. Here is my packing process for you to learn from.
1. Pack the night before you leave.
You don't want to pack everything you need and then not be able to get it out of your suitcase later, do you?
2. Put on some music.
Packing is boring. Music makes it fun.
3. Dump everything you want to bring with you in a pile.
Separate your piles for organization. Or just throw everything on your floor.
4. Put that pile right into your suitcase and you're done.
This step is optional. It only works if you pack lightly.
5. Fold/roll the items in your pile.
I'm not sure why. I've just always done it.
6. Realize you forgot to put something in the pile.
First, dig through the pile and make sure. Then go looking through all of your stuff to find it.
7. Get distracted by other things you own while looking for the forgotten item.
Ohhh my third grade yearbook!
8. When packing shoes, make sure to wear the bulkier/heavier pair on the plane.
Sometimes you just gotta where boots in August. This helps to make more space in your suitcase and to make it lighter so you don't have to pay the fee for an overweight bag. But why stop there? Avoid packing altogether by just wearing everything at once.
9. Have a solo-karaoke party.
After all, why else would you put on that music earlier?
10. Just throw your perfume and other liquid containers anywhere.
Only do this with checked luggage. TSA has strict rules about liquids in carry-ons. Liquids don't spill on airplanes. It has something to do with air pressure, I think.
11. Pack every single knick-knack you own.
You'll realize when you're gone that you absolutely need that snowglobe from Disney World that you got when you were ten and completely forgot that you had.
12.Take a nap.
Packing is hard work. Sometimes you just need a break.
13. Have a snack.
Gotta make sure you're energized before returning to work.14. Unpack the knick-knacks.
You don't need that. You still have over half your clothes left to pack and the suitcase is filled.
15. Regret your life decisions.
Why do you own so much? And why do you have to bring ALL of it with you?
16. Take another break.
But this time to write an article about your poor packing techniques. ;)
17. Go back to packing. You're wasting time!
You're almost done. Just a jacket and a few pairs of jeans left.
18. Weigh your suitcase and remove those shoes and the sweatshirt that you never wear.
Repeat until you're suitcase is under the weight limit.
19. Fear the moment when you have to open your suitcase back up to unpack.
I really should just get rid of most of my stuff. It would make traveling so much easier.
