tips from the ultimate power packer

I don’t know how I’m going to pack all of this. Famous last words. Spoken by Marcia in particular, just now. I can pack anything. You need to take it, or at least think you need to take it, and I’ll figure out a way to do it. There’s really only one thing to keep in mind when you pack. It’s the best tip you will ever receive:

Pack the socks last.

Trust me on this. It’s like that email that used to be sent about wearing sunscreen. Except this is my diary and me telling you to pack your socks last. Socks can fit anywhere. You can cram them anywhere, pack anything fragile in them, make any odd-shaped item fit normally. If there’s a hole in something you’re packing, shove a sock in it. If there’s a slight gap between where your shorts fit in the suitcase and where your jeans hang over them slighly, shove 3 under the jeans. No more space. There’s always the option of partially zipping the suitcase or bag. Then you just shove a few more socks in there until you know you’re going to break the zipper at any second. Pack the socks last.

There are a few other space-savers involved in a good power-packed suitcase. Number one, fold things as little as possible. Start off with any blankets that will fit the bottom of the suitcase perfectly. Add the heavier clothes onto that, such as punk jeans, sweatshirts, etc. Try to fold pants in three ways… two ways will be too long for the suitcase, and 4 ways will give you too much height. Think wide when packing. If you have space in the front of the suitcase, where all your clothes don’t quite come to the edge, rejoice. There’s plenty you can do. If you’re packing a beach towel or something, roll it up and put it there. Sheets work well there too. If you don’t have a seperate bag for undergarmets or whatever, stick some underwear there. Alarm clocks fit quite beautifully as well. Any Dr. Pepper bottles will work if you fit them together well. And if you must, shove a few socks in there. (But only after everything else has been packed.) If you’re finding that the suitcase simply won’t fit ANYTHING more… and all you’re left with is unusable 2 inch wide corners the the clothes didn’t spread into… well, I bet you can guess what I’m going to say. Socks.

So you’ve finished packing your suitcase, and you’ve realized that one is just not going to be enough. Several decisions will have to be made here, based on where you’re going. If you need to pack linens, blankets, towels, etc… you might want to consider taking a seperate duffel bag for those things specifically. Of course, if you’ve already packed them, that’s really no good. (Then again, a good power-packer is always willing to unpack for a better method.) Your second choice is to have a second bag for toiletries. I hate how all those little bags for hair supplies, shower supplies, and make-up supplies are never shaped normally. They’re a pain in the butt to pack, and not even socks can help. Most likely, you will have long decided that they will not fit in the main suitcase, in which case a bookbag, small toiletries bag, or a duffel bag will work. It really depends on how superficial you are and how much crap you’re packing for that.

Last but not least comes the food. If you’ve already packed away your Dr. Pepper, good for you. Inevitably you’ll be struggling with some kind of pretzel, goldfish, or cookie bag that you just can’t handle. It’s ok… that’s what the extra duffel bag or bookbag is for. In most cases you’ll have both. (Like I said… it depends on the situation, where you’re going, and how long you’ll be there.) If you’re under constraints as to how much luggage you can bring, then you’ll have to do away with some things. Most likely you’re packing too many clothes anyway… get rid of a few shirts, pack a few more socks. In flying situations, screw the food. Suck it up and eat plane food, or just bring money to buy food. Also don’t pack your entire bottle of shampoo. (Unless the bottles are small.) Even detailed stuff like that will help you out. Oh, and the shoe thing… If you’re under constraints, you’re just going to have to choose. (if not, power pack your brains out) Often times there is an outside compartment on suitcases. Great place to stow shoes. There are usually two side pockets on duffel bags… another great place for sandals and whatnot. (I’ve learned that sunscreen can be placed inside the shoes to save even more room.) Be creative folks… luggage holds a lot more than you might think. Do keep in mind, however, that you’ll have to carry this thing. Suitcases that have wheels help, but not on staircases. Try to spread the wealth of Dr. Pepper… it can get heavy if you have 12 packed in the main suitcase.

Happy packing, as I’m off to be

~swept away in search of socks~

@~>~>-dreamergrrl

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