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Feature Article: "Pack
Your Suitcase like a Pro!" August 2008
| I LOVE summer . . . which usually means packing a suitcase for
vacation. We just packed to go to upstate New York for a Ramsland Family
Reunion of 65 relatives, which happens once every four years. For
fun my daughter held a two team contest to see who could pack a suitcase
quickest and best - 2 adult men and 2 boys vs. 2 adult women and 2
girls. The women won because one directed the process and packed while
the others folded. The men however did a very neat job individually. I
was impressed. If the one thing that people dread about vacation is packing up to get out the door, how can you "get it right" so you are wrinkle free and unstressed once you arrive? I hope while you read this, you are thinking about how to vacation in August so the suitcase packing tips set you up for rest and relaxation before the fall rolls around. |
Coming
Events
July 30 The Organizing Pro's
Birthday |
TODAY'S
Time-Saving Tip
"There
is one time people are most productive cleaning up their desk - the week
before vacation! Do yourself and your boss a favor, take a vacation this
summer."
-- Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro
FEATURE ARTICLE: "Pack Your Suitcase like a
Pro!"
by Marcia Ramsland, "The Organizing Pro"
Your home
away from home on vacation is sitting in your closet - your suitcase. Be
sure you like it and the zippers work, or treat yourself to a new one.
Airlines allow one carry-on bag (generally 45 linear inches) plus one
personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or computer bag. Be
prepared to open your carry-on at Security Checkpoints and keep your
liquids in less than 3 oz. bottles in a clear quart-sized plastic bag.
Now let's begin to pack like a pro:
1. Choose the Right Suitcase. If bigger was better in the past, airline travel says smaller is better, especially if you can carry it on and avoid baggage fees. Choose a smaller rectangle suitcase for airline travel and a wrinkle free arrival, though a duffel bag for car travel and camping fits easier if you roll your clothes.
2. Check with Your Airline. Recent airline checked bags charges apply ($11-$15 for the first bag, and $15-$25 for the second.) If you're checking bags, keep them under 50 pounds to avoid over weight charges.
3. Build a Base. Utilize the "troughs" from the suitcase handles to lay shoes (2-3 for women, 2 for men), curling irons, rolled up swimsuits and sports clothes, jewelry rolls, and toiletries. Cushion these items with a sweater or pajamas under this "base." Even off this bottom 1/3 layer.
4. Layer Your Clothes. Next fold clothes to fit the size of your suitcase. Stack the heavier items like a pair of slacks on the bottom of your clothes base. Build upward: Slacks and shorts on bottom, sweaters and jackets next, blouses and shirts on top. Keep my Decorative Edge facing forward.
5. Top it Off Lightly. The top light weight item should face downward and be something sturdy and dark in color in case the airline opens and snags the item with the zippers. For added protection, wrap your entire clothes stack with plastic by placing it on a flat dry cleaning bag and pulling the ends up around it. It lifts out easily and can be placed in a drawer on your arrival.
Vacation
packing is all about having the clothes you need without taking too much. Pack
clothes around a color scheme that all will mix and match for more outfits.
Bring two plastic bags for laundry and a damp swimsuit on the last day. Take a
magazine like "Secrets of Getting Organized" to read.
After all, you want to spend your days swimming and relaxing in clothes you like
and doing things you enjoy, right?
For more tips on how to do a "5 Day Countdown Packing" for vacation, go to
"Vacation Packing Check List"
on the Articles Page.
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Marcia Ramsland, the "Organizing Pro," is an international speaker, author, and media personality on organizing tips. Her three books and CDs are available at www.OrganizingPro.com.
For VACATION take along the
"The
Simplify Your Life" CD Set
Do you have a long drive
for vacation this summer?"The Simplify Your Life" CD Package
is perfect to keep you entertained as you drive.
This is the best priced CD set and gives you lots of tips that can save
you time immediately! Get it right away before we run out!
That includes six
live seminars on CD including home, work, paperwork, holidays, and more all in one neat CD binder to listen to anywhere and anytime.
Warmly,
Marcia Ramsland
"The
Organizing Pro"
P.S.
This summer was special for me with
our daughter's wedding on July 4th weekend and my birthday on
July 30. Celebrate with me by cleaning a countertop and say, "Marcia would be so
proud of me!" I am!
Our motto for this year -
"Things are great in 2008 . . . because I
got organized and stayed that way!"