Packing my Suitcase the College Lifestyle’s way for ΔΔΔ’s Biennial Convention!!!

I LOVE traveling and going on trips and vacation, but I HATE packing.  The process itself is always frustrating, and I always do it incorrectly, and end up with multiple bags for just a one night trip, or I end up with a suitcase full of wrinkled clothing.  Now that I think of it, everyone I know hates packing.

This is what I normally look like as I pack for a trip.

Stressed. Confused.  A general mess.

But next Wednesday, I am leaving for ΔΔΔ’s Biennial Convention in Florida, and I am NOT going to let myself get to the point where I feel stressed out or crazy, and I am not going to pack too much, or not pack enough.  I am going to follow my list of packing tips that I have (unfortunately) learned the hard way.  You should too!

Christine’s Packing Tips:  Learned by Trial and Error

1. Make a list of exactly what you need
This avoids just throwing random clothes into your suitcase the night before, or forgetting to pack anything.  Plan each day of your trip, complete with shoes, accessories, and cosmetics.

2.  Choose “basic” items so that you can pack less
Basic items can be reused throughout your trip, so you can pack less!  Instead of bringing multiple pairs of shoes, bring just one pair of black heels that will match all of your outfits!

3. Pack dresses
This works if you are going to a business casual convention, like I am, or if you are going on a relaxing vacation!  Essentially, bringing dresses takes up less space, and they are easier to fold!

4.  Bring a purse with a long strap

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While running around in the airport, it is hard juggling pulling a suitcase, holding a boarding pass, all while holding onto your purse, making sure that no one steals it.  For my trip, I am going to be using a purse that I can wrap across my body, so I won’t need to worry about it!

5.  Pack light…literally
Do not pack heavy items, such as boots, that will weigh down your luggage, and take up unnecessary room.  If you do need to pack something heavy, wear it on the trip!

6. Section items properly in your bag
I have experienced this in many trips:  on the first night of the trip, it comes time to go to bed, and I am too tired to unpack, let alone search through my luggage.  I just want put pajamas on, brush my teeth, and go to bed!!!  So, pack your bags so you can find what you need!  Put your panties in the compartments on the side of your bag, keep all outfits together, and for that first night, put your pajamas on top!

7.  Pack a cosmetic bag
It is always difficult finding all of your toiletries when they are thrown around in the black hole that is your luggage.  Putting your make up, tooth brush, and lotions in a separate bag makes it much easier to find everything!

8. Pack a bathing suit!

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They do not take up that much room, and you never know when you will need it!  Chances are, even if you are going on vacation in the middle of December, the hotel you are staying in may have a pool or hot tub!

9. Keep accessories minimal
Think of bringing a few simple pieces that can be worn with many different outfits!  For example, pack pearls and plain gold earrings.  Leave those crazy magenta earrings that only work with one outfit at home!

10. Pack Febreeze and Anti-Wrinkle Spray

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This is not an alternative to washing your clothing!  But no matter how carefully you fold your clothing, wrinkles while packing may be inevitable.  Also, while sitting in a suitcase for hours, your clothes may smell musty, and a little Febreeze can help!

Check out these cute, affordable BUSINESS CASUAL CLOTHES!!!
(And click on the picture to find where to buy them!!!)

business casual by christinepalaski featuring Forever21

The “Don’t Forget This” List:

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You can always pick up a toothbrush at a drug store, but these are items to NEVER forget!

1. Cell phone (and charger!)

2. Medication

3. Identification (driver’s lisence, passport)

4.  Insurance card (Thank God I had mine when I got an ear infection while visiting Ocean City, MD  L)

Have a great trip!  Happy packing!!!

Christine Palaski is a proud sister of Delta Delta Delta at Adelphi University, where she is a nursing major.