taking too much time to pack
Apr 7th, 2009, 10:49 AM
#1
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taking too much time to pack
It seems it takes me forever to pack a suitcase for traveling anywhere. I admit I am fussy with my outfits and wnat to look really nice all the time. So, I try every outfit with everything alternative. Then the jewelry, the shoes etc, etc.
I am crazy or what.
My friends tell me it takes them a few hours. I take a whole morning!
Any advice or tips from anyone to help me out!
I am crazy or what.
My friends tell me it takes them a few hours. I take a whole morning!
Any advice or tips from anyone to help me out!
Apr 7th, 2009, 11:26 AM
#2
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Take note of what clothing/accessory combinations go well together before your trip and plan to bring those.
I often write down a list of possible outfits so that I can see which pair(s) of shoes would go with most (I hate having to pack too much footwear).
Try to stick with one or two colour palettes, like navy and white with red accessories, or brown and beige with brown accessories so that the majority of the clothes you pack coordinate.
And plan to wear some of your outfits more than once. (No one will notice!)
I often write down a list of possible outfits so that I can see which pair(s) of shoes would go with most (I hate having to pack too much footwear).
Try to stick with one or two colour palettes, like navy and white with red accessories, or brown and beige with brown accessories so that the majority of the clothes you pack coordinate.
And plan to wear some of your outfits more than once. (No one will notice!)
Apr 7th, 2009, 12:40 PM
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No, you're not crazy, and your friends need to mind their own business. It takes me a long time to decide what to pack, and I'm often a carry-on-only person who is also a dedicated list-maker. Not only do I take a long time in the decision-making, I also take a long time in the actual packing, trying rolling vs. folding, arranging things this way, then that way. Usually I devote the entire pre-departure day to the leisurely enterprise of packing, preparing the house for my departure, decanting shampoo into travel-size bottles, etc. I'm an inveterate planner (I enjoy the process of planning a trip as much as taking the trip itself), and the packing is part of the planning for me. Sounds to me as though you're having a good time with your packing, too.
Apr 7th, 2009, 06:05 PM
#4
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I've spent 6 months packing before (more than once even). Everybody has their own plan of attack and none is wrong.
I don't like to be rushed and I tend to forget things if I wait until the last second. So, I plan my packing, think about my selection of clothing, and then adjust as necessary (sometimes multiple times). I am always finished packing several days before my trip. Then I can relax.
I don't like to be rushed and I tend to forget things if I wait until the last second. So, I plan my packing, think about my selection of clothing, and then adjust as necessary (sometimes multiple times). I am always finished packing several days before my trip. Then I can relax.
Apr 7th, 2009, 07:16 PM
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Thanks for such sweet replies. Now I know I am not totally crazy.
Just like to look nice when I am out and about relaxing, sightseeing and having a good time. With so many nice outfits in the closet, why not enjoy wearing them leisurely, thus I think I take longer.
Yes, I guess I enjoy the whole process too.
From one of the threads I have learned that I should pack a couple of days before departure day. I had never done that, so this time, I am aiming to have the suitcase totally packed and zippered-ready to go at least 48 hours ahead. Let's see if I succeed!
Just like to look nice when I am out and about relaxing, sightseeing and having a good time. With so many nice outfits in the closet, why not enjoy wearing them leisurely, thus I think I take longer.
Yes, I guess I enjoy the whole process too.
From one of the threads I have learned that I should pack a couple of days before departure day. I had never done that, so this time, I am aiming to have the suitcase totally packed and zippered-ready to go at least 48 hours ahead. Let's see if I succeed!
Apr 8th, 2009, 10:13 AM
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A whole morning? Wow, I take a whole week!
I layout the items I think I'd like to bring, pack and re-pack until I'm happy with the way things fit in the suitcase. Decide I don't need that pair of pants and a couple days later decide I do...
What should I pack in carry-on; some stuff has no choice, other stuff I try out in the carry-on then in the checked bag, then in the carry-on...
You get the idea. I want to know I'm happy with what I'm bringing, that it all fits nicely and I want to know that at least 2 days before I leave so that any adjustments aren't made at the last minute and cause me to be frazzled.
I layout the items I think I'd like to bring, pack and re-pack until I'm happy with the way things fit in the suitcase. Decide I don't need that pair of pants and a couple days later decide I do...
What should I pack in carry-on; some stuff has no choice, other stuff I try out in the carry-on then in the checked bag, then in the carry-on...
You get the idea. I want to know I'm happy with what I'm bringing, that it all fits nicely and I want to know that at least 2 days before I leave so that any adjustments aren't made at the last minute and cause me to be frazzled.
Apr 8th, 2009, 11:22 AM
#9
I usually start about 1 month before a trip. Gathering things in a separate place (like the guest room). I don't travel with a bunch of jewelry or shoes that match outfits, so that part's easier for me.
My actually "packing" (i.e., putting things into the suitcase) takes less than an hour. But that's only because I've spend a LOT of time thinking about thing, handwashing out what I'm taking, etc.
My actually "packing" (i.e., putting things into the suitcase) takes less than an hour. But that's only because I've spend a LOT of time thinking about thing, handwashing out what I'm taking, etc.
Apr 8th, 2009, 01:30 PM
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wow toedtoes six months ahead! That's a lot of time. I am of the kind that packs the night before and either packs too much or too little. I have found these tips pretty handy
1.Rolling Your Clothes Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.
2.Fold Clothes Together Take two or more garments. For example, trousers, lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it, so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
I have found these tips here http://www.cheapoair.com/travel/trav...cking-tips.asp they could be useful. Happy packing
1.Rolling Your Clothes Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.
2.Fold Clothes Together Take two or more garments. For example, trousers, lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it, so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
I have found these tips here http://www.cheapoair.com/travel/trav...cking-tips.asp they could be useful. Happy packing
Apr 8th, 2009, 02:47 PM
#11
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I am realizing now I am not crazy. There are many others like me!
Love all the tips and ideas and hope to use them too.
I live in a small town and thus use the small airport always as my first flight. So, here they open the suitcase, take stuff out, then put it back in whatever manner they seem right to get it to fit back.
Thus, I find it a huge problem. So, I now use the ziplock bags-large size to put most of my clothing in so that they can lift each bag out. Just bothers me when I see stuff opening and then they are folding or just dumping in the suitcase.
THey even open the toilet kit, check what is inside the shoes!
I like their precautions, but I think they do much of stuff not needed.
Thanks for reading my opinions.
Love all the tips and ideas and hope to use them too.
I live in a small town and thus use the small airport always as my first flight. So, here they open the suitcase, take stuff out, then put it back in whatever manner they seem right to get it to fit back.
Thus, I find it a huge problem. So, I now use the ziplock bags-large size to put most of my clothing in so that they can lift each bag out. Just bothers me when I see stuff opening and then they are folding or just dumping in the suitcase.
THey even open the toilet kit, check what is inside the shoes!
I like their precautions, but I think they do much of stuff not needed.
Thanks for reading my opinions.
Apr 8th, 2009, 03:13 PM
#12
That's why they call it "security"!!! Seriously. They are *supposed* to look in your bag, in your shoes, in your toiletries bag. Get a clear toiletries case, that helps somewhat. And packaging socks, undies, etc. into sandwich sized ziplocks. The more they can easily see, the less they have to dig around in your suitcase.
Seriously. They are *supposed* to look in your bag, in your shoes, in your toiletries bag. Get a clear toiletries case, that helps somewhat. And packaging socks, undies, etc. into sandwich sized ziplocks. The more they can easily see, the less they have to dig around in your suitcase.
Apr 9th, 2009, 07:44 AM
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toedtoes that sure is a talent! I think I might have to learn from you though. I am heading away for a trip tomorrow morning and of course I have not packed yet.
ileen, people going through my bags one of my pet peeves! But I suppose I have to stand it when it comes to security...
ileen, people going through my bags one of my pet peeves! But I suppose I have to stand it when it comes to security...
Apr 9th, 2009, 08:12 PM
#15
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I have stuff that is always in my suitcase but it still takes me longer than a week to pack! The minute I buy the tickets I start packing or at least deciding what to pack.
I also pack in ziplocks, so everything is in order. I'm a little OCD about my suitcase but about nothing else in my life. Mum would be proud.
My husband packs the night before, (it drives me mad) and he always brings to much of this and not any of that. At least he knows that whatever he doesn't have, I've remembered it. In fact, I start packing his bag too, I just can't help myself.
I also pack in ziplocks, so everything is in order. I'm a little OCD about my suitcase but about nothing else in my life. Mum would be proud.
My husband packs the night before, (it drives me mad) and he always brings to much of this and not any of that. At least he knows that whatever he doesn't have, I've remembered it. In fact, I start packing his bag too, I just can't help myself.
Apr 11th, 2009, 11:44 AM
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My actual packing only takes about an hour, maybe less if it is a short trip. However, I've already decided what to pack before I start. I don't know how long it takes me to decide what to take. For long trips, I usually start thinking about it months ahead of time in case I want to buy anything new.
