Please help me pack lightly for the first time in my life!
 

OK, you have all talked me into packing lightly, so I will try to on a trip to Amalfi coast late in March (almost two weeks).

Is this a good start?

1 pair black dress pants
1 pair black jeans
1 pair black cords
1 pair white jeans
2 black t shirts
2 white t shirts
1 black and white striped tshirt
1 black long sleeve t shirt
1 red hooded light cotton jacket
1 black wool short blazer
1 black cashmire pull over
1 dressy blouse
1 set warm up outfit for lounging
1 light velvet robe
1 set silk pj's
1 waterproof shoes
1 black loafers
1 black dress mules
underwear/belts/scarves
1 3/4 length black wool coat
1 cashmire shawl (black or hot pink?)

What will this fit into? Help me, I have a feeling I am going to hyperventaliate.

Hi Polly,

I think it will all fit into a briefcase?

Do you really need the sweats?
Do you really need jeans and cords?

I suggest 2 pair of walking shoes.

Try this: get out your suitcase. Pack everything you think you will need. Remove 1/2. Put it into a smaller suitcase. Take the suitcase and walk 1/2 mile and up three flights of stairs.

Remove 1/2. Put it into a smaller suitcase. Take the suitcase and walk 1/2 mile and up three flights of stairs.

Repeat until you feel comfortable shlepping the suitcase. :)

is this a joke.

if it's not. I take it that you are going too where ever you are going, in winter and staying for a couple of months.

how many jackets are you taking. just wear 1 that matchs many outfits and wear it on the plane. kill the warm up outfits that what the long sleave tshits and is for..

<<What will this fit into?>>

Two garbage bags, but that isn't the point, is it?

But it is at the heart of one key element of a "right" answer: the first step of packing light is choosing bag that are light when EMPTY.

I recommend no more than eight pounds for your "main" bag - - e.g., a rollaboard, and no more than eight OUNCES (yes, ounces) for your carry-on, such as nylon small-medium duffle.

I usually carry (pack) a third bag of this same lightweight size EMPTY to give more room for stuff that I acquire while traveling.

Best wishes,

Rex

Take out the white jeans, the warmup outfit, the mules, and the velvet robe(!) and you're on the right track, as long as that list also includes what you'll be wearing, not just what you're packing.

Packing light means being flexible about the designated roles our garments play; you can use the light cotton jacket or the cashmere pullover if you're chilly in your silk jammies. Is there something you'd use the shawl for, that none of the other garments can do?

But packing light also doesn't mean you have to stick to black-and-white, as long as everything works together. Switch those white T's for bright-colored ones, and you'll be cheerier and less worried about dirt, too!

Have you checked on whether cords are approprlriate for the Amalfi climate in late March? Probably something lighter-weight would be OK. And you might want to upgrade the loafers into sturdy walking shoes.

And don't forget socks and undies, about 5-6 of each so you can wash out just twice.

Don't hyperventilate. As long as you remember to pack anything that requires a prescription (meds, glasses), if you forget or need anything else, you can buy it there!!

you might try this...it works for me every time. first choose your suitcase...i always take the 22in. wheeled carry-on even if i check it. then begin by packing all the essentials you have to have ( underwear, shoes, etc.) then what you will need for everyday sightseeing, including shoes. then for a night out. see what room you have left and fill in. when you are full, you are full. and that is that! you can repack and rearrange and may find a way to make more room, but deciding first your suitcase size and then your wardrobe really makes it simple to disgard unnecessaries. btw.. try to double duty items. the loafers are fine with nice pants.those black dress pants can be used for more than just dress by the end of the journey...your coat or shawl can be a bathrobe. also you can always buy clothes. ps i would definitely rethink the white jeans.....

You are on the right track and have received lots of good advice. I would definitely take something warm. The Amalfi coast in MArch can be cold. I was there a few years ago in early April and was very glad to have a woolen shawl and a leather jacket.

Since you're not going until March, rehearse a little. (I'm a musician.)

Pack your suitcase and then live a week only with what you packed. If you didn't use it, don't take it. You can try this a couple times to see what you really need.

You'll quickly discover what you can fit in your suitcase, and just as quickly discover what you really don't need. The suggestions above were excellent.

If you have to take jeans, take one pair and wear them on the plane. I've given up jeans because they are comfy but just too bulky. A blazer, sweater and jacket is overkill. Go with the blazer. It's more versatile. You don't need a warmup suit. Lounge in your jeans! It's probably going to be too warm for cords. If you have to take a robe, take a silk one. As mentioned above, be super sure to take at least one GOOD pair of walking shoes. If you really need a shawl, buy one there. It will be a wonderful souvenir. (Of course you have to pack it back, so leave some room!)

Have a great trip.

pick the lightest weight in shoes possible and as Rex suggests, the suitcase. Remember you will be lifting it and if you can't lug it aroiund comfortable you will be miserable. I bring a pashima shawl for on the plane and cool evenings and a folding nylon raincoat. I pick light fabrics, thin cashmere and knits that don't wrinklesome put their things in Plastis bags. Others roll their garments. Tuck small things like rolled belts in your shoes, leave jewelry at home. Remember it's fun to buy something their to wear and it will bring back memories.

Rolled belts?? No, no, no. One belt, and she's wearing it already.

2 comments:
White jeans in March? You must be from California. Until I lived here I never saw white pants before Memorial Day (unless they were winter white wool).

Velvet robe? A lovely thing to be sure, but not for travel. Buy yourself a silk kimono style robe that will take up no room and weigh nothing.

Personally, rather than warm ups for lounging, I wear something comfortable on the plane (like Chico's travelers line -- elastic waist pants, zip up jacket) and use that outfit for "lounging" during my trip. Come to think of it, why do you need this at all? You have your jeans, you have your silk pajamas and robe -- the first is suitable for lounging in public and the second for lounging in private.

Marilyn, white jeans are the ONLY thing that will go with a hot pink shawl in March. The white pants must stay.

I disagree, Holly. The pink shawl will look great over the black pants and any of the black and/or white tops. (polly doesn't say what colors are in the dressy blouse, but presumably they work with the rest of her wardrobe.)

White jeans will be good for 1 or 2 wearings at best -- then either laundry or back in the suitcase for the rest of the trip. (Unless she just wears them out in the evening. But I thought it would still be chilly, not really tropical paradise, in March.)

Hmmmm, or are you kidding?

Gee, Marylyn, I hope so... :)

Well, you never know!

Your are on the right track - especially if you normally pack a huge bag for a short trip.

But you could cut that stuff by at least a 1/3 and still have plenty of wardrobe options.

I also ask - Why black cords and black jeans? They are essentially the same garment so anyplace you could wear one you could wear the other? Leave one of them home. The white jeans are an issue - nothing wrong with them but they will get soiled the first time you wear them and then they will take 3 days to dry hanging over the bathroom rod. I'd skip the velvet robe and the warm up out fit. Marilyn's idea of a chicos-type outfit to wear on the plane is a good one. But then you should drop one of your other tops and pants since the chicos can take their place.

You listed 9 tops (not counting jackets) which is probably 3 or 4 too many. You can also cut back to 2 pair of shoes and one belt.

This reduced wardrobe will easily fit in a 21 inch roll aboard. Wear the most comfortable and bulkiest items and shoes on the flight.

1 pair black dress pants
1 pair black jeans
2 black t shirts
2 white t shirts
1 black long sleeve t shirt
1 red hooded light cotton jacket
1 black cashmire pull over
1 dressy blouse
1 set warm up outfit for lounging
1 set silk pj's
1 waterproof shoes
1 black loafers
1 black dress mules
underwear/belts/scarves
1 3/4 length black wool coat

I think the above is great. I'd take along either a pair of regular jeans or khakis for an ultra casual day - not white, it could stain too easily. plus it may very well be cold. you might want to take along a fleece to layer, just in case. not elegant of course but on the days you wear the red cotton coat/jeans - if it's cold I'd want to be ready.

I would take the lounging outfit b/c I've often wished I had, when I am back at the hotel. the days clothes you don't want to wear, either they are too constricting for relaxing or you want to 'save' them to get an extra day's wear out of them. just make sure it's very light and folds down to nothing...

light bags - amen to that. definitely get a pull bag. and wear your heavy stuff on the trip over and back. and don't forget a collapsible light canvas bag to schlep stuff you have bought, home. or even your dirty clothes.

scarves will add color, the black and white scheme you have is a good backdrop.

the below I think are either redundant or won't be of as much use as you think once you get there:
1 pair black cords
1 pair white jeans
1 black and white striped tshirt
1 black wool short blazer
1 light velvet robe
1 cashmire shawl (black or hot pink?)

don't forget, you will buy things there, which is half the fun. if you really think the above I cut out is necessary, then leave it home and buy on the road.

Well, after I posted I went to the market and when I came back I was so happy to see all of your advice!

No, I wasn't kidding and yes I do live in California!

I am trying to mix up a casual wardrobe for the Amalfi area with warmth if the climate is still cold. I thought the white pants were good for the resort atmosphere. The pink shawl is pashmina like, but I could take a black one instead. Now I think I will cut the white shirts and add colored ones too.
I think my black jeans are too tight for lounging so I was going to bring the warmup suit for veranda sitting. I will cut out the cords now too.
The velvet robe is light, but I think I will bring a silk kimona instead now.

I really really thank you, I have a phobia on choosing clothes to wear ahead as you can tell and will weigh my luggage now too. I am going to print this thead out and study it a while.

I would revise your list to be:

1 pair black dress pants
1-2 pair black cotton slacks
1 black skirt, knee-length or longer
2 black t shirts
2 white t shirts
1 black long sleeve t shirt
1 black wool short blazer
1 black cashmere pull over
1 dressy blouse
1-2 pairs walking shoes
1 pair walking/comfort dress sandals
underwear/belts/scarves
1 3/4 length black wool coat
1 large scarf/wrap
1 small/medium bottle Woolite

I suggest the skirt and large scarf specifically in case you're visiting any religious sites that require a bit extra modesty, or have a nice dinner out. Not to mention, skirts are much cooler during the warm afternoons. And you'd be amazed at how much room you can save by packing fewer and lighter clothes and doing a bit of hand-washing along the way. I spent a long week in Israel with one 22" rollaboard and one small sidebag.

one thing important to remember - packing light is great and all, but don't make yourself nutty doing it. if you don't mind using porters, cabs instead of public transport, etc. - then bring everything you want.

Polly, curious, are you talking real silk pjs? If so, very expensive to clean. And depending where you are staying, there is not always someone to carry your bags.

I'd stick with the pink shawl. It's nice to have some color and it will be fabulous in the evening if you are wearing all black. (But then, I'm from California, too, and we do wear a lot more color than those east coasters!)

I hand wash my silk pajamas -- no problem. Silk has been around a lot longer than dry cleaning.

You are getting excellent advice here.

Just a few more points: Remember that about 1/3 of your total luggage space will be taken up with "others":

A small medical kit (bandaids, antiseptic cream, tweezers, and so on)

Something for rain (I prefer a rainproof jacket with hood) Maybe a small umbrella?

A small sewing kit - no scissors! Use your teeth :-d

Camera plus film/extra memory card

Toiletries - small tube of toothpaste, small jars of creams and lotions (I keep these in their original glass containers) toothbrush, facial cleansing pads, deodorant, shower cap, hairbrush, a very small bar of soap, a very small bottle of travel laundry detergent from REI, and on and on depending on your personal needs and likes.

I wear glasses, so carry three pairs.

Cell phone, charger, and adapter.

Guidebook(s).

Then you need to have a moneybelt to carry all your travel documents, cash, and other indispensables.

In compiling this list, I've probably left off at least 1/2 dozen other essentials.

I also tend to like having a pair of cheap slippers/rubber thongs which can be thrown away at the end of the trip. Old slippers will do also. These are great for comfort at the end of a long day of walking. Depending on the type of accommodations, the rubber thongs are great for wearing into communal showers or to poolside.

Pack all these things into your luggage also and try hiking around with EVERYTHING.

Have a great trip!

whatever you take
the best suggestion i have heard off of this list is to use ziplock bags. you can organize and smash down to nothing when you put your clothes in those. i spent a month on the road in france and i could pull out my undie bag or my t shirt bag....it was great

I definitely agree that the white jeans have to go. I don't know about the "red-hooded light cotton jacket" - I'm not sure what purpose this serves.
Also the 3/4-length black wool coat - whew! That would NOT be my choice for an outergarment in March in Italy.I'd take one of those microfiber, lightweight 3/4-length coats with a hood. MUCH less weight and far more versatile. You can get one with a zip-out lining if you're afraid of cold (which I would not be).
I don't think I'd take the black cords, either, come to think of it. Where would I wear them that I wouldn't wear the black jeans? IN fact, I wouldn't take either cords or jeans - I'd take a nice tailored pair of black gabardine pants.
And for March, I wouldn't take 4 T-shirts, I'd take more mid-length and long-sleeved shirts.
Unless you're planning to do some serious lounging, I'd eliminate the lounging attire completely. Just put on your sleepwear to lounge, assuming you're not planning to lounge in public.
Velvet robe? You must be kidding! If you MUST have a robe (why?), take a silk one that weighs nothing.
You're on the right track, but you're not quite there. Style Court, where are you?
As a general rule, I've found you want at least 50 percent more tops than bottoms, so see if that helps you in planing.
Back to the drawing board............

Since you obviously prefer black slacks, check out the Bayside Twills at L. L. Bean. Excellent for dressy or casual, and they have very deep pockets. They drip dry overnight, hold the creases, don't require pressing, and look brand new forever.

Lands End makes fabulous casual knit slacks. I love the Sport Knit pants. Again, deep pockets. Wonderful to wear on the plane, for "lounging", even to bed, if it's chilly, with a tee.

I'd skip the black tees - too much black. Substitute beautiful colors. L. L. Bean also has fabulous tee shirts (even twin pieces) of every variety. They have a dressier cut and style, drip dry overnight.

I'd go ahead and bring the red hooded jacket if you love it (for color, especially). Wear it on the plane. Or, pack it, and wear the 3/4 wool. (I take my 3/4 wool everywhere if it's appropriate for the season, my black wool blazer otherwise, but not both.)
A 3/4 microfiber coat with hood, that fits over the blazer, though, is probably the better bet for outerwear.

A shawl is nice if you're dining in the hotel or walking to dinner. Otherwise, it's a pain, especially on public transportation.

You haven't mentioned a skirt or dress to go with the dress mules?

Marilyn, I think Holly gotcha! with the white jeans and pink shawl.:)

Polly, this website has helped me pare down my packing: http://www.oratory.com/onebag/home.html

I highly recommend visiting laundromats at least twice during your stay. I find that clothes that have been machine-washed and dried are usually cleaner and nicer than clothes that are handwashed. I know with delicates you have no option but to handwash. You could probably find out ahead of time where the closest laundromats are and decide on the time and place you will attend them. Alternatively, sometimes good deals can be had for paying someone to do it.

Perhaps the situation is different in more upscale accommodations, but my downscale (but still clean and pleasant) accommodations that I have had so far did not have what I considered a convenient place to hang up wet clothes.

Hi scumpy! Holly did indeed "get me" -- is there an emoticon for being embarrassed?

polly (I love your screen name, by the way), I'd ditch the wool coat in favor of a fairly stylish, loose fitting, 3/4 length raincoat with a hood and a zip out lining. You can wear it over the blazer and/or the cashmere sweater if it's cold, and you can wear it out in the evening.

You've all given me alot to think about. I was bringing the lightweight wool fitted coat because if I walk around at night I get cold easily (I'm from So. Cal. so my blood is thin).

But the microfiber would work too over the sweater and blazer. The red hooded top is for a coverup on a warmer day, I was thinking it would be pretty cool in March and really cool at night by the ocean, am I right?

Marilyn, I might throw the white jeans and a white tee back in to wear with the pink pashmina as a tribute to California!

I was going to wear the mules with the dressy pants for dinners, I usually don't travel with skirts but now I am thinking I might this time for a change.
I don't know why I make such a big deal of this, but I appreciate all your advice.

I, personally, cannot imagine wasting any valuable travel time at a laundromat on a two week trip, or how machine washed/dried clothes are cleaner and nicer.

Usually, I bring one or two plasic hangers with skirt clips which can be easily hung anywhere. If not in the shower, excess moisture can be removed with towels after showering.

You can even use shampoo/shower gel in lieu of laundry detergent.

I'd much rather rinse a few items out before retiring or after showering and before heading out for the day than locating a laundromat, having change/supplies, figuring out how to work the machines, and waiting around for the wash/dry cycles.

You can wear most things twice, especially if you change for the evening and wear that outfit during the following day.

You really don't need truly dressy shoes for slacks, but they go quite nicely with a slim skirt.

What fun to read this. I thought I was the only one who went crazy trying to travel light!

One disagreement I have with almost all of the posters is -- TAKE your lounging outfit! Whoever said jeans are comforatble is NUTS :). They are usually tight and constricting. Nothing better than slipping into a pair of elastic waist pants after a nice dinner. I NEVER travel without some "downtime" clothes.

After repeated trips to Europe lugging a heavy suitcase; and alternatively carrying an over-the-shoulder bag that nearly broke my R shoulder, I have vowed each time to travel lighter. I finally started doing that in spring 2003 and I finally have a system that has worked thus far. I only bring a small, carry-on size suitcase. I take only the very essential clothing items needed (1 or 2 pairs of pants, 1 sweater, 1 top, and a scarf/gloves if traveling in winter or colder weather. All the travel columns recommend wearing all your heaviest stuff on you (leather/wool coat, etc) to avoid the bulk and weight in your suitcase. I have also learned from my European friends - they wear the same clothes nearly every day, just changing the outfit with an accessory or two (different scarf every day, etc). Going through your list, I have noted the following: Multiple pair of pants are not necessary. In fact, a very good pair of black pants goes a long way, it can be dressed up for evenings and worn during the day sight-seeing. Keep in mind that jeans and cords are the heaviest fabrics and take up space/bulk as well as weigh down your suitcase. I would remove those immediately and opt for 1 light pair (polyester/cotton blend/spandex type pant - Eddie Bauer comes to mind), 1 black T-shirt, 1 white T-shirt, blazer and a sweater. The addtl shirts, cotton jacket, robe, waterproof shoes, etc all seem (IMO) like lots of extras that will just make your suitcase heavier than you want it to be. A lot of the items you have listed are duplicates and not necessary. The cashmere sweater can be used for a nice dinner - the dressy blouse is not necessary; the warmup outfit is not needed since you are bringing a hooded light cotton jacket anyway. Delete the cashmere shawl - the scarves you are bringing can do the same thing. Why not waterproof your black loafers yourself with some spray and leave the waterproof shoes at home?!Keep in mind, the Amalfi coast is very windy and cold at that time of the year, you'll be wearing your black wool coat over all these outfits and no one will even see what you have on underneath! You will realize that you can make do on less and if need be, can always wash a small item or 2 in your hotel room sink or even ask the hotel. And lastly, remember, you are only going for less than 14 days - you can do it! Buon viaggio!

I am enjoying reading this thread too because I always have trouble packing the minimum, Pollyesther.
In fact I will be in the area about the same time as you and I think it is going to be pretty chilly, I dont know when web sites post temperatures if they take wind chill into consideration.

I take my lined leather jacket which is warmish and I also take a microfiber jacket for rainy days, but I am not being any help am I?!

It is a hard decision to make believe me, I think I will take notes from this thread myself.

Get rid of some more stuff. Remember, you are going to ITALY! If you find you need more clothes, shopping is a great adventure! Take no more than
2 pr. pants
2 t-shirts
1 long-sleeve t-shirt or blouse
1 jacket & 1 sweater
1 coat
2 scarves (or buy 1 there)
1 skirt or dress only if you are a skirt or dress person

The above list gives you a minimum of 14 different combinations, assuming everything works with everything else.

And don't forget that you have to stuff another small suitcase or duffel (empty!) in there, too, for souvenirs & extras!
2 pr shoes

Re:Packing Why are you going to the Amalfi coast? Function will dictate wardrobe. Polite suggestion, keep a daily diary noting your clothing use. Review it at the end of two weeks. Today Europe is awash with inexpensive clothing! Many items cost less than the fee for washing them. Yesterday I saw 'tennis shoes' at a shop for less than a dollar a pair. Wear them once then discard them. Concern about being cold? Use a layering system. Luggage weight should not be more than 20% of body weight. Repackage all items that are in relatively heavy containers. Consider a wheeled piece of luggage or a luggage cart. Kaizen..keep a record of what you actually wear on trip.

Marilyn, I really did think this thread was a troll =D>. But evidently everyone else seems to be taking it quite seriously!

Holly, why do you think my post was a troll post?

People on this board have different life styles and life experiences and this pertains to travel as well.

I do appreciate all the responses and I am working on a revised list and testing it in my suitcase.

Wishing you a wonderful trip. Take what YOU will be happy wearing.