Nina, regarding making more room for the handbags :)
I have finally managed to just take the bag I carry, no packing extras.

Because one of my favorite shopping treats in Paris is buying one or two new bags while there, this year it was Longchamp again :D

Tarheel, it's not your packing habits that need work, it's your living habits. Unless you are having horrendous hot flashes or night sweats, I can't understand why you need clean pj's every night. But hey, it's your suitcase.

Ira, you who normally gives such good advice, "walk around in your socks?!?!" Have you ever visited the toilet on a large plane after the first few hours? Yuck.

Barbara, I agree that you don't need any more for a month than you do for a week, however, you do need more when you will be in several climates or in a month like September when the temps may range from 80 down to 40. And clothes (& shoes) for cold weather definitely take up more space than for warm weather. And you can pack a lot lighter if you don't need to get dressed up for any occasion, or if your trip is all city or all country.

My very best advice for overpackers: Despite the dread and anxiety that prevent you from actually putting everything into your suitcase until the last minute, DO IT A FEW DAYS AHEAD OF TIME!!

I finally learned this after thinking it was all under control, then finding that when I put in my last minute items, my suitcase would barely close. At that point it is about 15 minutes before we're supposed to leave for the airport and major panic ensues.

Marilyn, I one time almost missed a flight because of "last minute packing". Not a fun scene, LOL.

I now have everything packed and ready to go, and I do mean everything right down to all the necessary legal, financial and travel documents ready in advance. If I am flying on Friday I make sure everything is done by the time I go to bed Wednesday evening for example. It sure cuts down on stress and panic.

LI, this may be the first trip EVER that we have even come close. We aim to be packed in time to actually go to sleep at a reasonable hour the night before we depart.

Oh Scarlett, you have discovered ONE of my downfalls - purses in Paris. I have many from previous trips, and probably the majority are Longchamp.

All of your light packing suggestions are great. I can handle the pants and tops, but you're right Marilyn, with the difference in Paris weather conditions over a one month period (September), that is really the difficult part.

DH is an overpacker too, so he is not immune from any of this.

When I traveled alone before I met DH, I was guess what - an overpacker. He complains outloud about the amount of luggage, but since it is l/2 his, he manages everytime. When I traveled alone or with a girlfriend, I was younger and stronger and I somehow managed to drag all of that stuff wherever I went.

My list for this trip doesn't sound all that bad (to me) but for some reason it will probably fill my wheelie carryon, an Eagle Creek tote - like a large purse) that slips over the wheelie handle, for meds, my camera, makeup (not much of that), and other personal items plus a 24" checkin suitcase, also on wheels. DH carries about the same, except his tote has his camera stuff.

So, that's two checkins, two carryons, and two other smaller carryon pieces. All packed to the brim. I'll wear my largest coat or jacket, so I will have nothing to extra to carry or to keep track of.

We try to put an empty Rick Steves rucksac (sp) into one of the check on pieces to bring home purchases,and then on our return flight we check in one of the wheelie carryons.

Fortunately we will be in Paris for the entire four week trip, so that cuts down on the schlepping.

I buy glass items which require a lot of wrapping and of course the purses.

I think the jackets, rain shoes, and warmer clothing will be my downfall this trip.

Ira - socks on the floor - DISGUSTING. It hard enough for me to go thru security shoeless.

Nina

i always seem to overpack on the toiletries (bandaids, tylenol, etc.). my rationale being that i want to spend my precious euros on other things (food, wine, clothes, etc.).

have a great trip!

I've really enjoyed this thread and looking for ways to pack even lighter. Each trip I take less and less and actually have no problem leaving things behind if they don't work or I've ruined them. I usually leave toiletries behind, too.

Now, if only someone can come up with some way of reminding me to pack my cell phone charger/adapter - I've left two of them on trips recently!!


mom
I buy clothes on clearance, simple color scheme, so I'm neat and clean. But if I have to jettison something (or the airline loses my bag) I don't cry about it.

I also use a MAC makeup palette (they usually come out around Thanksgiving or Christmas). It's a very thin wafer which contains eye shadow, liner, lip gloss, brushes, concealer, eyebrow tamer, blush, powder, all in about a 4"x5" compact. I've removed unused colors and filled them with my own products (like the concealer, foundation, etc). Works great and I can even bring it in my purse for refreshing after the long flight. I just add a mascara and I'm good to go.

aggiemom, I use a packing list for my toiletries and I've added to it a techie section for items like cell phone, charger, adapters, etc.

I have it all crammed in, it's heavy, but with in the limitations.

IT IS BETTER TO LOOK GOOD THAT TO FEEL GOOD...that's my motto. For the few minutes of struggle getting on and off the train, I always feel that it is worth it.

Like someone said, there are two camps, and they usually don't visit and meet somewhere in the middle. I am a controlled, confined overpacker...even when traveling alone.

Marilyn - I meant that I've left two chargers/adaptors in Europe recently!

I manage to pack them okay from US to Europe but on the last day I usually charge my phone and, predictably, leave the charger in the hotel....

After a 1980 h.s. trip to Paris when the handle, then the wheels broke off my overloaded suitcase (borrowed from Grandma-oops!) while I dragged it along the cobblestones around the Madeleine I have been an underpacker.

No meds, never enough bras, no raingear, nothing to read on the plane, no nightgown in case of emergency evacuation from the hotel... but my complete lack of packing skills have yet to ruin a trip. I can understand double checking to be sure to pack enough prescription meds but quit worrying about stuff you can buy when you get there.

aggiemom, that's easy. You just have to (in muffin's words) "scour the room with your eyeballs." :-D

i am thinking OH S---! How the heck am I going to bring this all??? Do I REALLY NEED THIS ALL???? I guess i am back for a 3rd dry run.... pack, unpack, weed out... pack, un pack, weed out, go shopping, repack again...

I have copied some advice that a very wise fodorite said to another very stressed traveler.

“Author: janis
Date: 07/19/2005, 11:47 pm

OK - sit down, put your feet up, exhale, have a glass of wine and RELAX.

Re dressy outfits -- I always make do w/ a pair of black slacks (ONE PAIR) or a black skirt and 2 different tops, a lacy camisole, a jacket and a pashmina or scarf. Byt mixing/matching this one bottom w/ the tops I have 8 unique dress up outfits.

So it is really easy -- honest.

And don't leave the rain jacket home if you are going to the Tattoo -- if it rains that night you must have something to cover up w/ . . . . .”

I agree with everything, including the glass of wine (except I would have gone for the bottle).

Hi all,

We are now packed for 3 weeks in France.

My Lady Wife has managed to reduce the bare essentials from one large suitcase, two carryons and two items of personal belongings to one suitcase, one carryon and one small bag.

At this rate, I expect we will have only 2 carryons for our 2020 visit to Europe. :)

((I))

Ira!!! Are you two leaving today, Wednesday, for France??? I knew it was sometime this month..but get the feeling you are on your way. If so I sure wish both of you a beautiful, fun, interesting and relaxing time. And if it is just the case that your dear wife is just real organized and you will not be leaving for a couple of days then you will just have to put up with another message from me.

But think you are on your way! My very best wishes.

Thank you, love.

We are off this evening.

((I))

Bon voyage, ira! Be careful of the stroms in southwest France!

That would be STORMS, not stroms!

Fantastic Ira!!! Be safe and again both of you have a beautiful time. Enjoy every moment. We will miss you but it will be fun to read your trip report after you get home and settled in. Big hugs!!