StCirq

That's really fascinating, janis. Hard to believe on first think that people would need expertise on something as simple as packing a suitcase, but upon reflection there probably hasn't been a single trip among the thousands I've taken where I didn't either forget to bring something I needed or brought something I didn't ever need..

bilboburgler

Incredible, still Barnum used to have a sign "this way to the Egress" and people queued to see it.

sparkchaser

1. Use packing cubes (http://amzn.to/2qIMi6t) but also don't be married to the idea that EVERYTHING must be in a packing cube.

2. Get a luggage scale (http://amzn.to/2p9lhHX).

3. Take a pic of your luggage to help with identification should it end up lost.

4. Print out your name, phone number, and address of where your first stop will be and put that in your luggage face-up before you zip it up. In the event your luggage gets lost and the tags and stickers are ripped off, the bag will still find its way to its destination.

5. If you are packing bottles of refreshing beverages (adult or otherwise), wrapping them up in a shirt or two or pair of pants will provide enough protection but if you want "extra" protection, Wineskins work well (https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Skin-Win...dp/B0033C6FOM/)

6. In your carry-on, have a change of underwear, socks, and shirt just in case.

Daot

I pack extra singlets as layering items to keep warm. Generally choose a really big silk or cotton scarf over a cardigan.
Washing powder so i can pack for generally half (1/3 if I'm planning on shopping heaps) the days of my trip.
Take disposable toiletries and you can throw out as you use and lighten your load along the way.
Only 1 pair of jeans, 1 skirt, 1 other casual bottom.
Dresses, I would generally go with silk ones that fold/roll up to nothing (but need an iron).
As I am a shopper I generally think to myself that the more I pack , the less space i have to shop. If i make a list of shopping items i need, i would generally omit that from my packing list ie a dress or shorts etc.
Shoes are really bulky so sandals work best and maybe just 1 pair if you can get away with it.

Fodorite018

Daot--I am a shopper as well, so always pack with that in mind.

Janisj--The first time I read that you taught packing classes was when we took my mom to France and I had to help her pack. I was amazed at what she thought she was going to take lol! She was so impressed with how I have learned to pack light that she suggested I teach a class, so I thought of you at the time. Anyway, she had mostly packed and her bag was fine, but when I came back in few minutes later she couldn't figure out why her carry on (that is all we do) wouldn't zip. She had added her full length, thick robe, costco size vitamins etc. I can still picture it lol.

I have done 3 weeks in Europe in the winter with one pair of shoes, but usually try to have 2 pair in just in case. I have also taken as many as 3, but that is for summer when it is sandals. I do take enough underwear for an entire trip, and almost always can take stuff to wear something fresh every day and still be able to keep my bag at around 20 pounds. I have had it as light as 17 pounds, which is really good for shopping

I do a mix of folding/rolling depending on the items.

For toiletries, one thing that has really helped is to use contact lens cases for my facial moisturizer and hair cream. They are so tiny, but hold just the amount I need for a week/10 days. Ziploc baggies for Advil etc.

PegS

Oh the shopping thing! We actually nearly always do carry-on only on the way to our destination. However, we both use expandable luggage and take a collapsible duffel bag because we know we'll have souvenirs. Then for the return trip the luggage gets checked--since we don't mind if luggage gets lost on our way home--and anything we can't bear to lose goes in the carry-on duffel bag.

suze

I don't wear jeans
I don't wear dresses
I don't use packing cubes
I don't need a clothesline and clothes pins
I don't need a luggage scale
I don't travel with any electronics
I do rinse things out in the hotel sink.

Maybe that's why it seems simpler to me than to some?

Fodorite018

suze--I wear jeans most of the time, but they are thin fabric and "skinny" so not much to them. Sometimes I will take a skirt, but if I do it is only one. No cubes, clotheslines, scale etc. I take my iPhone as the only electronic. I don't rinse anything out in the sink as I am able to bring enough clean clothes with me in a carryon only. For me, it is all about the fabrics I take, so there is room and the weight is low. I just hate checking bags and will do anything to avoid it. I do shop a lot, so I just ship home what I need. So far that has worked for me on every trip.