By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, July 5, 2003
SUMMER 1967 - My suitcase was neatly packed a week ahead for
the annual road trip to Colorado. My favorite orange shorts and
saltwater sandals were ready to go. When you’re ten, life
is simpler and there is less to worry about; packing is easy.
As we get older, out suitcases tend to get fuller. The single
best thing one can do is resist overpacking. When we go on vacation,
isn’t the idea to get away from life as we know it? When
we pack too much we cause ourselves (and others) trouble and pain.
Our bags are too heavy, making them a burden to handle. Our cars
are loaded from the trunk to the backseat to the overhead rack.
Instead of leaving the clutter behind, we drag it along, clogging
up the road to a carefree vacation.
If you pack it, you carry it. This means one suitcase and one
carry-on. Everyone will feel self-sufficient and more comfortable.
Shoes – How many can you wear at one time? Take
your most comfortable two pairs, and leave the rest behind.
Clothes – Check your destination weather on the
Internet (or make a phone call) and pack accordingly, i.e don’t
bring heavy jeans for 80 degree weather. Plan your clothes around
a few basic colors to simplify choices. If laundry facilities
are convenient, pack less by planning to wash clothes during the
trip.
Toiletries – Go ahead and take your favorite shampoo,
but get a travel size or fill a smaller plastic bottle. Better
yet, keep your toiletries prepacked, and you’re one step
closer to being ready for your next trip.
When you pack your reading material, leave the hardback copy of
War & Peace at home. Think thin, packing a paperback and magazine.
Be realistic about how much reading you will actually do.
Let them pack for themselves, but supervise with parental wisdom.
After all, you’ll be the one shopping for the forgotten
swimsuit or lugging the overpacked tote bag when she gets tired.
On the other hand, not having what you need causes discomfort
and wastes time at your destination. Sure, buying a toothbrush
is easy, but obtaining prescription medication is more complicated.
Your best bet is to use a packing list which you customize to
your needs; i.e. business vs. pleasure, Alaska vs. Hawaii, auto
vs. plane trip, camping vs. hotels. Keep the list at the point
of use--with your suitcase for easy reference when packing.
July 2003 - I confess…this organizing consultant does not
relish packing. I have a lot more clothes now, a home to manage,
a husband and family. Can I apply the simplicity of youth to packing
for a vacation? A list will help ease packing anxiety.
√ Underwear
√ Socks
√ Nylons
√ Sleepwear
√ Bathrobe (unless hotel provides)
√ Shirts
√ Sweatshirts
√ Sweaters
√ Pants
√ Skirts
√ Dresses
√ Suits
√ Hats
√ Ties
√ Jacket/Raincoat
√ Exercise wear
√ Swim suit, cover-up
√ Belts
√ Shoes
√ Shampoo, conditioner
√ Comb, brush
√ Deodorant
√ Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
√ Sunscreen
√ Makeup, skincare
√ Shaver, shaving cream
√ Nail care
√ Medications
√ Vitamins
√ Cotton balls, q-tips
√ Band aids
√ Tweezers
√ Contact lens solution, trays
√ Spare contacts
√ Prescription glasses
√ Hand lotion
√ Sunscreen, sunglasses
√ Bug repellant
√ Feminine hygiene products
√ Blow dryer (hotel may provide)
√ Curling iron/hot rollers
√ Reading material
√ CD player, CDs
√ Tote bag
√ Laundry bag
√ Camera, film
√ Snacks
√ Bottled water
√ Stamps
√ Writing material
√ Address book/PDA
√ Cell phone/charger
√ Travel alarm clock
√ Umbrella
√ Flashlight
√ Hostess gift
You’ll enjoy your vacation and coming home if you arrange
to have things covered in your absence. Plan well in advance of
your trip, so you don’t stay up all night before your trip
taking care of business.
√ Arrange to have mail held or picked up
√ Stop newspaper
√ Arrange for pet care
√ Arrange for garbage cans to be set out
√ Arrange transportation to the airport
√ Set light timer
√ Adjust thermostat
√ Leave itinerary & phone numbers with a relative
√ Leave key with neighbor
√ Water potted plants
√ Arrange watering
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