I learned a lot in my first two years of college: theories of communication, the acting methods of Stanislavski, and that time management is an extremely important tool to utilize.
Somewhere during the semesters, I also familiarized myself with the art of packing.
The numerous trips between home and school taught me how to better handle my over packing issues. The zipper can finally close even with all my essentials crammed tightly in a standard-sized suitcase.
Packing tips online advise folding clothes a certain way or only bringing what you really need – but sometimes you really just need everything.
I always feel the stress and let down of possibly having to leave something behind because it just won’t fit, but my mistakes have only taught me to improve the next packing experience. Here are some things I’ve learned from my many packing mishaps.
50, that’s the magic number.
For the fliers, this is the number you want to keep in mind always. Checked baggage cannot exceed 50 pounds and, trust me, it’s a lot lighter than you would expect.
Counter this by packing the suitcase with clothes that weigh less and leave the heavier stuff for your carry-on. Jeans weigh on average a pound each so it’s a good idea to keep them with you for the flight.
Keep it simple.
Less is more, and I don’t mean in the way that any items should be left behind.
Aim for a few larger bags – that can close – rather than many random little ones that you’ll have trouble keeping track of. You’ll be more mobile when trying to catch a bus or a train and won’t have to worry about possibly leaving one behind.
Also, aim for carriers that you can throw over your shoulders or wheel along behind you; your body will thank you the day after.
Follow the triangle.
Journalists follow an inverted triangle when writing by starting with the big information and working downward onto the more minor details. Packing is the same.
When packing, throw your big things in first and keep the smaller and flexible ones at hand. After the positioning has been figured out, find any nook or cranny they can call home. You’ll utilize every inch of space available.
It may seem impossible to get everything packed away, but from my own experiences, it usually works out. It might take some readjusting or a different bag – but don’t give up.
Don’t let a bag that won’t zip up defeat you. It’s all about the trial and error.
Now, I can’t take all the credit. Friends are really what have made packing and traveling a lot easier. At some point, you will have to resort to asking someone to carry a bag or to zip a suitcase.
Packing to go back home isn’t an easy task, but turning to those around you will make the process smoother.
email: gisellel.lam@ubspectrum.com
