Travel expert Anne McAlpin demonstrates her system for packing everything needed for a two-week vacation into one carryon bag.
The Interlaying System
- Arrange shoes in pairs with the toe end tucked in the heel. Place them along the bottom of the suitcase near the hinges.
- Place belts along the perimeter of the suitcase, and put heavy items such as hair dryers on the bottom.
- Cover a cardboard divider with self-adhesive paper and put it on top of these items.
- Fold slacks along their natural creases, placing the waistband along one edge of the suitcase, with the bottom of the pants extending over the opposite edge of the case. Use the same method for other pairs of slacks.
- Continue this method, folding skirts, dresses and shirts along their natural creases.
- Button all jackets and blazers, and pull a dry-cleaner bag over them. Place them face down in the suitcase, with the sleeves in back of the jacket, along their natural creases. Allow the bottom of the jacket to extend over the bottom of the case.
- Roll all knit items and place them on top of the layered clothing. When you're finished, fold the pieces that are hanging over the edges of the suitcase on top of these items.
- The cardboard divider can be lifted to reach items underneath it without disturbing the folded clothes on top.
Other General Tips
- Make a checklist and start packing well in advance.
- A 20-inch bag with wheels fits in most overhead compartments.
- Put shoes in plastic bags to keep other items from getting dirty.
- Buy small, travel-size items to pack for trips.
- Take a braided laundry line and an inflatable hanger for laundry that has been handwashed.
- Store pierced earrings or cufflinks in a lipstick holder.
Resources Pack It Up: A Book for the Contemporary Traveler
by Anne McAlpin
Flying Cloud Publications, 1998
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Guests Anne McAlpin
Packing Expert / Author
Toll-free 800-977-7225
E-mail:
ann@packitup.com
Website:
www.packitup.com
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