Packing tips from American Girl About This Page:

[HeatherD]

Here are some tips from DD's American Girl magazine on packing. Some of it is stuff we, as seasoned travelers, already know. But some of it was interesting. DD loved the suggestions and is excited to implement them when we travel.

- Head to Toe: Lay out entire outfits on your bed before you put anything into your bag. That way you'll realize what you're forgetting (shoes, underwear, etc).

- It's a Wrap: Wrap up a complete outfit - socks, shorts, underwear - by folding (rolling) the shirt around it. You can grab the whole outfit without having to hunt for any pieces. (of course, if you pack coordinates to save room this may not work.)

- Spill Stopper: Tighten the caps on all liquids, such as shampoo and lotion, and pack them into an insulated lunch bag to prevent leaks onto clothing. Resealable plastic bags work, too.

- Chain Keeper: To keep necklaces from tangling, run one end of each chain thorugh an empty toilet paper tube and fasten the clasp. Store the roll inside a shoe or in a suitcase pocket.

- In the Bag: Stuff some empty plastic grocery bags into your suitcase. On your trip, use them to store dirty or wet clothes and shoes. When you get home, clothing from the bags can go straight into the laundry, making unpacking a breeze.

[lauren-roxy]

Those are great tips!!!

[kimberlym322]

Originally Posted by HeatherD

- It's a Wrap: Wrap up a complete outfit - socks, shorts, underwear - by folding (rolling) the shirt around it. You can grab the whole outfit without having to hunt for any pieces. (of course, if you pack coordinates to save room this may not work.)

- Chain Keeper: To keep necklaces from tangling, run one end of each chain thorugh an empty toilet paper tube and fasten the clasp. Store the roll inside a shoe or in a suitcase pocket.

For the "It's a Wrap" you can also put them in either the plastic newspaper bags or in a zip lock bag, take the air out and it will save room also. You put the outfit in the bag and each day you grab one and go. (got to love the girl scouts for that idea)

For the "Chain Keeper" you can also use straws. you just have to cut them down a bit so that they can be fastened close.

They are great tips though!!!!!!!!

[chezp]

Those are some great tips. Thanks for sharing them.

[Dlandmom2]

Thanks! My daughter is really getting into the whole American Girl thing, so I'm sure she'll love these tips!

[Dlandmom2]

Thanks! My daughter is really getting into the whole American Girl thing, so I'm sure she'll love these tips!

[tndisneyfam]

Thanks for sharing!

[modisney]

Here's somethingthat I read on some travel website via cnn.com: roll your clothes and imagine your suitcase standing upright (on the wheels) and pack your heaviest weight stuff "at the bottom" as everything tends to shift in that direction. Hope that makes sense.

[MaryEL8775]

I agree with this all. I plan on using some of these techniques on our next trip.