Real Simple magazine's packing article About This Page:

[2Peanuts]

Hi all,

I found this interesting article from Real Simple on how to pack efficiently...something I always need help with!

Thought folks might find it useful...although I suggest leaving the wedge sandals at home.

Packing Tips From the Pros | RealSimple.com

Carol

[renbugs]

Well after reading this, I couldn't imagine packing only 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of short's or only one dress I know.. I guess I'm not a light packer. Thanks for sharing the article I'm sure it will help someone!

[toddjodybrent]

Some of the tips are helpful and reassuring that I already do some things right, like pack "mentally" and make a list.
Thanks for sharing!

[Kobeychiev]

This article was great but I am a huge proponent of over packing, better safe than sorry!

[krisk11]

This article was great. I haven't laughed that hard in quite some time!! !!! A weeklong trip with one pair of pants one pair of shorts and 1 dress and only 3 bra's. OMG we are going down for 9 night 10 days and I'm brining more than that and we plan to do laundry half way thru the trip

[aliceinwdw]

Well packing that light is excellent for recreation-free vacations; however, walking WDW in the Florida heat doesn't really qualify.

No, it's nice to know that some people can pack that light, but like others of you here, I am guilty of being an overpacker too. "Better safe than sorry" is so my motto as well!

Thanks for sharing though. Maybe someday I'll learn that I don't need to take 50 lb.s worth of luggage with me! (Probably not)

[wmanderson]

The article made me laugh, too. I believe you can over pack, but you can under pack, too. One pair of pants, one pair of shorts, one dress, three tops per bottom and three bras for a week long trip? I don't think so!!! I at least bring an outfit per day, and a couple extras for the kids.

[ferrazalves]

I've learned to pack light after carrying a heavy luggage by myself during a 20 day working trip. But I figure that it is easier to do that in working related trips, once you can coordinate the clothes and use scarfs and accessories to modify them.
But for vacation - and specially WDW - it get more difficult. Plus when you add kids to the mix.....For DD, DH and me we usually take 2 pieces of medium luggage for a week long. And I should say my DH clothes take only half of one...

[chezp]

It started off Ok, but by the time I got to the in depth guide to how to pack every single thing you're taking in order, I was lost. I'm an over planner for vacations, but this was a step too far for me.

[Babysimba13]

I can honestly say that I have used the rolling of clothes to get more in the suitcase, and it works!! I was able to go to Disney for 6 days and take an outfit for each day in a carry-on suitcase! But, some of this was too much!

I also like the idea of putting the shoes down by the wheel, I never thought about that.

[lazanya]

Originally Posted by chezp

It started off Ok, but by the time I got to the in depth guide to how to pack every single thing you're taking in order, I was lost. I'm an over planner for vacations, but this was a step too far for me.

[ShellingConnie]

It was an interesting article. I thought I was doing great only bringing 5 pairs of shorts with me to Florida and doing the wash once. I can't imagine only bringing one pair.

I wish I would've known about the rolling tip for down coats in January. I don't know if it would have worked for me since I'm plus sized which means I've got a really big down coat but it would have been worth a try.

I did try bundling and it didn't work at all for me but I do roll clothes all the time. It's nice to know I'm on the right track.

I need an overpackers plan for all the bathroom stuff and meds though. Was there one in that article or did I miss it? I bring so much of that type of stuff it's funny. But I don't rent a car and after a 50.00 taxi ride to replace a broken camera, I'd rather not have to take a taxi to get medicine that I could have brought myself. LOL