Suitcase Organizing

This year I have travelled more than any other year and I am fine tuning the art of packing a suitcase. I will admit I am high maintenance so this ritual is always problematic.

At the professional organizers conference in April, I was challenged by another organizer to reduce the amount of stuff I pack. She had flown to Florida with only one 21" suitcase that fit in the overhead compartment of the plane. I had travelled in my van with that suitcase, the 26" version and an overnight toiletries bag.


My last trip was for 9 days and included a dress up affair as well as more casual events and 4 stops along the way. I eliminated the 26" suitcase so there was a measure of success in downsizing. One good organizing strategy I used was to pack my most travel friendly clothing so wrinkles would not be an issue. Knits are better than woven fabrics for packing and blends or synthetics are better than cotton and linen. They are not more comfortable but they look better after being crushed for several hours. If ironing is an option after you arrive, any fabric will do.


There will be more travelling in my future so I am testing all new clothing with the "ball it up in your hand" method to determine its travel worthiness. Taking items that can be hand washed and will dry quickly is another good strategy to reduce the number of similar items needed. Finally, good wardrobe planning with clothing pieces that can be used several times is the best way to reduce the amount of items.


Planning, practice and persistence are always good strategies for any organizational problem and should make suitcase organizing more successful with each trip. Now I must practice what I preach.