I enjoy traveling and experiencing fun adventures with family and friends in the United States and around the world. Despite my love for travel, there was a time when packing a suitcase would qualify as among my least favorite activities. And for one simple reason: I really did not know how to pack. While packing for a high school field trip to Washington, D.C. I recall bringing way too many books but not enough blazers. Early in my college years I’d get my duffel or suitcase all zipped up only to realize that my umbrella or hair dryer were not packed. Then a minor repacking process would ensue. After a few such adventures, I was impelled to create a general packing list that continues to serve me well today. But with the trusty packing list in-hand, I still found it difficult to fit the appropriate items in my luggage of choice.
There are plenty of perspectives about the “right” way to pack a suitcase so that you maximize the available space, minimize wrinkles in clothing, and get to the airport on time. And packing luggage is another great example of a situation in which you should always do what works well for you, even if it’s the opposite of how your neighbor or cousin packs their luggage. That said, before this summer travel season began, I hopped online to see what I could find in the way of packing tips. I came across this New York Times slideshow that I think would help me and any packing novice to ace Suitcase Packing 101. There are probably countless other ways to effectively pack luggage, but this presentation seemed especially user-friendly to me. And so I pass it on to you in the hopes that it will be helpful to you this summer and in the months and years ahead.
Have some packing tips that could benefit other Logistically Leah readers? Send your ideas to us and they could appear in a future blog post!
* Photo by Adam Ciesielski