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Topic: Over-packers Anonymous  (Read 2045 times)

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  • Jewlz
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #15 on: November 18, 2009, 10:09:40 AM »
Check out the bundle method explained on this website:  http://www.onebag.com/pack.html

It is amazing how much you can fit.  The only problem then becomes weight, of course, but I packed like this when I made the move over and I recommend it to everyone!

LOL! I tried to read that and barely got my head around it! I think I'll just hope for the best - it will be much harder when we come back from the states with lots of crap.  :P


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #16 on: November 18, 2009, 10:12:52 AM »
LOL! I tried to read that and barely got my head around it! I think I'll just hope for the best - it will be much harder when we come back from the states with lots of crap.  :P

Exactly! I've learned to whittle down what I take to the US so I have more space for my coffee creamers and taco seasoning packets when I come back!


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #17 on: November 18, 2009, 11:14:41 AM »
I just looked at the pictures rather than reading the text! :) 

Maybe this step by step website would help: http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=78&.   Although I layer all the clothes as pictured starting in step 2 and THEN I put the shoes/makeup/sock/etc in the middle and fold the layers over that.  It also helps protect any breakable xmas gifts you may be bringing back. 


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #18 on: November 18, 2009, 12:29:45 PM »
I just looked at the pictures rather than reading the text! :) 

Maybe this step by step website would help: http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=78&.   Although I layer all the clothes as pictured starting in step 2 and THEN I put the shoes/makeup/sock/etc in the middle and fold the layers over that.  It also helps protect any breakable xmas gifts you may be bringing back. 

Hehe... you are so into this. Are you a professional packer?  ;D


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #19 on: November 18, 2009, 12:49:41 PM »
I dont have many skills, but packing is definetely one of the few!


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #20 on: November 18, 2009, 01:02:37 PM »
I just looked at the pictures rather than reading the text! :) 

Maybe this step by step website would help: http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=78&.   Although I layer all the clothes as pictured starting in step 2 and THEN I put the shoes/makeup/sock/etc in the middle and fold the layers over that.  It also helps protect any breakable xmas gifts you may be bringing back. 

Thank you- that was interesting. I'm gonna try it!  :)
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    • Becca Jane St Clair
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #21 on: November 18, 2009, 02:10:23 PM »
don't forget, you can stuff things into your shoes, too.  I always shove my socks inside my shoes so there isn't wasted space, and like an above poster, I never pack toiletries.  Toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, and body wash are all the same to me. 
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #22 on: November 18, 2009, 02:18:16 PM »
If you've never been over to the UK in winter, please remember it's a DAMP cold, so even though the temps look like they may be higher than in the US, it's still wicked cold.  Definitely don't forget some gloves, hat, scarf, etc. 

When I moved I rolled my clothes (military style) and it did save a bunch of room (however it did make some items a wrinkled mess). 

Just try to bring the items you'd normally where at home often- pack more basics because they'll tend to go with other wardrobe items easily.  And definitely wear bulkier items onto the plane-like wear one of the pairs of boots, and a bulky sweater. 


And if you can, grab the biggest purse possible for your "personal item"- it can almost be like a fourth suitcase (2 to check, one to carry one and your "personal item").

Have a great trip!!!!


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #23 on: November 18, 2009, 04:56:54 PM »
I use my large backpack as a carry-on, and I've always gotten away with it plus an additional carry on because my laptop is in my backpack as well as all my purse stuff :D
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #24 on: November 18, 2009, 05:50:53 PM »
Why do you need 2 pairs of boots?  They can take up a lot of room. Just wondering ...
In future, can you leave some basic things (undies, pj's, maybe a pair of shoes) with the BF? That will give you a little more room next time.
A friend's husband tells her: Don't they have stores where you're going? If you're unsure about what you might want for a special occasion, don't take a pile of possibles. Just wait until you're there and go buy something! Fun, too!   ;)
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #25 on: November 23, 2009, 12:06:07 PM »
Holy mackerel, how long are you going to be there?   :o  I thought I was an overpacker!

If it were me, I'd pick one or two "theme colors" that can go together for accessories (scarves, jewelry, belts, hair toys) and then some neutral stuff (e.g., pair of jeans, skirt, black dress, button down shirt, cardigan, t-shirts, one pair each heels, flats, boots).  After struggling around Europe with unweildy and heavy suitcases one too many times, I am finally converted to the packing lighter or "capsule wardrobe" approach.  You can wear the same black dress to any number of events, with a different pashmina/earrings/hairdo/tights/shoes and nobody will notice that it's the same dress.  A nice cardigan or sweater can be casual or dressy depending on whether you wear it with jeans and flats or a skirt and boots.  Likewise nobody will notice or care if you wear the same shoes every day, or wear your jeans over and over (unless they get dirty, of course!).  Have a look at http://www.academichic.com/category/wardrobe-challenge/ for some examples of wardrobe remixing.

Accessories are a lot lighter and easier to pack than a series of whole different outfits, and they can be cheap to buy as souvenirs.  The same with toiletries--I'd just bring a couple of days' worth of stuff in your carry-on, and buy more when you get here.  It will be less of a struggle in the airport.

I don't always practice what I preach, of course, but I am getting better at it.  DH and I went on a two-week trek through Scandinavia earlier this summer, with only a small-ish backpack each, and it was so much less stressful than having a big suitcase to deal with.  We took twice as much on a short trip to his parents' house a few years ago, and the stress of hauling that big heavy suitcase through the London underground to change trains just about ruined the trip.
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #26 on: November 23, 2009, 12:44:39 PM »
I write down what I think I'll need then take "half as many clothes and twice as much money", as my mum used to say.


They have washing machines in the States, so you only need 2 pairs of jeans, 3 or 4 tops, a warm coat and scarf, underwear, socks and a jumper/sweater. Something fancy if you're dressing up at any point.

Remember, clothes are much, much cheaper in the US. I go out with the bare minimum (and a suitcase inside another suitcase) and come back with both bags full.


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #27 on: November 23, 2009, 01:00:51 PM »
She's going the other way around--US to UK. 

I think even in Manchester I wouldn't worry too much about being uber-stylish, unless you are hobnobbing with high society.
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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #28 on: November 23, 2009, 02:55:51 PM »
Thank you all for the great advice. I have looked into these meshy packing cubes that fit nicely in your suitcases and also helps you stay a bit more organised.

I just received my early Xmas pressies which were 2 Samsonite uprights and a rolling carry on (all 360 wheels which will make maneuvering sooo much easier). I am going to try and put all your great advice to work when I start packing up.

25 days left to go before departure! Am I stressing? yes, am I very excited? you bet I am! First Christmas away from my family (we are very close) But First Christmas with my new family (which is very exciting) I hope everyone has a Happy Christmas  ;D

And for all you Americans out there in UKY land Happy Thanksgiving x

CMG
"One does not have to be rough to be strong; one can be gentle and persistent and still achieve results"


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Re: Over-packers Anonymous
« Reply #29 on: November 24, 2009, 09:49:30 AM »
She's going the other way around--US to UK. 

I think even in Manchester I wouldn't worry too much about being uber-stylish, unless you are hobnobbing with high society.


Oh gotcha LOL Yep, agreed on that LOL


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