I was going to do a blog post last week about packing for my trip to Arkansas last week, but it turns out that I did an awful job packing! I was also planning on writing a ton during the trip, but I only took my computer out once while I was there because we were so busy.
 |
| My final packed suitcase; no pictures of the return suitcase as it was a nightmare. |
I have a definite process when I pack.
- I pull out everything that I think I might want to bring, and then I narrow down.
- Then I set limits.
- For example, for a 5 day trip, I can’t bring more than 5 shirts (not including sleep shirts or exercise shirts, just everyday shirts.)
- Size also matters.
- I really wanted to bring this new hi-low skirt I have that is really cute, but it would only be an outfit for 1 day, if that, because it is a little fancy and is more of a night time look. So it didn't make the cut considering how much extra room it took up in my suitcase.
- Consider what activities you’ll be doing.
- Leave room for other essentials like toiletries… If you’re not bringing a ton of clothes, you can let your accessories do the talking. You can wear the same black dress twice with different jewelry and have a totally different look! A whole other outfit would take up way more space than 2 necklaces and 2 pairs of earrings.
- Leave room for what you may buy while you’re there. I love a souvenir, or 2, or 3…
 |
| Original discard pile; which is now still sitting like this on top of my dresser! |
On to my failure! This was my first time going to Fayetteville, Arkansas and I had no idea what we were doing or what it would be like. I also did not realize how much shopping I would do once I was there!
 |
| My First Attempt At Packing; It Didn't All Fit! |
When speaking with my sister over the phone she told me I needed a few going out outfits (including heels, which take up major space) exercise outfits, hiking outfits, nice walking clothes for meeting her professors and going around campus, and everyday clothes. That is a lot of different outfits to plan for! I felt like I was packing for a cruise with an excursion each day and fancy dinner each night.
Unfortunately, while I was there it rain most of time and drop into the low 50s. I also caught a cold, so there was no hiking or exercising to be done. (That’s 1 pair of shoes, a hoody, a pair of pants, 2 shirts, and a fleece that didn’t get used.)
 |
| As you can see from above, the dress had too much fabric and was put into the discard pile. |
Also, the partying was not as crazy as had been explained. Not that I mind since I am much more of a homebody, but I definitely did not need as many going out clothes as I brought. (I wore both pairs of heels that I brought, but only once each. I would have been fine only bringing one pair which would have saved a ton of space. Also one dress and two party tops were not worn.)
Lastly, I did a ton of shopping, which I will be posting about soon. Fayetteville had an amazing mix of stores; hip, new, thrift, and consignment. So I came home with way way more than I arrived with.
Rules to live by:
- Jeans can be worn multiple times, so for a week-long trip you really only need 2-3 pairs. Make sure they are different styles so it is more versatile.
- Shoes take up a ton of space! You really only need a few different styles; something flat and comfortable to walk in, and something dressy.
- Stick with items you normally wear. If you are not an avid exerciser, it’s probably pointless bringing your running shoes and workout gear.
- Dresses take up less space than separates. Or bring mix and match separates. My most successful trip I brought all clothes in white, black, and grey with colorful accessories. It made getting dressed a breeze, plus the color palette made me look very sophisticated.
- Plan actual outfits and only bring 1 extra. By planning outfits you force yourself to only pack what you need and it makes you think ahead to what you will be doing that day.
- I say bring one extra because I had an unfortunate accident on the plane last summer where I spilled maple syrup all over myself. Jen, Nate, and Dave will all attest to how sticky I was and that I had to sit like that the whole flight! It makes sense to have a spare outfit for emergency needs.
The next time I go to Fayetteville I know I will be brining half as many things. Maybe even less, or nothing at all…just more excuses to go shopping J
No comments:
Post a Comment