"P" Help #11: Dragging Your Stuff Around

"P" Help means, if you're new to this blog, "Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."

When the airlines first started charging for baggage you didn't carry on, I thought it was robbery!  The next time I traveled by air, since I didn't have a small carry-on suitcase, I stuffed my clothes, meds, and cosmetics into my old college back-pack.  It was a big mistake!  My back and neck ached for several days afterwards.

My favorite way to travel is by car.  I can pack as much as I want and not think about fees.  When Peggy and I took our three-week trip through the U.S. southeastern states last June, the car was positively stuffed!  I didn't want to waste time doing laundry and brought along two giant suitcases full of summer clothes.

More challenging recently was the packing for my "Winter Escape" trip during the month of February.  I went to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and to northern and southern Florida. Peggy, in Hilton Head for three months, advised, "The wind makes it chilly sometimes; bring sweats and your winter coat."  I'm glad I did!  There were some cold days.

My brother, Don, cautioned, "It'll probably get into the 80's here (Port St. Lucie, Florida).  Bring a hat."  So, on that same driving trip, in addition to the large suitcase with winter clothes - they take up a lot of room - I brought along a large suitcase with summer clothes.  It worked out well.  I also brought a small carry-on suitcase for the occasional overnight motel stay for pajamas, computer, and cosmetics.  (All of the suitcases have wheels - a must!)

Here's a packing trick I learned from my mother: place your socks and underwear in the bottom of your suitcase.  Then lay one pair of pants across the suitcase halfway.  Don't fold them.  On top of the pants, put your shirt and/or sweater that will coordinate with the pants.  Then, fold over the pants.  Layer your clothes this way.  They won't get too many wrinkles that way.  If you want NO wrinkles, put layers of tissue paper between each piece (I don't have the patience for that!).  Before closing your suitcase, toss in your pajamas - you'll need them first, most likely!

Happy traveling!