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Monday, February 28, 2011

Leavin' on a jet plane (with no checked bags)

So if you saw my last post you know that I was in London last week for work. I was on a quest to go on the trip with only carry-on luggage just because it is so much easier at the airport and less chance for your luggage to get lost of course.

Here is how I did it (and how you can too!): Make a list of everything you must have that week and nothing more. Don't bring any extras. Question everything you think about bringing.

Roll tops and sweaters and scarves and put those in the bottom of the suitcase making use of plastic bags if you think something might snag.


Add folded suits.

Add boots in plastic bags.

Add purse filled with socks and other small things.


And pjs and workout clothes and other small items like outlet converter, camera cord & charger.


Notebooks and power cord in the top mesh pouch


and laptop in the outside big pocket (that one was a definite squeeze!)


All liquids and tolietries in these 2 bags. This is where you can save big if you really minimize what you bring in the way of makeup and hair stuff etc. Utilize travel sizes of things like a hairbrush if you can. I packed only a couple of pairs of earrings (and wore my watch) so jewelry wouldn't take up space either. You really don't need multiple eyeshadows and eyeliners etc.  :)


Those 2 go into a work bag with medicines, books, camera, wallet, passport, empty water bottle, snacks, etc. oh and I threw in an umbrella since it was London. This work bag came from Target and it is FANTASTIC! I use it every day and on work trips. My first one just started looking worn out (mostly in the straps) after 3 1/2 yrs and I bought another one.


In my carry on suitcase I packed: 5 tops/sweaters plus 1 extra top, 2 suit pants and jackets, 1 pair of boots, 1 purse, socks and undergarments for each day, pjs, yoga pants and shirt for working out, scarf, 2 notebooks, power cord and converter, and laptop.

I wore my jeans, tennis shoes & socks, sweater, and winter coat.

All of the stuff in a suitcase and workbag was for my trip when I left Saturday night and returned Friday afternoon. There would have even been room for a few more clothes had the trip been a couple days longer. I wore everything except for the extra sweater that I packed.

Packing just 1 color scheme where all my clothes went with black was key so that I only needed black boots and a black purse and I used . And 1 coat which I wore on the plane was a big space saver too. I didn't bring any other coats or sweatshirts.

Woohoo for no checking bags! I was extremely glad I did not have to wait for luggage when my flight got in Friday night 3 1/2 hours late and then I waited an hour in the customs line  :( ... was soooo thankful to just go home!!

Linking up to these parties:

7 comments :

  1. Hoppin' over from Tip Junkie. Thanks for sharing! My hubby usually re-packs everything cuz I'm so bad at it! LOL...

    Heather
    www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com
    www.realhousewifega.com

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  2. this is great-but i am never really sure about the rolling. i mean, is it really saving space that just stacking wouldn't be good? i think i'm going to have to test this, lol. we're going on a trip in april for 2 weeks. i doubt i could get it all in a carry on, but i am still determined to not bring as much nonsense and "what ifs" as i usually do!

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  3. I do think the rolling helps if you have a suitcase that has those crevasses in the bottom from the wheel handle thingy. Rolled items fit nicely into those spaces and it does cut down on wrinkles too!

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  4. Haha, what good tips! I am a TERRIBLE over packer. It's a problem...

    PS: I'm doing my first ever giveaway on my blog and I'd love if you'd come enter! Check it out: http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-first-giveaway-and-introducing-your.html

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  5. Nice tips Emily!! I am horrible at overpacking, I seriously pack more than that for an overnight trip!! LOL! Thanks so much for linking up to DotDOtDOt!!! Made my day!
    Hope to see ya tomorrow!
    Tasha!

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  6. I am so impressed! I hope I'll have an opportunity to put all your great tips to use in the near future. A vacation abroad is definitely in order!

    Always a pleasure to have you at "A Little Birdie Told Me..." at Rook No. 17

    ReplyDelete

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