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It’s that time again...you’ve been planning it for a long while, gotten the time off from work, have the airline tickets in hand, and now, of course, the most loathed task of all--packing! To pack or not to pack? What is the question? What is the answer? To have you spouse or significant other pack for you? No. We must first learn ourselves, by knowing what we truly can and can’t live without while we’re away.
Im sure you’re dreading it right now--the thought of even beginning to pack. You’re envisioning getting down those luggages from the attic and filling them until they burst. Plus, you have so many shoes and supplies that you use on a day-to-day basis, that you mind as well take everything and the kitchen sink with you, right? Wrong. Packing doesn’t have to be that hearty. Also, try not to take everything to heart. You really don’t need one dozen framed pictures of your family, or a lifetime supply of bottled water (just in case) to take up room. Think “basics”.
But, many ask “What really are the basics?” Basics mean so many different things to different people. For some, basics might mean soap, toothpaste, a shaver, four pairs of pants, four tops/shirts, and four pairs of shoes, plus a toothbrush, comb and dryer. Well, that’s a good start. But, two things not to overdo are clothes and supplies.
Start by taking a serious inventory of your daily supplies; think about what you would be truly “uncomfortable” without and what you could do without under difficult circumstances (say, inconvenient ones). If you are a person who owns lots of makeup and cosmetics and are fully supplied and stocked all the time, you will probably be the one to overpack these things. You really do not need to take more than one blush, lipstick or brush with you. Just take exactly one of each item. If you think you’re going to need one dozen shavers, you’re dead wrong. One shaver can last up to three weeks before it’s worn and rusty.
If you are a person who possesses a lot of clothing and is a fashion bug, you will probably also end up packing way too much than is needed (from a practical standpoint). How many pairs of black pants do you need? One is the answer. You can go the whole week or two with that same pair of black pants and just change your top. Not to seem unhygenic, but you will save quite a lot of packing space this way.
Think conservatively. Remember: Most hotels usually provide you with soap, shower gel, toothpaste, and shampoo and conditioner. You might want to make a call to the place where you will be staying and ask the conceirge what is provided for you in your room and what you’re paying for. This may mean the difference between having to pack a heavy iron and can of starch, as opposed to using what the hotel is ready to provide for you.
Tip:
If you’re carrying more than you can handle with difficulty, you’re packing too much. If you can manage what you’ve packed with little difficulty, that’s a sure sign you’ve packed correctly and wisely. Never take more than three “types” of bags/luggages with you at all times.
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