“Travel like Gandhi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind.” – Rick Steves
I was recently hired to coordinate a traveling wardrobe for one of my clients, an entertainment insider in Atlanta who would be traveling to Rome for six days and then on to South Africa for ten days. In order to get this done as quickly and efficiently as possible, I needed to focus on matching wardrobe selections to his itinerary and not worrying about the “what-ifs”.
As a packing perfectionist, I came armed with pen, paper and a plan. I arrived at the client’s residence and checked any anxiety we had at the door. Packing doesn’t have to be traumatizing. If done well, it can be very satisfying and make your travels that much easier.
Here are a few of my fail-safe tips for organizing a traveling wardrobe so you can avoid meaningless packing and an overabundance of luggage.
Decide what to pack
Before you pull out your luggage, visualize where you are going and what you’ll be doing. I highly recommend making a list in advance and checking off each item. If you don’t write it down, it shouldn’t be in your luggage.
Determine Your Priorities
Climate: If arriving wrinkle-free is your main concern, chances are this is a business trip so what you pack will differ from a trip to the beach. Climate must definitely be taken into consideration. The client I consulted with was traveling from continent to continent, literally. It was summer in one country and winter in another. When traveling through different climates, it isn’t worth taking everything. Remember, less is more. In most cases, you can pick up items along the way where needed. In addition to climate, you also have to think about the activities you'll be doing.
Begin with the basics
Let’s say you’re packing for a business trip or a casual weekend in a major city. For just about anywhere, I would suggest four button-down shirts, three pairs of socks, two of the following: sport coats, ties, pants, belts, shoes, one of each: blazer, denim jacket, pair of jeans and pair of plastic shoe trees; t-shirts and underwear for every day. Don't forget to pack the seasonal additions, like swim trunks.
In essence, if your clothing has duality, you’ll pack less. Separate items by weight. Heavier items in one pile, lighter in another. Folding and rolling is a delicate situation because you want to avoid wrinkling and creasing. If done properly, fewer folds mean less ironing, if at all.
Take a look at how it’s done
Blazer/Jacket/Sport coat: Fold inside out with one shoulder tucked in to the other (see image). Creases should form inthe seams of this item. Upon arrival, remove promptly and hang properly.
Pant/Trouser: Fold in half bringing the hem to the waist, then fold in half again. Place inside folded jacket for space conservation. Upon arrival hold upside down by the hem, carefully lining up the seams and then, clip both legs together by the hem using a clip-type pant hanger (see image). This allows gravity to exert weight and restore a freshly pressed look.
The Suitcase
Now that everything is folded and stacked, you’re almost to the finish line. Unlike garment bags, suitcases should be filled completely or shifting and wrinkling will occur.
A suitcase is generally the better idea simply because it is not as cumbersome as some garment bags can be. Begin by stacking heavier items in the bottom creating a puzzle-like pattern. Place your toiletries kit in the center on top of the heavier items. Between layers, place plastic dry-cleaner bags to reduce the friction that causes wrinkling. Keep stacking your way up so the lighter fabrics are on top. Rolled clothes should fit into spaces around the stacked clothes. Shoes should be placed in dust bags and tucked around the edges wherever there is an opening. Socks fill in the remaining spaces. Press down gently to make certain all items are settled. Use the straps inside your luggage to prevent your neatly packed items from shifting. You’ve packed it up, now zip it up, buckle it up and stand it up.
Congratulations! Kick back and relax ‘til it’s time to go to the airport. Maximizing space while minimizing wrinkles requires practice. I apply the principles of geometry to pack so items fit neatly and comfortably. Traveling in style means paying attention to the smallest of details. You can simplify everything without sacrificing anything.
Weekly Tip: Always pack an extra outfit in your carry-on bag. You never know when your luggage will be delayed or lost.
Photographed by Harold Daniels
CreativeDirection by Reginald L. Walker
Luggageby Globe-Trotter (available at Sid Mashburn Atlanta)
