Hello and Happy Saturday!
If you followed my blog for a while, you might have read that we move to Canada for a while shortly. There are still some admin issues with le husband, Munich attack stress and plane re-scheduling but we are certain that our trip will begin next week. I am not sad to spend a couple more days with my parents in beautiful Coburg. Once in Canada, I will use this break to study full time and enrolled to finally start a Master in Linguistic. It is also time for Petit Joel to join a Montessori Kindergarten in September. So, wow, tons of changes are around the corner. And of course a lot of planning, packing and arranging is involved. Whenever it comes to suitcase-packing I am a pro by now. I can pack my suitcase for a month+ in traveling in under one hour while being blindfolded. When it comes to my son who has his own suitcase now, it takes a bit of arranging and slightly more time. I will share some tips and tricks that work for me – like my personal suitcase 101 if you will.
Mastering the Art of Packing took some time but over the years with tons of traveling experience I learned to pack a lot lighter and minimalistic which changed my life. I also have to say that I don’t own that much clothing and I could almost literally put everything I own in one suitcase. I downsized a lot and stick to the basics that work with everything. I will write about my minimalistic wardrobe soon to give you an idea how little I (everybody) actually need(s) as far as clothing goes.
So whenever I go somewhere, there is this certain excitement attached to trip preparation. Cleaning out things again, rearranging and considering if I really need this item that I put in my suitcase. With my new suitcase and packing light, there is definitely no forcing to close the zipper around it.
First I consider what the temperature will be like and if I need the extra pair of jeans, sweater and jacket. I plan ahead because it is important and makes the trip easier. I start with a list of things (I love to make lists for everything!) I want to take for myself and for Petit Joel. I literally write everything down weeks before and add stuff as we go along. This way I can plan if I need to purchase something last minute or wash some other things I would like to take. I plan what I want to wear. Usually, I take two outfits that look really nice (going out with le husband) and otherwise I have my basics, tank tops, jeans, t-shirts, cardigans and whatnot. This way it is organized and I have the essentials I need on hand. The same goes for my son. He does not have too much clothing as well – he grows so fast and I am tired of buying new things all the time. I rather wash more often. [By the way and talking about washing clothes: Petit Joel is diaper-free during the day!!! I did it. It was not easy but I am very proud of him and myself for sticking it out. Post about how I did it soon!]
I try to figure out if the place I am staying at has a washing machine. This way, I can still take less or plan accordingly. Also, there is always a laundromat somewhere in case I need to wash or stores to buy something I need.
I organize items that I want to pack by categories. I create piles of shirts, short pants, t-shirts and so on for myself and Petit Joel. If I go for a short one-week trip for example, I take half of every stack and put the rest back in the closet. Now, since we travel and stay away for a long time, I have to adjust. I also have to take some winter clothing because -40 degrees Celsius in Canada is kinda tough. Then again, not too much because I will finally get my Canada Goose Coat. and Petit Joel his. Yay! I don’t own too many pairs of shoes either, neither does my son. We will take a pair (or two) of sneakers, comfortable shoes (Toms), sandals and of course a pair of high heels just because; you never know.
If I know what to bring it is time to pack. Le husband told me this trick of tightly rolling my clothing rather than folding because I can fit so much more into my suitcase. Of course I won’t roll everything but if done with care, there are almost no wrinkles. Le husband is a packing expert as well. Actually, better than I am. Then again, I am usually the one packing for two. (Petit Joel and I – like every mother I know) He also told me to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This makes it easier to roll and pull the suitcase around.
Maybe you find this useful. I wrote how to travel with a baby and how to travel with a toddler and tips and tricks I learned along the way if you would like to read. Enjoy and safe and happy travels.
