In a few weeks I’m heading back to Canberra to visit my nearest and dearest. I’ve got my tickets booked and an airport chauffeur organised at both ends. The only thing still plaguing me is packing and believe me, I never used to have this problem. I would just fill the biggest suitcase I owned with everything I could possibly need and I’d check in the bag at the airport. I would then spend hours waiting at the other end trying to get to my bag while being knocked in the head by other women’s beef-headed boyfriends and worrying that with every second I spent waiting it was costing Mr Smaggle an extra $20 in parking. Until I made a decision that changed my life. I don’t check luggage anymore. I only take a small carry on. I can hear you screaming ‘But you’re Lady Smaggle! You should have the biggest suitcase IN THE WORLD!!!’. Not so my little poppets. Let me share with you a few packing secrets that I’ve discovered…
1. Roll your clothes. I know that every grandma and backpacker you have ever met has told you to do this but if you haven’t tried it yet you’re an idiot. Like those dickheads who refuse to watch Titanic. It is a serious space saver.
2. Completely plan your outfit for each day. Actually try it on and make sure you have everything you need. Doing this eliminates the ‘just in case’ syndrome that causes women to pack too small jeans that they haven’t worn in years ‘just in case’ they need them.
3. Be frugal with shoes. I know that was a mean thing to say and I’m sorry but it’s true. Pick one pair of dressy shoes and one pair of casual shoes and make sure that they match every outfit that you’ve packed. It helps if they are the same colour.
4. Choose a full set of accessories and make sure they match everything that you’ve packed. You really can cope with only a few bangles and one pair of earrings for four days. That statement wasn’t directed at my readers by the way. I’m using positive affirmations to convince myself that this is possible.
5. Depending on where you are going you can plant a supply of basics at your location. If you regularly visit your parents, your sister, your best friend (or in my case, boyfriend) you can keep a few things that you need there. I have a second set of most of my toiletries at Mr Smaggle’s house. This not only saves room in my tiny carry on luggage but it also prevents me having an embarrassing argument with the burly man/woman at customs because he/she is trying to steal my hairspray.
6. Look up the weather in advance. If you know you’re aiming for 30 degree heat, be a man and don’t pack a jacket. Honestly. The weather bureau is full of super intelligent people and they are rarely wrong about the weather. I’m a compulsive weather checker and as a result I’m rarely dressed inappropriately.
7. Pack an evening bag in your bigger handbag. It fits easily and you’ll be so happy you did this when you have to go to an unexpected party and you don’t have to lug your massive slouchy shoulder bag with you.
Happy packing pumpkins!
Love Lady Smaggle
xxx