Packing to save time

I know many learners and teachers spend time traveling, so time management tips about packing seem appropriate. Really, the tips shared in this entry are my favorite kind—completing the tip might take a bit more time on the front end of the task, but it saves time in the long run.

 I have just returned from a road trip. In seven nights I slept in five different beds. This seems like a good time to share three time-saving packing tips.

1.       To avoid spending time re-ironing clothes in a hotel, use this method to pack before you leave home.  You will need tissue paper and re-sealable gallon-sized kitchen storage bags for this method.

A. Fold the shirts, pants, skirts, or dresses using the standard method. Two sources for correct folding are http://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Shirt and http://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Shirt Dresses can be folded similar to shirts and skirts can be folded similar to pants.

The additional “must do” when folding the clothes is to spread a thin sheet of tissue paper over the garment before you make the first fold. Tissue paper reduces humidity and humidity is what causes garments to wrinkle when folded.

B. Stack the folded clothes by outfit on a large flat surface such as a bed or table. For instance, make one stack with the pants, shirt, and undergarments that go together. I even put the accessories such as ties, or scarves or belts in the stack. Keep making the small stacks until you have all of the outfits you need for the length of the trip. Layer tissue paper between each garment and around the stack.

C. Place each tissue-wrapped stack in a gallon-size sealable storage bag. I have used the name brands such as Ziplock or the store brands such as Powerhouse. Lay the bag on the flat surface and squeeze all of the air out of the bag. I seal the bag except for about an inch in the middle of the opening and then gently squeeze out the air using my forearms to smooth the garments and push the air out of the small opening.  When the bag is flat and without air, quickly seal the small opening.

D. Now place each bag in your luggage. When you arrive at your destination(s) you will not have to spend time ironing. Nor will you have to think about what shirt you had planned to wear with what pants—saves time and stress.

E. With each outfit in its own bag, it is also easy to keep the clean laundry separate.

F. When I arrive home and unpack, I simply place the sheets of tissue paper inside the gallon bags and store them together inside my luggage, so they are ready to reuse on the next trip.

2.       Shoes? That’s a different story. I do not put shoes in the gallon-sized bags. J I do, however, pack shoes inside those cloth bags grocery stores provide for six bottles of wine. I can take six pair of shoes in a relatively small bag.

3.       My final tip is how to pack fine-chain necklaces so they do not tangle and you do not have to spend time untangling in the hotel room.

A. Unlatch the clasp and thread one end of the chain through an ordinary drinking straw.

B. Re-latch the clasp so the chain is inside the straw. I have one particularly long chain that I thread through two straws.

C. Place the necklace inside the bag with the appropriate outfit. If I plan to wear a necklace more than once and I know what order I am going to wear the outfits, I simply put the necklace with the outfit I am going to wear first.