How to Pack a Suitcase

This instructable couldn't have come at a better time for me, as I am off to England on Friday. However, I had already actually packed my suitcase - but - being eager to explain how I did it, I tossed everything out of my suitcase onto the bed and started again - just for you!

I tried to pack light, but don't think it worked that well, as I travelling across two seasons. It's warmish now, but will be cold by the beginning of November when I come back to the States..

I must admit I am not the greatest folder up of clothes, etc., that's not my style. Therefore, I have gathered together over the past couple of years some of those little zip up mesh bags that are especially designed to pack your clothes, shoes, and things in. I use these for everything, and fold as best I can - and it works. Everything is kept neat - and unpacking is also made easy. You can buy these individually or in sets, and sometimes pick them up at the thrift store.

Some of the bags are drawstring bags - and these are very good for shoes. Why do shoes take up so much room!? I am taking three extra pairs.

The staunch walking shoe
The frivolous Sandal
and - the very posh strappy shoe - hey you never know!

Each pair will go in its own drawstring bag, which actually has a picture of a pair of shoes on it!

Necessary items must be packed, like underwear, socks, nightwear, etc.

I love the way that when I fold everything up (sort of) and shove into the mesh bags, everything gets flattened down without any effort on my part. I love these bags. Some of them have pictures of what you should put inside them - but you can ignore that - unless it suits you.

For transporting your shampoos, creams, toothpaste, etc. in your hold luggage, I recommend placing these items in one of the zip up waterproof bags that you can also buy for packing. Nothing is worse on journey's end to find that liquid has spilled all over your clean clothes.

When going on vacation or a trip, you don't want to have to rush out and spend money on things like aspirin, talcum powder, etc. as they will cost far more "over there" than here, and they really don't take up much room. However, carry essential daily medication in your hand luggage and not in the hold.

As I like to knit it is absolutely essential for me to take some yarn, needles and patterns. I just can't imagine not being able to knit! There may be some things you absolutely have to take, so make sure you have room for them.

I am planning to knit a poncho, some scarves and maybe a toy or two (I'll be gone for 5 weeks)

When taking gifts in your luggage, calendars are good as they take up very little room, weigh very little and are entirely flat to pack. Who doesn't like to receive a nice scenic calendar!?

I love to take photographs and I will be packing my camera in my hand luggage, but my battery recharger (that fits British electrical outlets) will be in my suitcase. I bought this many years ago in England and it has served me well.

A US battery charger will not plug into a British outlet!

A sewing kit is good too!

You have to have a posh frock! Hey with the strappy shoes - you never know!

These are my choices

2 pairs of jeans
1 denim skirt
3 turtle neck sweaters
1 all purpose wool tartan skirt
3 long sleeved blouses
2 short sleeved blouses
a couple of t-shirts
1 large zip up cardigan/sweater

All fit nicely into their own individual zip up bags!

I promised I would explain this later!

I will be away for Halloween, so am taking a costume just in case.

Now that you have put everything into its own individual bag, you need to put all the bags into the suitcase! It's a bit like a jig saw puzzle!

Of course the case will close! You could probably fit a bit more stuff in if you choose. (I may try to put a bit more yarn inside - and the two tea cosies and egg cosy I recently knitted, and.......

This is my hand luggage. Make sure it is not too large - different airports in differnt countries have different size limit. This is the bag in which I will carry my travel documents, tickets, money, etc. - and of course my camera. I may even have room for a pair of knitting needles and yarn as well as my hand bag! Try not to make this bag too heavy or bulky as it will get in your way when you are on the plane. If you are taking items of jewelry do not pack them in your suitcase, but carry them in the hand luggage.

Last time I came back from London, (November 07) the powers tht be were only allowing one carry on bag per traveler, which included a handbag or briefcase. Luckily I was able to pop my handbag inside my bigger carryon bag - so be warned. This rule did not apply to those persons traveling first class!

Don't forget, as far as I know they are making you put your liquids in a small see through plastic bag. I got mine from AAA and it supposedly the correct size. In this you put your make up and any small tubes containing creams or liquids.

Don't forget you are not allowed to take any sharp objects on the plane, like needles, scissors, knives, etc. A full list of no no's can be found on the TSA web site. Here's the link

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#1

I have just realised if the airline loses my luggage, I've got photos of everything.........