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Posted by Rae Schwarz Feb 14, 2007 |
When it comes to getting ready, I'll confess, I just make a list. I took a piece of paper and just drew some rough columns on it, heading each with the names of the days of my trip, including travel days. I had year's of trips where I felt sort of over-packed and finally realized I never included the clothing I wore on those days in my plans.
My scheme is that for however many days of travel, cut that number in half and that's how many outfits I assemble. Each item has to mix and match with two other things. For example, my stretchy leggings go with the long sleeve t-shirt and the over-shirt with pockets. If the two shirts are chosen so that they compliment each other, you then get what I call two and a half outfits, one where each shirt goes with the pants, and I can wear the two shirts layered if I need the warmth. I know people who bring a separate and distinct outfit for each day, and I after years of over-packing and unrealistically-heavy bags, I'm over it.
From past years at the hotel where I'm staying, I already know the rooms all have their own irons and ironing boards. I still tend to roll clothes up when packing, as it just takes up less room, but it's great to already know I don't have to do the bathroom steam trick if things are too wrinkly.
One thing I'm doing new this year is bringing my house slippers to wear inside the hotel. I don't know why I never thought of this before, but I'm sure my feet will appreciate being warm and out of regular shoes at the end of the day. After many years of forgetting, one of the first things I packed this year was a bathing suit. The hotel hot tub often isn't crowded even though this is a big convention because many people don't think to bring a bathing suit with them to San Jose in February.