How a Geek Girl Packs a Suitcase
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
September 5, 2009 3:27pm CST
Yesterday when I picked up my airline ticket for my trip, I also picked up a new suitcase. Yeah! No more smelly gym bag. lol
Today, I took a really good look at my new 'toy' (it has wheels!) and it struck me that it's really no bigger than my queen size pillow, and I'm supposed to get at least two weeks worth of clothes in it? HA!
So I tapped into my geekness and came up with a plan.
1. Decide beforehand what outfits (and yes, put outfits together!) to take.
3. Take only one pair of dress slacks, one pair of casual/dressy slacks and one pair of sexy jeans.
4. Be sure that the tops taken will go just as well with each pair of pants.
5. DON'T take more pairs of underwear than necessary. Forget the matching bras because you're married and the hubs isn't coming, so who cares. In fact, forget the bras altogether.
6. Take at least three pairs of socks for every pair of pants of the same color.
Wearing white socks all the time, though comfy are NOT cool!
7. One floor length attractive nightgown that doesn't need a robe over it for modesty. (I'll only take it off before I get into bed anyway! lol)
8. One pair of whooly socks to wear with the nightgown, saving room because slippers won't be necessary.
9. One turtleneck black sweater for the chilly evenings and a short waisted jacket.
10.Tops should include, a number of nice t-shirts, 2 blouses including one really outrageous see through frilly number to dress up the jeans or wear with the dress slacks. And two complimentary velvet vests to wear with the frilly number and cover the nipples, because remember, there are no bras! lol
11. ROLL up everything as tight as you can keeping the wrinkles to a minimum. Line the edges of the suitcase with rolled socks, underwear and t-shirts. Fold slacks once and lay flat on the bottom. Fold blouses and vests flat and lay over slacks. Fold nightgown and lay over blouses. Fold jacket and lay on top of everything Tuck your hairdryer, curling iron/flat iron, into spaces between socks and folded clothes. Put all personal hygeine products in a ziplock bag and tuck it in too.
12. Keep all jewelry in a bag in purse.
13. Resign self to going barefoot as there is no room for shoes.
So I tried it.
It didn't fit.
So I took it all out again and ended up with this:
Anyone else got a better idea? LOL
10 people like this
18 responses
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Sep 09
I learned a long time ago to pack only two colors, black and white,tow pair pants, one skirt and three shirts then everything goes with everything. One jacket, one night gown, colored scarf, several for different effects, no jewelry, watch only, undies 3 pairs and soap to wash them with.
This will get me through a couple of weeks if necessary. Everything is wash and drip dry except the jacket. two pairs of shoes, I can dress everything up or down. I had jobs where I traveled a lot.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
Back in the day when I travelled for work, it was like that for me to. Everything in my carry on so I didn't waste time at baggage.
But these days I like variety in my clothes. Getting old you know and would rather people focused on my cool clothes instead of my wrinkles! ROFL
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 Sep 09
I wear shoes as little as possible, so I never really think about them. LOL Guess I'll have to settle for the pair I put on my feet to travel and hope no one looks at them too closely! LOL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
Apparently the END of the summer is not the time to be travelling, so most of the places we went to only had bags as big as the one we bought. No time or means to get it exchanged anyway, so I've decided to just go in my birthday suit! ROFL
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
I was kinda hoping they'd lock me in the cockpit! ROFL
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
5 Sep 09
The problem is not your clothes or the things you are packing. Take the suitcase back to the store and let the clerk know that the suitcase is Broken as it is not big enough to hold anything. It must be broken otherwise stuff would fit in it. The store clerk should then exchange your broken suitcase for a bigger suitcase that things will fit in. Good luck.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 Sep 09
Great idea, but first I have to convince Spunky to get out of the suitcase! ROFL
2 people like this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
5 Sep 09
First off, I could never, never go without a bra! So I guess I'm not a geek. And I never would worry about undies matching; who's going to see them anyway? I don't wear my slacks below them or my shirt short enough to show them. 
I believe I could pack that suitcase and get it all in there! I have packed way more than that into my suitcase for a trip. And, by the way, you'll probably not wear all of it anyway, unless you stay longer than expected. Make sure everything you take corresponds with the one pair of shoes you are taking. I don't wear socks, (except around the house in the winter) so I don't have to worry about them, so that's a plus for me.
Perhaps you do need to take the suitcase back and get one a tad larger. Do I need to come up and pack for you? 
I believe I could pack that suitcase and get it all in there! I have packed way more than that into my suitcase for a trip. And, by the way, you'll probably not wear all of it anyway, unless you stay longer than expected. Make sure everything you take corresponds with the one pair of shoes you are taking. I don't wear socks, (except around the house in the winter) so I don't have to worry about them, so that's a plus for me.
Perhaps you do need to take the suitcase back and get one a tad larger. Do I need to come up and pack for you? 2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
I haven't the time or the means to get to the city to get a larger suitcase, so yes, please do come up and pack for me! ROFL
1 person likes this
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
5 Sep 09
I know all about packing. Try it this way try it that way and still nothing fits. roll everything in a tight ball and but in case. You will need two pair of jeans so wear one. Wear the jacket that goes with everything if hot you can carry it over arm. Put one pair of good shoes in case wear comfortibal shoes on trip. Take only a few shirts. You mite not even wear everthing as you mite buy a t-shirt or shirt as look this is wear I went. YOu have a good day and good luck with the packing. Your friend onlydia2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
7 Sep 09
I love my gym bag! Unfortunately, no one else does. lol
lol@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
LOL James! See Irish's response. You get to share best response with her!
Got a credit care I can borrow? LOL
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
LOL................bad mail always gets to you no matter what. Good mail on the other hand is a crapshoot.
Last week was my birthday and my parents NEVER forget to send a card. This year, no card. Dad swore he mailed one. Finally, two days ago it arrived. The address on the front was simply my name and postal code! ROFL It got to me eventually though, so I will take that as an omen that your's will too! ROFL
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
6 Sep 09
What I have done is put smaller things and things I don't care about wrinkles into a plastic bag squishing and smashing the bag to make sure all air is out. This also swishes and smashes the items making them take up less room. Taking a smaller carry on bag for meds, comfy shoes, and extra change of clothes that don't take up much room and folds to a small bundle.
Putting what I can in my purse to help alleviate the necessity for more things in my bag.
Taking things that will all match for mix and match does help. Smaller shoes like sandals helps, they take up less room. So does thinner socks.
If you use your computer bag for a carry on you have divided places for this and that. You plan not to take the computer so that leaves you more room.
Don't forget to include a book to read, if you can make room for one. lol
I would take an extra bra, lacey one that is not bulky.
I will now join the club since I am home.
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
6 Sep 09
Thank you for my badge...I'll wear it proudly, even though I don't have much boobies left since I lost weight, lol.
I'm glad that you can use the bags. They do work. In fact, they sell some now for people to use in packing things. I was doing this long before they ever brought out the fancy ones for sell. lol
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
All good advice........especially the air/bag part. Except for my cotton t-shirts, most of my clothes are pretty much wrinkle free these days so the air/bag thing would really work.
And just for that, you are now an official Geek Girl!
Here's your badge:
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
7 Sep 09
I can't help you. I fit in my suitcase so when packing I just need to keep it under 50 lbs. I'd pack what you can in the suitcase and take your gym bag as a carry on. That might make it a little easier.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
7 Sep 09
"I fit in my suitcase so when packing I just need to keep it under 50 lbs."
ROFL...............does that mean you weigh less than fifty pounds?
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
7 Sep 09
How about this? www.spacebag.com
I just saw a commercial about it. You put things in these special bags and you put the vaccuum on it and it sucks out all the air making the bag very thin and easy to fit anywhere.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
12 Sep 09
Forget the suitcase, and yes, take the dog! LOL
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
6 Sep 09
Hi spark,
When I go away, well once in a blue moon, I attend to take a big suitcase and put too much stuff in there and then struggle witi it but this years when I went I took a smaller suitcase and took two pairs of shoes, one wearing them two slide eash shoe side ways at the side of the suitcase, hope you will be ok , love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxx
1 person likes this
Tamara
xxxx
@jross19871 (239)
• United States
6 Sep 09
Here is how the 22 year old boy packs. Wait...wait...wait...1 hour before. I am going on a trip. I need to bring things. I need shirts. So, I grab shirts. Same for the pants, socks, boxers. I guess I am all set now. Time to relax. 15 minutes before leaving...oh no...I forget my toothbrush, comb, deodorant, etc. Run frantically to get everything I need. All done with 0 minutes left.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
Hey jross............your way sounds much more fun. Come pack for me will ya? And bring dj, he's an expert also. Oh, and I wear boxers too! ROFL
@jross19871 (239)
• United States
6 Sep 09
I have no desire to change my habits. It is the only way for me.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
10 Sep 09
For goodness sake, you cannot go braless...remember your age and that gravity sucks. You don't need so many socks...halve the number and wear one pair of those to bed if necessary. Get a bigger bag. D-errr. Where are you staying? Can you not wear t-shirt and knickers to bed? Won't you be wearing one of those outfits for travelling? Toiletries should be mascara, eyeshadow, eye pencil, lip pencil, lip colour, blush and moisturiser, toothbrush and (perhaps) toothpaste ...depends where you are staying, flat type fem hyg stuff. All that takes up just a small amount of space...usually a side pocket of your luggage.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
12 Sep 09
My dear friend left on Thursday to travel home for a visit with her baby son to Monckton. She only took a carry-on bag to avoid all those hassles. She will buy what she needs while there (it's cheaper) and post it home when she leaves.. I miss her already.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
14 Sep 09
I hear you Tickle. Partings are awful aren't they?
I wish I could afford to buy what I needed on the other end........As it is, I have so much of Devon's stuff to take back with him that packing really is going to be a nightmare as I refuse to have more than one piece of luggage I can carry onto the plane.............
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
12 Sep 09
See..............this is why Aussies travel better than Canucks. They know how to pack! LOL
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
5 Sep 09
hi spark sounds like you haveyour act altogether and I
couldnt add anything to what you said , you are truly'orgnized.
And you got yourself a suitcase thingy on wheels so good'
going you Are truly going to have a ball.But for me I
'would have to have bras as I am a large sized person
so I would flop all over the plAce.he h ehe
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
Cancer surgery has diminished the size of mine Hatley and they barely even wiggle when I walk anymore, so I can do without the bra straps falling down! LOL
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
Well I can't get Spunky out of the suitcase now, so I guess I'll just wear her!
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
6 Sep 09
Ehmm...Sparks, the dog is not coming is he? Just asking because I think that he is taking up an awful lot of room!
It sounds to me as though Irish has got all sorted.
It is so darn hard not to over pack. I over do it every time I travel anywhere. I bring all this stuff and then I find that when I get to my destination I don’t end up wearing half of it!
Good luck!
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
6 Sep 09
My problem exactly, so before we even went luggage shopping I told myself over and over, THIS time, it's essentials only and no more over packing of stuff I won't wear anyway. Therefore, medium sized suitcase, and it STILL doesn't work! ROFL
So yeah.............throw out the clothes and just take the dog!
1 person likes this
