If you had told me at the beginning of this summer that when it came to packing I could do it better, the nicest thing I would have yelled at you is “Poppycock!”
You see, I have adhered to the “bundle wrapping” method of packing for YEARS. Friends and family are always amazed by how wrinkle-free my clothes are on vacation without ever dragging out an iron. Let’s be real, my kids have outgrown clothes before I’ve managed to iron them for a second wearing, so I’m definitely not wasting vacation time buddy-ing up to an ironing board. Rumor has it, the ironing board is not that into me either, so fair is fair.
I found the perfect video to show you what I’m talking about. I was going to go into my own description, but since bundle wrapping ISN’T EVEN THE MAIN TIP FOR THIS POST, I figured why re-invent the wheel. Plus, it looks like he had a professional production crew and stuff. Whatever.
There is a downside to bundle wrapping.
While bundle wrapping has saved me from creases and wrinkles, there are times when it just isn’t convenient. When you’re on a trip where it doesn’t make sense to unpack your entire suitcase, having your clothes in a big fat origami brick is a big fat pain. You know, like when you’re sharing hotel space with roommates at a conference, or when you are on a multi-stop/multi-hotel trip. Also, if you’re the personality type who wants to jump into the fun immediately–unpacking be damned!–your clothes might end up in a jumbled mess à la college dorm floor. I may or may not be that personality type.
Enter in the product I never knew I needed: packing cubes!
While researching a new suitcase, Amazon suggested I take a look at these bad boys from TravelWise.
I was all, “Thanks Amazon, but I am an excellent packer and do not need to spend $29.95 to become a better one.”
Amazon insisted, “No, you REALLY should look at my recommendation. Many geniuses have spent many hours coding algorithms to come to the conclusion that you NEED these in your life.”
“Well, when you put it that way, Amazon, I guess I could at least look at the reviews,” I said.
And you know what? The “where have these been all my life” reviews prompted me to plop these in my cart.
Score another one for Amazon because they are AMAZING.
And these packing cubes are amazing for the following reasons.
1. Sorting. Each category of clothes has it’s own discreet cube. For example, instead of cramming your underwear and socks around the periphery of your suitcase, they have their own special nest.
2. Still no wrinkles. Inside each cube, I still packed with a modified bundle wrapping/rolling method. The nylon compartments kept everything from sliding around and getting crushed.
3. Unpacking is a breeze! You can pop entire cubes into the drawers. Bonus is your drawers never have to be in contact with the drawers. If you know what I mean.
And if you have no place to unpack like in the cabin I stayed in last weekend, the cubes of clothes makes it easy to find your pajamas in the dark. You know, in case you’re in the loft and your kids turn out the lights before you are completely situated.
4. Packing back up to go home is a snap. Just zip up whatever clean clothes are left and toss them into your suitcase or duffel. Great for keeping the clean and the dirty from mingling, too.
So basically it’s the perfect addition to your jet-setting ways except for one thing. Why, oh why are they called cubes when they are clearly rectangular prisms? All geometry aside though, they are totally worth the money. They come in five different colors so the entire family can be color-coded. You can buy the packing cubes here.
But I’m not done yet, I have one more packing tip that is absolutely free!
You know how you always need a plastic bag or twenty for wet bathing suits or stinky socks? Well, here’s how to neatly fold them in seconds so they’re worthy to nestle up to your cubes.
1. Smooth out your bag.
2. Fold in half lengthwise.
3. Fold in half lengthwise again.
4. Begin with a triangular fold at the end like you’re folding up a flag or making a paper football.
5. Continue folding back and forth in that fashion until you get to the handle.
6. Fold the handle in half to prepare to tuck it in.
7. Tuck the tail in. Tuck it real good.
8. And neatness has been achieved!
So there you have it. Even if you have nowhere to go, at least your plastic bags can be neat!
What is your favorite packing trick?
-Ellen
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”
