I took a vacation! A much-needed vacation.
We packed up and headed to the in-laws in Harlingen, Texas, for a whole week! We also made a quick stop in San Antonio on the way down for some river-walkin’ fun.
Now that my waistline is expanding rapidly and I’m not sure what will feel comfortable from one day to the next, I wanted to make sure I packed plenty of clothing options.
Also, I knew it would be 88-92-ish degrees the whole time I was down there, but I also needed to factor in air conditioning.
Also, also, I love variety when it comes to clothes and dislike having to wear something twice.
So, I packed for 10 days. I also packed 3 bathing suits because they have a pool, and there’s nothing worse than putting on a wet bathing suit… 
Here’s what I packed!
The chair to the right has my travel-day outfit: a comfy pair of $5 faux Keds, silky stretchy-waist pants, a loose tank top, a long-ish white sweater and a lightweight denim jacket. Because airport and plane temperatures can be crazy! As are Central New York temperatures at 5 in the morning (departure from house time).
Here’s what went into the bag for clothes:
- 4 pairs of shoes (flip-flops, ballet flats, sneakers and nicer sandals)
- 3 bathing suits (2 two-pieces and 1 one-piece)
- 6 dresses (4 sleeveless, 2 short-sleeved)
- 1 skirt
- 3 tank tops
- 1 pair of jean shorts with belt
- 2 pairs of dressy pants
- 1 cardigan
- 1 button-down shirt
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 nightgown
- 1 pair of workout shorts
- 1 pair of workout/sleep capris
- 1 sun hat
- underwear, socks and bras
Other items packed:
- quart Ziploc of liquids
- lots o’ snacks (meat sticks, Paleo snack bars and almonds)
- sunglasses
- 3 books
- tablet and cord and headphones
- 2 cell phones (1 work, 1 me) and cord
- 1 inflatable neck travel pillow (a fun purchase! Usually the travel pillows are too big for my little head)
- swim cap and earplugs
I think that’s it. But I didn’t write things down either. Obviously the typical stuff like makeup and a hair brush.
Things I didn’t pack: a hair dryer. Vacation is for air-drying hair! Give it a break! A laptop – because my job is computers and I needed a total break from using one. Uh…that’s all I didn’t pack that normal people might I guess.
Now, it’s worth noting that my carry-on is, technically, a professional’s weekend bag. It has a slot for folders and a laptop. so, it’s really smaller than a carry-on.
Also, worth nothing: I think that’s way more than 10 days of clothes.
How did I fit it all in?
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
This beauty taught me all I need to know to make the most out of small spaces.
The key for packing? Folding!
Here’s how jeans look all folded.
And here’s a closeup of jeans in a drawer!
Here’s a tank top!
And here’s a finished drawer of shirts!
You can even make your sock drawer pretty using the tips in the book. There’s a lot of discussion of “How would you feel if you were one of your socks? Wouldn’t you rather breathe and be free…?” I like the idea that my “stuff” might need some happiness, too.
And here’s how using that folding technique worked for packing. Crazy, I know!
I tucked socks, underwear and bras into my sneakers.
My personal item fit my purse, my tech devices, books and my hat! Oh, and snacks for the way there, of course!
So, if you’re planning a trip soon, or if you’d like to de-clutter your dresser drawers, check out the Chinese folding techniques to help save some space – and save on ironing.
The book goes into how to de-clutter your entire house to keep your spirit light and your mind at ease. Once I’m done being pregnant, I plan to put it into action to clear out the house and my closet. I’ll probably do a post on creating a “capsule wardrobe” at that point, too! Scandinavian-style!
I promise I’ll start cooking again. It’s been crazy with work!
Next weekend will involve a big foodie fest for blogging purposes. I guarantee it!
What are your tips for packing? Let me know! I love a good tip!
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