Packing Tips From My Grandma

My grandmother is one of the coolest women alive.  First, she’s 90 and has lived a life full of love, adventures and good fortune.  She finishes the New York Times crossword puzzle (the Sunday ones) in pen!  She has a laugh that fills a room.  Her nails are always perfectly shaped.  And she can drink just about anyone under the table (and never have to use the loo).  She is gifted and kind and a selfless contributor to the community.  And because she is also modest about her lifetime of experience, it was no surprise to me that she was shocked I would ask herabout travel advice to add to this blog. 

“Me?  I haven’t travelled in years,” she said.  But when my mother mentioned several packing pearls of wisdom she learned from my grandma, Grandma B’s (pronounced bees) quickly spewed out a host of valuable tips for even the most experienced traveler. 

Edit, Edit, Edit 

Layout the clothes you plan to bring 2 weeks prior to your trip.  A week before, remove half.  The night before you pack, remove another half.  You’ll still have more than enough clothes to get you through your trip.  (Planning your wardrobe 2 weeks ahead of time might not be reasonable for most.  The point here is take time to edit your suitcase before your trip to avoid overpacking.)

Check It Twice

As you pack, make a list of items in your suitcase - including toiletries and other gadgets.  When you are headed back home, check items against the list as you repack.  This way you won’t leave anything behind.  (Cell phone chargers, jewelry, bridesmaid dresses - I’ve left them all behind and it’s so annoying!  For the techno-savvy, there are many packing apps that can help keep you organized.  Packing Pro gets consistently good reviews.)

The Rolling Method

Instead of folding clothes and packing them in your suitcase, roll them.   You’ll avoid many wrinkles and rolled clothes actually take up less space in your bag.  (This method works best for knits, synthetics and jeans.  Stick to the traditional folding method for button down shirts or pants where you want to maintain a crease.  Learn how to roll your clothes at this link.)

Be Prepared

Always bring safety pins, a needle and thread, and a first aid kit.  They are lightweight, don’t take up much space and will be sorely missed if you ever need them.  (I’ll add Imodium to that list.)

Copy Cat

Always give your travel companion a copy of your passport.  You should also leave a copy in your luggage for good measure.  

Ditch the Undergarments

Pack older underwear you are planning to throw away and ditch them on your trip.  You’ll make room in your suitcase for goodies you pick up on your travels.  (But don’t stop at underwear.  Pack other old garments and leave them behind too.  I’ve done this numerous times with shoes.)

Bernadette Polizzi has been to a handful countries, on numerous cruises, and countless road trips up and down the east coast visiting friends and family.  My favorite travel memory with B’s is our trip to Ireland and her elation over a simple Ploughman’s lunch (that left me starving and served as fodder for jokes for several years after).