No matter how much I travel, the battle to pack less still wages on. So, how do I get better, how do I make sure the next packed bag is better than last? Constant re-evaluation. At the end of every trip, I reflect on what I packed from clothes to jewelry to shoes to toiletries and I think about what I didn’t need.
There is a fine line between being prepared and over packing. I like to have options for different events and activities and weather changes. However, it’s always easiest to pack for a destination with a set weather pattern. Cancun, Mexico in August, for example—heavy sweaters and packable down jackets need not apply, but on my recent trip to Chicago in March things were a little more complicated.
For this trip to Chicago the weather had highs in the 60s (degrees Fahrenheit) and lows in the 30s with a little rain thrown in there just for good measure. My overall strategy was light and layered. With highs in the 60s I wanted to make sure that I had enough light layers to keep me warm but make sure they were light enough that I wouldn’t be overheating during my trip. I stuck to three main layers for my tops. One, a tank top, Two, a thin long sleeve tank, and a sweater or top layer that was a good weight to double as a jacket if the weather got warm enough, but fit under my heavier jacket if the weather got could enough.
My tip: pack outfits that are appropriate for the highs, and jackets that are appropriate for the lows.
So at the end of the Chicago trip, what did I feel I didn’t need? Well, I packed a one top layer too many I really could have done without it for this five day trip. That would have allowed me to switch those items up within my two-color palette which is all I really needed. I also didn’t wear a pair of heeled booties, but I’m glad that I had that pair of heels in case I needed them.
When I get to the point where I have packed the perfect bag I will have only traveled with a carry on, worn everything I packed at least once, and not felt like I was missing a single thing on my trip. This is a tall order, I know!
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