They’re not kidding when they say time flies. In two days, I’ll be a whole MONTH away from my first trip to the UK! I think I’ve been dreaming about going to Ireland since before I was 10…and in less than six weeks, it’ll come true!!
The scary part is…I’ve barely thought about packing. Sure they talk about it in the travel study class, but when it comes to leaving class and going home to start on it? Nope. The most I have accomplished is having a bunch of suggested packing lists pinned to my travel board on Pinterest and a few organizers that I’ve bought laid out in my room.
This contraption is what I call a “shower organizer”. Purchased at TJ Maxx for $20, this organizer has four zipper compartments, 2 of which are removable. At the top is a hook which allows travelers to hang the organizer on their bathroom door or, if permitted, the back of a shower door. Buying this little contraption instigated a “practice pack” and list writing session in order to determine what I could and should eliminate from my luggage. The first compartment is rather flat, so I plan to make that my “first aid compartment”. Things like tweezers, band aids and such aren’t too bulky or large and won’t make it difficult to zip or close the organizer.
The second compartment (but the first that is removable) was great for storing my basic hygiene supplies: toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, Q-tips, and makeup remover wipes. The third compartment (and second removable compartment) had just enough space to store any medicines I may pack: prescriptions, Excedrin (for my nasty migraines- that’s the LAST thing I need over there), Aleve and a sleep aid like Melatonin. Finally, the fourth and largest compartment is going to be where I store my face wash and lotion, shampoo/conditioner, and contact solution.
This little bag was also purchased at TJ Maxx and cost around $8. It’s small enough for easy packing, but has a generous divider which can make this bag great for storing my makeup supplies. Things like my brushes and primer can be stored on one side with the actual makeup (eye shadow, mascara, etc.) on the other. With a twelve hour flight to the UK, I’ll definitely be tossing this organizer into my carry on bag for whenever I need to freshen up my zombie look!
Hopefully this weekend I can manage to do a more thorough practice pack and provide a more in depth packing list for any travelers that will find it useful 🙂
“Pack your suitcase and go”.