I'm Obsessed with Packing Videos. Are you?

Love this nostresshere. I like my "stuff" with me -- I tend to pack too many lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, etc. and those items can take up a lot of space -- but I find a vacation more enjoyable on the margins when I pack lighter, especially when I'm packing up the day before check out to return. It borders on depressing needing to spend hours packing to return, worried that I've forgotten some things because I brought too much. It's also annoying when I return not having worn a few items, which means I didn't really need to take them.

But no way could I pack the night before!!!!!! Now less than a month out I have already started to lay out outfits, accessories, etc. and each day I'm eliminating down to the pieces that coordinate in significant part and clothing items and accessories that I love, are comfortable and that I'll wear multiple times (bottoms/pants) while in Vegas. This is not a chore for me, however, but rather is quite enjoyable. It's as my vacation is already beginning. I already have part of my BR that I'm putting in silver envelopes.

 

OMG. Never saw this website before . . . Thanks for sharing!

 

Absolutely!

Some things are standards, like white pants, white tshirts (but, which ones!??) my Bose headphones, etc. but I always "refresh" my Vegas spring/summer/fall/winter wardrobe. And having lost a lot of weight (42 pounds though 10 back on with stress eating and no exercise), that's another excuse to do so.

 

That's pretty funny. I have to say I'm not into compression bags, however, as I feel like it is light packing "cheating" (I hope that makes sense). But the new power charger sounds like the move!

 

I'm leaning in that direction . . . though I wish I could do what nostresshere did. For my July trip, which is solo travel though I will be meeting friends there, I will definitely do carry-on only.

 

The longest I traveled with a carry on was six weeks. Once I started traveling around while on vacation, I started hating my stuff. Lifting the bag over my head to put up on a train rack, no thanks. I would never ever use a full sized bag again.

 

PS: This is one of my favorite travel bloggers, posting about what's in her backpack!

 

I am the first to admit that I have way too much stuff in my tiny apartment and this weekend actually I'm doing some Spring cleaning, donating to Goodwill, etc. but I started watching the video vegas superfan and rewound twice to hear her say (wanted to double check) that the clothing she laid out on the floor is all the clothing she owns "in the world." Not judging her at all. It's impressive actually. Not practical for me with "Work" and "fun" clothes, etc. and I enjoy fashion, but it is a reminder that at the end of the day, we "need" a lot less than we think we do!

 

At the time she posted this, she didn't have an actual home and was traveling the world full time with everything she owns in her backpack. That is my goal for retirement.

 

I was watching those videos to get inspired but I am kidding myself. I fly first class as I have long flights, want to be comfortable and need lots of drinks. Since checked bags are free and marked priority, first off the plane, I just pack lazy. I hate packing and wasting time unpacking on arrival. The last trip I took most of my clothes on hangers. When I arrive I open the suitcase and hang them up. Every night I take all the dirty stuff, roll it up and toss it in a laundry bag. Packing to go home isn’t too bad. Anything I haven’t used is packed on the hanger and the laundry is ready to go.

I do carry waaay too much other crap.....extra shoes, first aid kit, clothing kit (static guard, wrinkle releaser, lint roller, 2 sided tape), make up, mirror, my own soap, shampoo, etc. I always bring some relaxing spa products like sheet masks body scrubs, etc in case I lose all my money and have to find something to do. I even bring a small bottle of jewelry cleaner. This is where I need to pare down. Maybe this year.

 

I have some interest in packing tips, but especially look at the latest and greatest luggage and travel clothing.

 

I carry a lot of things like this too and that's not going to change! I take, for example, some soaps and bath bombs I really like from Lush for when I want to chill in the tub (after wiping it thoroughly with Clorox wipes when I'm unpacking ) after a long day or like you, to even take a break from playing before relaxing in my room. They also mix nicely with the Wynncore body wash and lotion. Those things IMO help make the trip more special. I have a lint roller and first aid kit as well, especially as my 86-year old mom will be with me.

But I can definitely cut down on the makeup. Two lipsticks and lip glosses, for example, should be plenty!

 

I'm a clumsy packer, so I take 2 50lb suitcases for my trip

 

I always liked this guy: https://www.onebag.com

It may be a bit hard core for a Las Vegas trip, but his philosophy is sound. There are plenty of tips & ideas for general 'load reduction.'

 

I watched some before my last trip-first time on Spirit with only a personal item. Good tips! I love the challenge of a small bag. I did also use packing cubes-have used those 20+ years. Love them!

 

This is the first I've heard of this! Too bad I'm already (mostly) packed for our trip later today. I did get new hard sided luggage for this trip and did the packing cubes. I also rolled my clothes. I fit a good bit of stuff! Too bad there is no way to make your shoes fit better!

 

re: Return Packing.

That is the easiest packing. No decisions. EVERYTHING you have goes in the suitcase. Easy stuff. (unless you went shopping)

 

THIS, 100%!!! I bought into that "packing cubes" nonsense a few years ago and all they did was annoy me. They do not save one bit of space, in face they restrict the space because you now have this stupid cube in there and there is less room in which to squish a last minute addition to the bag.

I have rolled pants or shirts, laid them folded and flat etc and it all works out the same way in the end. When I travel to Vegas (and my recent trip was for 9 days) I bring a carry on and a large backpack, and I manage to get more than enough clothes in there. Any toiletries I need (such as toothpaste, sunscreen etc) are purchased in Vegas, and whatever I do not use is left behind when I return home.

I used to check a large bag and it is so much more freeing to be able to walk right off the plane and go straight to the hotel instead of waiting to see if your bag made it with you, and if so, how badly damaged it is from being hurled by the baggage manglers.

 

I have the unfortunate problem of making sure my carry on has extra meds & supplies (diabetic plus meds like thryoid, cholesterol, etc). So I lose a LOT of room that way. (Insulin, meds, extra sweet items to eat in case of plane delays, extra CGM units (continuous glucose monitor sensor units - Dexcom G6). All of that stuff accumulates fast and takes up room. That means I can take one emergency t-shirt & undies in my carry-on but am basically forced to take a checked bag. I did make it with a carry-on for a short couple night trip to Biloxi last year. Hated that I really didn't have much for spare clothing when my stuff smelled like cigarette smoke from casino. (Vegas I can wash something out & it will be dry the next day).