A recent study found that the average woman will over-pack her holiday suitcase with 26 items, none of which will be worn. This does not surprise me in the slightest as the usual thought of “I’ll take these... just in case” is an all to frequent one and a thought which for a 7 day holiday can probably be justified.
Imagine my dilemma then when I am confronted with the task of packing a bag for an entire year. The “just in case” tactic is obsolete as I have to contend with packing for all four seasons as well as trying to pack my living essentials and clothes for the mundanane activities such as the gym into one bag. Not to mention which shoes to take?!
Flying US Airways I am allowed up to 23KG in the hold and 18KG as hand luggage. How anyone could fit 18KG into a bag suitable for lifting onto the plane I do not know. At 5ft it might be slightly embarrassing trying to maneuver my bag into the overhead lockers and then to tactfully retrieve it again 8 hours later without taking out my fellow passengers. Although it’s nice to know I could attempt this if necessary.
Not wanting to look like a pack horse upon arrival into South Carolina and to avoid the embarrassment of storing my hang luggage I opted for the 65L travelers backpack with one small wheelie case to take on board. I have also taken the approach of “I can always buy things out there” as let’s be honest I’m going to America, not a small island in the middle of nowhere with no pharmacy or suitable clothes stores. It also helps to be going to a city in the middle of a heatwave averaging 40 degrees meaning I am able to pack only shorts and strappy tees leaving more space for that extra pair of shoes!
Thus I have confined a year’s worth of clothes into a selection of only my finest wardrobe pieces and the necessary beauty products, I couldn’t possible go without my make-up bag and straighteners! With some economic packing and ruthless decisions I will with any luck avoid looking like a pack horse and with only 26 items in my bag hopefully I will wear everything at least once!
