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I’ve traveled lately, first to Texas, then Louisiana, and finally now Ohio, speaking as I go.  My suitcase weighed in at 46 pounds at the first airport!  What was I taking that really didn’t need taking?  How could I reduce my redundancy and lose a few pounds?

You see, lugging a heavy suitcase poses a lot of problems when you are traveling alone.  Besides getting it into the airport, you have to get it off the moving baggage claim ramp, pull it all over the airport, and often make your way into the packing lots.

With those thoughts in mind, if I had it to do over again, I would do this:

1)     Use sweat clothes both as a second layer (I was traveling to both cold and warm climates).  Then, also use them as pajamas.  One pound lost.

2)     Only take two pairs of shoes:  One to walk in and the second to speak in.  No need to be fancy when trotting.  Another pound gone.

3)     Wear all skirts and pants for the duration of the weeklong trip.  Takes enough tops for each day, but allow enough variation for layering.  (I’m really cold in these higher humidity climates.)  Two pounds in extra weight gone.

4)     Don’t take any hardcover books:  Too heavy, too massive, and too likely to be ruined.  Keep it to paperbacks.  Two pounds lost.

5)     Don’t take toiletries that will be found at your hostess’ or host’s home.  They will have shampoo, soap, cream, and lotion.  Two more pounds gone.

6)     Clear out your purse and/or wallet of all unnecessary paperwork, plastic cards, and other trivia before traveling.  Not only will you eliminate the risk of loss, you will have a shoulder when you return.  Another pound lost.

7)     Only take clothing that can take rumpling, rolling, and ruining.  To look like a million from a suitcase is one great feeling.  So much to gain with so very little lost.

When I get home from this trip, I’m going to revamp my Trip List to include what I have learned.  Keep it simple, keep it light, keep it useful!  Reduce the redundancy when traveling.  A lighter suitcase is a better vacation!

Find more helpful ideas in my House of Order Handbook.

Return to Organize Self – Master Plan …

Photo from sxc.hu.  Used with permission.