So I spent about 2 days organizing and packing...those that know me, know this is completely normal. I spent Monday doing laundry and organizing clothes, shoes, etc. by laying everything out on the futon in my closet room (closet room=spare bedroom I turned into a walk-in closet). Doing this helps me visualize each outfit so I don't forget shoes and accessories. I find that of I start putting things in my suitcase right away I forget what's packed in the bottom.
I LOVE space bags for traveling! (see photo). They are great at compressing items into nice bundles. I also place a couple dryer sheets in each bag to keep everything fresh. Dryer sheets also come in handy when you're on a long trip and want to "freshen up" your clothes.
After packing clothes, shoes, and accessories I moved on to cosmetics and my carry-on items. I packed some spare cosmetics and emergency change of clothes in my carry-ons. I brought a Vera Bradley metropolitan bag (which is so amazing it will get its own post) and a Thirty-One garment bag with all my dresses as my carry-on luggage. The key to great carry-on luggage is lightweight, lots of storage, and compact.
Everything was all packed and ready when I awoke this morning and I was showered and out the door within 40 min. In the words of Zac Brown, "Gotta get away to where the boat leaves from!"
