If the Shoe Fits, Take it

Travel packing is not my strong suit

My problem isn't how to pack; it's what to pack. I've mastered the tricks about how to avoid wrinkles and how to maximize space, but I'm a chronic over-packer. You've seen me at the airport. I'm the one with the suitcase threatening to burst its zippers. I'm the one sweating, dragging that heavy suitcase down the concourse (imagine if I didn't have a roller-style bag).

Other people zip past me pulling miniscule bags so flat they look like toys. Where are they going with such tiny bags? Obviously not to someplace where they'll need bulky, cold-weather clothes or dressy outfits. They can't all be off to a remote beach destination where the only essentials required are sunscreen, sunglasses and a bikini. I want to know their packing strategy. I need to travel lighter.

Days before I leave (I've been known to do this weeks before a major trip), I begin planning my outfits like a giant game of mix & match. This is helpful because it's easy to coordinate tops and bottoms when I can see them side-by-side, but it makes moving around the bedroom difficult.

The longer the trip, the more stacks of clothes, and the harder it is to get into bed at night.

During this sorting phase, I create piles—"absolutely yes," "only-if-there's-room" and "can't decide." I move things from pile to pile before actually putting them in the suitcase. I also check and recheck the weather report of my destination. That's usually when I realize I need an additional something—a raincoat or a warm jacket. These items move into the yes pile; my "only-if" pile is constantly in a state of flux.

I pack and repack (mentally and in actuality) more times than I'd like to admit. Every time I'm certain I have it right, I second-guess myself and start again. I've been known to do this an hour before leaving for the airport. It's crazy.

One of my friends never thinks about packing until the day before she leaves on a trip, even for a trip to Paris, and never seems to stress about it either. How does she do this?

I've read articles that claim the right "accessory" is all you need to expand your wardrobe. Things like a hat, scarf, belt,or chunky jewelry. Pair these items with basic clothing pieces, and you can go anywhere, anytime, with ease. I know people who follow this maxim and do just fine. It doesn't seem to work for me. 

My biggest issue – my Achilles heel so to speak – is shoes. Generally, I'm a flip-flops gal. I wear them everywhere. Living in Mountain View and not having a dress code for work makes this possible. I even have a pair with rhinestone straps and crystal flowers on the heels for less sporty occasions. I accessorize my feet with toe rings and nail polish (my favorite color at the moment is "I'm Not Really A Waitress"). The truth is, open sandals don't always pass muster—they don't cut it in cold weather. Therein is my current problem.

Since I'm not a one-pair-fits-any-and-all-occasions type, I find choosing what shoes to pack complicated. Multiple pairs end up next to my suitcase. Different activities, different shoes. Sneakers for walking, boots for casual dress (ideally both black and brown—you can't wear brown with black pants or vice versa), heels and, of course, flip-flops for kick-around time. Add that up! That's five pairs of shoes! Shoes require suitcase space. Limited space limits what I can pack. It's a vicious circle of indecision.

I doubt a perfect solution to my overpacking will materialize before my next trip. I will do my best to cram as much as possible into my not-so-tiny suitcase. Undoubtedly, I will take shoes and clothes I probably won't need or wear. Likewise, I'll leave behind something I took out at the last minute that would have been nice to have.

Maybe packing for trips in the future will get easier. I can only hope. Maybe I'll plan a beach vacation.

But I'll always wonder about those people at the airport. Where are they going with their tiny suitcases?