This is the final installment in a three-part series on wardrobe management for self-employed women.

To read the the previous articles in this series:

VA Fashionista Part 1: Review and Edit Your Wardrobe
VA Fashionista Part 2: Scrutinizing and Updating Your Wardrobe

In this installment, we’re going to talk about how to organize your luggage prior to travel.

If you’re an adult, you already know how to prepare for travel, right? Well, yes and no.

What are Your Travel Goals?

A. Do you want to enjoy your trip without spending time worrying about the condition and quantity of your garments, and leaving room for items purchased while traveling, therefore filling up as many bags as you own before every trip? You may be an “Overpacker.”

B. Do you prefer to pack at the last minute, just tossing whatever is clean into a duffel and dash out the door? You may be an “Underpacker.”

C. Do you try to haul a minimum of luggage, with all outfits already planned? Maybe you are an “Efficiency Expert” or “One Bagger.”

D. Are you more into the toys you’ll bring (camera gear, skis, golf clubs, etc.) than what you’ll wear? You may be a “Mess.”

What NOT to do

When I was the mom of young kids, I encouraged them to do their own packing, so they would learn the important life skills of planning and prioritizing. If they needed help, I was available. Otherwise, they were free to make their own choices (and I would just sneak a peek before leaving to make sure they had their toothbrushes, etc.).

Good idea in theory, but you can’t abdicate your parental duties completely. One time I failed to eyeball what my youngest child had packed and discovered he was definitely a “D.”

Only after we arrived for our stay on the beach did I discover that his little bag was crammed full of stuffed animals … and nothing else.

While at the beach or in town, his wardrobe was limited to the jeans he had worn and one of my tee-shirts: the clothes he had dressed in the morning we left. Fine for a 6 year old, but, really, what was I thinking, not checking his bag before we left home!?

Ok, so I’ve done nearly the same thing as an adult when I was particularly excited about an R&R style trip. But, generally, I take way too much gear and way too much clothing. This year, I’m hoping to change that approach.

Naturally, your destination and season influence your preparation. Also, the purpose and mode of your travel will dictate some required items as well as space limitations.

But really, no one wants to look all sloppy when you get where you’re going, so some forethought and editing are called for.

Come up with a Strategy

Generally speaking, whenever I travel and know I will be away for more than three days, I begin my packing process about a week ahead of time. Having the luggage open enables me to add and subtract items as I either fold laundry or change my mind.

Rather than making a written list, the physical presence of my open suitcase helps me remember the smallest items (electronic charging devices), and ensures that I won’t forget essentials (undies, makeup, travel documents, itineraries, tickets, etc.) by waiting until the last minute to pack.

Plus, just looking at my open suitcase filled with clean clothes stirs up excitement about the impending travel activities! That makes it fun, not so much a chore.

For my Next Number…
This week I am off on a week-long road trip. Going to a convention with a friend, sandwiched on both ends by a little visit with family. My approach:

I packed first for the convention, using my recently created outfits, output from the “scrutinizing and updating” part of my recent wardrobe assessment activity. These items were put into a garment bag and then into my suitcase went the corresponding accessories and shoes. There are three outfits (for three days at the convention).

I rounded out my choices with some casual tops and jeans that will work for the family time at the beginning and end of my trip. These all go with the convention outfits, too, in case some mixing and matching happens. I don’t like the idea of being locked into a week’s worth of outfits without allowing for some spontaneity.

I added one set of work out wear (optimistic?) and shoes for same.

Here’s how some readers approach packing for a a trip:

Terri Orlowski:
“I start with pants – what’s appropriate, comfortable, and versatile. Then I make sure I have tops to go with the pants for each day, with some variations for weather, mood, etc. Then shoes, and the rest of the accessories (socks, undies, etc).”

Skyla Higgins:
“I calculate how many days I will be there and make sure I can either do laundry wherever I am going or that I pack enough undergarments for the trip. Jeans/pants can be worn a couple times so generally I pack 2 pairs that fit well. Take clothes that you can switch up to create more outfits, and of course make sure you have shoes to match!”

Dana Fortier:
“To travel, I go for comfort, not style. Comfortable pants & shirt and
slip-on shoes (security reasons). What I pack, I make sure I don’t have to iron anything once I get there. My favorite items to travel with are: chocolate wool blend straight-leg pants, floral print, butterfly-sleeve top in crinkle fabric; black pants and off-white cashmere short-sleeve shell sweater and khaki trousers with either a red cashmere/wool sweater or red tuxedo style shirt. All of these
items require no ironing, they’re all mix & match and comfortable in most all climates.”

Karin Wilson:
“I travel really light. I wear clothes that can be mixed and matched. I also layer a lot. I don’t ever bring bulky or fluffy stuff. It takes up too much room. I try to get by with one pair of shoes. This is all easier with casual travel.”

Amy:
“When I pack for traveling I pick out what I am going to wear each day and from there I am able to pick out little thing to add to my outfits like scarves, belts, long necklaces, and fun earrings. When I travel I also try and bring something from my closet that I wouldn‚t normally wear, something totally out of character, because you‚re on vacation, no one is going to judge you!”

Online Resources:

One Bag: The Art and Science of Traveling Light Wait ’till you see the incredible packing list this site offers! Wow!

Fodor’s 11 Tips for Smarter Packing

Tips to Organize Life’s Travel Packing Tips article

Keep an eye out for wrapup piece: catch-all advice from readers about being a VA Fashionista (or, for that matter, just a woman who feels comfortable and happy with what she’s wearing). The wrapup will appear on the morning of January 23, 2008.