Rambling essentials, from fashion to recipes to gear and everything in between. Style Files is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris, an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada, with a remarkable zest for life, a fabulous sense of humor, and remarkable style (of course).
Hey, Sole Sisters!
It’s time for my rambling style files, where I discuss all things rambling, from fashion to recipes to gear and everything in between.
I just got back from an awesome trip to New York City, where I was lucky enough to see Billy Joel’s 150th and final concert in residency at Madison Square Gardens. What an experience!! I absolutely love Billy Joel, and for me, there is nothing better than going to a concert and knowing the words to every single song.
I could go on about Billy Joel. However, that is not really what I want to talk to you about today.
Let’s talk packing. I am what you would call the opposite of a light packer, but I only want to bring carry-on luggage. See the problem? Today, airlines are getting more and more strict about carry-on luggage.
I like to call myself a thoughtful packer, and when you see what I can fit in my carry-on luggage, I promise you will be amazed!
First, I start packing at least a week before a trip, sometimes two weeks if it’s a longer trip. I carefully plan all my outfits, making sure I can mix and match.
My carry-on limit is five days and four nights. If I am going to a warmer climate, I can do five nights, but shoes can become a problem. I do love my shoes.
I bring a carry-on size bag on wheels (aka a "rolly"), which is the biggest you can bring on Air Canada. I’m from Toronto, Canada, and I generally fly Air Canada. Before traveling, it’s important to check your airline's rules and regulations about carry-on size. Every airline is different.
What I love about my luggage is that it is expandable in case I buy anything, and would have to check it. Also, all the wheel and pulley mechanisms are on the outside, which leaves more interior space for packing.
I also bring a cross-body expandable bag that fits under my seat and can be strapped to my rolly.
When it comes to cosmetics, I like using a few small bags rather than a big bag. I’m more organized that way, and it’s easier to pack.
So you are probably asking yourself what does she have in these bags. Here goes…
In The Rolly Bag
- 5 Pairs of leggings
- 6 t-shirts
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of shoes (at the last minute, I took out my 2nd pair but not because I did not have room)
- 3 blouses
- 4 pairs of socks
- 7 pairs of underwear ( no judging- when in NYC, I like to shower before dinner and put on fresh underwear)
- 4 bras - 2 regular and 2 exercise
- 6 pairs of socks
- 1 tank top
- Raincoat
- Hat
- Small crossbody bag for the day
- A small cosmetic bag with a brush, soap, Tylenol, hair scrunchies, Band-Aids, creams, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc…
- Small cosmetic bag with chargers and headphones
In The Crossbody Bag
- iPad
- Small cosmetic bag with makeup
- A purse with my passport, wallet, jewelry, a small ball in case I have any aches or pains, glasses, sunglasses
- Small bag with Ativan ( I am a nervous flyer; I don’t always take one, but I feel better knowing I have them on me), Rolaids, ear-buds, and lip balm. an extra hair elastic and an extra pair of sunglasses
- Small cosmetic bag with masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes, just in case
You are probably wondering how I fit all these clothes into my rolly, right? Here’s my secret … compression bags!! You will be blown away by how much you can fit in these. You can buy them at your local travel store or online. I like the ones that have some mesh because they are breathable.
They are super easy to use… think packing cube with a double zipper. Open both zippers. Generally, I roll my clothes first, then put them in. Why? Fewer wrinkles. Once the bag is full, close the top zipper. The second zipper activates the compression. Once you close the second zipper, your cube becomes half the size. Genius!!
If you haven’t already guessed, I am a freak when it comes to organization. I use one compression bag for the day, one for the night, and a smaller one for pajamas, bras, underwear, and socks. When I pack to go home, I divide my items into laundry, dry cleaning, and clean clothes, which makes unpacking fast and easy.
Would you believe I bought a pair of jeans, a shirt, a sweatshirt, a pair of sneakers, a Billy Joel T-shirt, and two Billy Joel cups that I got when I bought water? I had no problem fitting any of it in with room to spare!!
What type of packer are you? Please share any tips or tricks you have in the comments below.
Happy Rambling!!
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