| "THE GRID" Packing Plan |
| THE 7 DAY SUITCASE Copyright@2003 Sancre, Inc. |
| Before you read this, print out "the 7 day list". As you pack each item, check it off to make sure you have everything. First, set aside your travel outfit, sweater/coat and shoes. Then set aside the items that you will not be packing in your suitcase, but instead carrying in your cloth shopping bag/big purse carry on. The items are: 1 shirt 1 sleepwear 1 pair of underwear 1 makeup/cosmetic kit with jewelry 1 wash kit 1 emergency kit 1 camera and film 2-3 books 2-3 snacks 1 travel purse with credit cards, id�s, passport, travel papers such as airline tickets and hotel reservations etc 1 cardigan sweater or coat (fold over bag between straps). All kit ziplocks should be pressed to empty air, excess rolled, then sealed. Place these items at the bottom of the bag. Then wrap your camera in your nightshirt/underwear and place on top of kits. Put film in another ziplock and put next to it. Then place the rest of clothing on the list above around these items. Put your books and snacks on top. Carry your travel wallet/purse separately until you are cleared through check in. Once you are on the plane, pack it in the secure pocket in the shopping bag/big purse. Why pack all the kits in your carryon shopping bag? Because as of 2003, when this piece was revised, some of the materials on the list are not allowed in the suitcase, such as nail clippers, scissors and disposable razors. The airports want you to put them in your purse or carryon where they can make sure they meet the standards. Once again, the day you leave, I recommend that you consult your government site for what is allowable. Follow those guidelines! Also, if for some terrible reason, the airlines lose your suitcase, this list of items placed in your carry on purse will get you through the first 24-48 hours without having to shop for anything. Most suitcases are found and returned by then. If not, this will get you through until you are able to buy what you need which will have to be clothes only. It makes it much simpler. Place some empty ziplocks in your outer pockets of the suitcase. Use these later for dirty underwear and socks. Now, the rest of the original list goes into your suitcase in the slots made up of the grid. If you choose not to make the grid, use the next diagram as basic packing guideline, placing rolled items next to each other. Begin packing the bottom area's of the grid 1st. (the opposite end of your handle). Roll and place the heavier sweaters and other items in the bottom areas. By packing from the bottom, if you need to add or take away some of the "C" pieces, you will be able to slid them off from the other end without having to unpack your suitcase. As you complete a side by side section, pull the next "C" OR "D" piece toward you to form another section. |
| The above grid is pretty much self-explanatory, however, your pre-packing should be as follows: Wash, dry, and iron all clothing and let hang for at least 24-48 hours. Clothes that are still slightly damp or warm will cause fold wrinkles to set, so let them dry and cool for at least 24 hours. Roll all clothes. Start by folding shirts inward from sides. Pull collars up, then fold in half, long way. Begin rolling from bottom of clothing. Put tissue paper in folds of lighter weight items such as your dress shirt. Once rolled, place in section in grid. Wrap all shoes in ziplocks or light weight freezer bags. Fold pants with seam to seam for a crease before rolling. Always put your heavy or larger items at the bottom of the grid. If you have a thicker item in the top 10 sections, double up on some items to make the section beside it more uniform. As you finish both sides of each section, slide that "C" or "D" piece below it as tight as you can. You can space them later if you have room. Fold dress in half from side to side, then in half long ways. Place tissue paper in each fold to avoid creases. Place on top of grid or in inside top of suitcase. Finally, put lid on top of grid or duffle bag around grid and close with suitcase belts. If it will fit put your coat on top of that. The weight of these items will help anchor the clothes in the grid. Close and lock your suitcase. Then go and have a wonderful time....You are on vacation! |
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