Say Goodbye to the Suitcase

Last week, we packed up the kids and the car and set out on a road trip to Texas. I was looking forward to the extra time spent with my family in the car. Now that the kids, especially my boys, are getting older (11 and 13), I was anxious to get them to a place where we could have some quantity time together. As much as I enjoy organizing, I do not like packing. In the past year I've tried to challenge myself to travel light and really think hard about what pieces to bring on a trip. I used to feel you needed a different outfit for each day (my husband still packs like that). I've changed my thinking. Now I pack only versatile clothing that can be worn and changed into several different outfits. I was very proud that on a recent ski trip, I packed for four days of skiing in a small cary on bag that fit under the seat on the airplane!

One thing I did very different on this trip, was that none of us brought a suitcase. Each family member got a basket. I love these collapsible baskets from The Container Store. I use them all the time in my laundry room, and now they serve a new purpose as travel bags. I packed one extra basket with all the items necessary for our one night in a hotel on the road. When we arrived at the hotel, only one basket came out of the car. When we arrived at our destination, each person had their basket of clothes and the extra basket was used for dirty clothing and laundry. No suitcases to zipper, and easy access to everything. Give it a try sometime, think outside the suitcase and work with what makes traveling efficient and easy for you.