April 22 - Packing A Suitcase

Last week I wrote about travelling and so this week I thought I might write about packing for a trip. I usually pack the suitcase for both Lyle and myself. In case you think that it is strange that it is the person with limited sight who does this, let me explain why.

If Lyle were to pack, I would have no idea of where anything was in the suitcase. When I put things in myself, I know precisely where everything is.

Packing is a matter of organizing. I always put things in the suitcase in the same order. My things go near the front and Lyle’s near the back. Socks and underwear on the right side. Swimsuits and raincoats on the left. Liquids and gels in the middle. Sweaters and shirts on the top. If we need to take shoes or sandals, they go in a plastic bag on the bottom at the back – although I did read somewhere that shoes should go at the top. I like my plan better. It’s easy to pack and for me, easy to find things at the end.

I suppose that my other hint for packing is to keep it simple.  Minimal is the key word. It helps to start packing ahead of time. I usually lay clothes out on the bed early on. I often put too many clothes out at the start but beginning early means that I have time to take away unnecessary items.

Lyle and I take one suitcase between us no matter whether we are away for a week or a month. There is rhyme and reason to this as well. At the airport it doesn’t matter as much because we simply go to the counter to check in the one suitcase, but when we travel elsewhere – by bus, train or on foot – having only the one bag is important. I use my cane in my right hand and hold Lyle’s arm with my left. He trundles the suitcase along with his left hand. We are a team.

I am writing this as I pack our one suitcase. When you read this post, we will already be on our way. When I write next it will be from Australia.