J, my thoughtful and supportive friend of over 30 years (we met on the playground, of course, ahem), sent me a New York Times story about packing using the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Method. J knows of my great disdain for packing but my love of travel; she sent me this tip to combat the most offensive four-letter word in my life: P-A-C-K.
Hi. My name is Sister Rain and I am an overpacker. I have tried it all including taking out one of everything I have put in the suitcase before I zip it closed. There are two things I can always count on. One, I will have to lay on the suitcase to close it. Two, I will hold my breath when checking in for my flight as the bag is weighed. There have been more than a few “HEAVY” tags affixed to my luggage over the years.
I am intrigued by someone who can go to Europe for a week with just a carry-on. But I am a little suspicious of them too. It just ain’t right.
My condition is chronic as is evidenced by the book “Pack It Up” by Ann McAlpin which I purchased in 1996 that has remained on my bookshelf for three decades as a reminder of my desire to improve . . . and my failure to do so. In my defense, I did implement the author’s systems as far as the quality of my packing and use her process to this day. It is the quantity that is my issue.
The only 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in my trip preparation is as a countdown to the big day. Five months to go. Four weeks until departure. Three days before I board the plane. Two hours till takeoff.
And one suitcase expander open for business.
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