The Power of the Packing Cube

To Pack or Not to Pack... That is the Question...

I've been doing a lot of research on the weather for our southwest trip and while it will be 105 degrees when we land in Phoenix, AZ... the average for the majority of our trip is in the 70s and 80s - once we get to West Yellowstone and Montana (and in the 40s/50s at night!). I've attempted to be as prepared as possible, without overdoing it. The majority of places we're staying have washer/dryer available, so we'll be able to launder while we're traveling as well.

The packing cubes have been a grand idea and here's what I was able to pack in them:

Small:

1. 6 undies
2. 6 socks
3. 2 bras
4. 1 bathing suit
5. 1 pajama set
6. 2 hair accessories: bandeau and bandana

Medium:

1. 2 long leggings
2. 1 capri legging
3. 2 long sleeve shirts
4. 3 short sleeve shirts
5. 5 shorts/skorts
6. 7 tanks

As you can see... I've color coordinated to be able to mix and match as necessary. Since we'll be flying from the comfort of a North Carolina mid-80s summer into into a heat wave of Arizona desert weather of 105 degrees (and I freeze to death on planes!), I'm wearing a white t-shirt over a tank with jeans and tennis shoes and layering with my jacket. 

I did ATTEMPT (notice that I said "attempt") to use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule, but I couldn't decide what to leave behind. I'll update when we get home how it worked out and maybe what I could've lived without.

I started out with this hot mess, but then I narrowed down once I laid everything out. I'm pretty sure I cut out 7-8 pieces that were either duplicate in color, too similar or I just deemed unnecessary. My friends are pretty funny... when I sent a pic that said I was sorting through, one came back and said, "Uh... just pick something black or gray."  Lol! That's my funny tribe right there!

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On another note... I can't believe how CRAZY FAST our departure date has arrived! In a little over 24 hours, we'll be arriving in the Valley of the Sun and then heading to the Grand Canyon to celebrate its 100th year!

"I get ideas about what's essential when packing my suitcase." Diane von Furstenburg

Cheers, y'all!

xo