How to Pack For Nationals

Do you hear that hum? That buzz of excitement that has been building for weeks, and is now coming to a head? That, my friends, is the sound of over 2,500 romance writers and industry professionals entering their final week before departing for Nationals.

This year, I, along with several of the LadyScribes, will be among those making the trek to NYC next week, ready to soak in all the event has to offer. But, before we can attend those workshops, rub those elbows, and partake in that sketchy conference food, we first must prepare for the journey.

Of all the things to think about, what—and how—to pack seems to be a recurring theme on the various loops and feeds I participate in. As the daughter of a former flight attendant and current pilot (and yes, there is a romance novel in there somewhere!), as well as someone who used to travel frequently with work, I humbly consider myself to be . . . The Queen of Packing. (you're feeling that humbleness, aren't you?)

In a LadyScribes first, I decided to make a video tutorial on how to pack in the most efficient manner possible. If you've ever been subject to the price-gouging of airline bag fees, you might be interested in how to pack for an entire week-long conference (plus four bonus days visiting family) in only one carry-on bag.

In this particular example, that includes over a dozen tops, eight dresses, three pairs of shoes, two pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, a skirt, three belts, a coverup and bathing suit, curlers, makeup, an evening bag, and, last but not least, an awards ceremony ballgown.

[Cracking knuckles] Okay, let's get started. Let's begin with how to whittle down the volume of clothes to pack. The following tips will help you get the most bang for your, er, bag:

1.) Decide on a color palate. For the most part, bottoms should be neutral. Every item that gets packed should be able to be worn with at least 2 other pieces (i.e. shirt that goes with shorts and skirt). By having a common color scheme, it cuts down on how many pairs of shoes, accessories, etc. that you need to worry about.

2) Choose outfits ahead of time. Since conference is only a week away, this means now! Know what you are going to wear each day, and hang that outfit up, including accessories and shoes. If an item gets used multiple times, stick a Post-It note on the hanger in lieu of the item. Then, try everything on as a completed outfit. You want to make sure everything still fits, it is clean, and you like the way everything ‘goes.’

3) Include clothes for a variety of situations. You will need several business appropriate outfits (nice slacks and a blouse, a suit, a sharp dress), at least one or two outfits that can be worn to a nice restaurant, a few casual ensembles, and whatever you do, don't forget a cardigan! I have shivered my way through more than one workshop in the past.

4) The little things. If you don't bring them, I can practically guarantee you will need: Advil/Motrin, blister covers/Band-Aids, travel sewing kit, safety pins, Shout wipes or Tide stick, and eyedrops. So, save yourself the 500% hotel markup and pack them now!

Now that you know what to pack, here is my tips on how to pack:

(Don't forget to watch the follow-up video that shows all the outfits I can make with the contents of this suitcase:  Here!)

To summarize the tips from the video:

1) Roll clothes tightly. Anything that does not need to be hung up should be rolled, not folded. After they are rolled ….

2) Pack clothes into packing cubes or gallon Ziploc baggies. Not only will it protect your clothes, but you can squeeze out all the air for packing efficiency, and when you repack you can separate the clean from dirty clothes.

3) Hang up dress clothes on 1 hanger. Starting smallest and working towards the bulkier clothes, hang all items on one hanger. You will be amazed how much space you will save without the extra hangers, and it helps to keep items neatly together.

4) Buy a travel-sized Downy Wrinkle Releaser. It comes in handy for fabrics that don't quite need an iron, but could use some freshening up. Also, if you are allergic to perfume like me, it serves to freshen you up as well ;)

I'll be packing lots of swag for the signing this year!

Other helpful tips:

1) Pack essentials in your carry-ons. If you can’t fit all items into your carry-ons (and you should, but I am being generous and understanding here), Make sure that at least 2 changes of clothes gets packed in your carry on - as well as pills, jewelry, and electronics.

2) Pack snacks. Bring a bag with breakfast bars and other small snacks for not only the plane but for the entire trip. They usually fit into nooks and crannies and can save you time and money by having on hand.

3) Utilize space inside shoes. Pack smaller items, like socks and underwear, into quart-sized Ziploc bags and stuff inside shoes.

Okay, so that's all I got :) What are some of your tips for packing for Nationals? Are you planning on attending this year?

*UPDATE* - Curious to see all the outfits I could make with the items I packed? Check out the follow up post here!