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How many suitcases do you usually take on a trip?

In the past, I’ve traveled with a giant suitcase for just a two day weekend trip. As I’ve gotten older, I pack less and less. But the trip to BlogHer17 coming up is a serious challenge for me in my packing skillz. (Yea, I’m trying to be hip using the “z” in “skillz”!)

I got a ridiculously CHEAP round trip flight from Louisiana to Orlando for $161 round trip. NONSTOP ROUND TRIP – WAHOOO!

That’s great and all, but this airline charges if you bring anything besides a “personal item”. I’m talking getting charged for a carry-on bag $18 each way if you pay before getting to the airport(more if you wait until the airport). Miss Cheapy, over here at Simple Steps For Living Life(that’s me), is always looking for ways to save money. Packing lite for this conference weekend is one way to do just that.

First, you’ll need a good bag. For the trip, I’m taking my husband’s laptop backpack case – kind of like the one below. The backpack I have was designed for gamers so there are lots of different compartments for different things.

Now, let’s think of ways to pack smart and pack lite. The number one reason to go to this conference is to network with sponsors and to meet other bloggers like my awesome friend I’ve only had the chance to talk with on the phone (shout out to SincerelyJacqueline.com). Can’t wait!!! So it’s not so much about having a bazillion different outfits for a bazillion different siteseeing things. I just need basics.

I mean really really basics…

I’ll be at the conference for 3 nights. Day 1 will be traveling and signing in at the conference, Days 2 and 3 will be attending conference events, and Day 4 will be getting up early and traveling home.

That means I need to pack the following:

My laptop – aka my binkie/security blankie/electronic bff

Laptop charger, phone charger, portable recharger, backup drive, pens, small notebook and binder with my editorial calendar.

3 outfits – I’ll be wearing jeans, a promotional tshirt for my blog, and my bulky shoes on the way there and for the opening of the conference on day 1. For day 2 and 3 I’ll be wearing 2 lightweight dresses, undies, and my bulky shoes. For the day home, I’ll be wearing the same jeans and maybe the same shirt I wore on day 1 (will be washing that shirt in the sink at the hotel).

1 bathing suit – I’ve got to check out the pool where we are staying. Looks amazing online!

4 undies – I know that really I should only need 3 for the 3 days but I am weird about wanting to have a backup.

1 pair of flipflops

PJ bottom and t-shirt (yep, wearing the same for 3 nights)

Toiletries – deoderant, Skinny & Co coconut oil, mascara, eyeliner, concealer, blush and brush, 1 shade lipstick, a razor, my fav burt’s bees lip balm, a toothbrush & paste, a hairbrush, fingernail clipper, pack of tissues, tweezers, a couple just in case band aids, and my flat iron(There’s only so much cutting back a gal can do!). I’m assuming the hotel we are staying at will have a hairdryer but if not I’ll just washing my hair at night.

Protein bars or a sleeve of crackers for snacks at the airport

Space for my wristlet purse

and a copy of my new book Simple Steps For Living Life: Out On Your Own

Can all of this fit in a backpack and be within the 7in x 15in x 16in requirement?

You might be surprised. First, I rolled the cables for all the charging stuff and put the electronics in the backpack. Let’s get our priorities straight; I am an internet junkie.

Next, I rolled my clothes.

No, no, no, I didn’t smack them around and demand money. Heh heh. I meant rolled the clothes military style. A lot more clothes can be packed in a space when they are rolled like this. I even did this with my undies. Then I sat out all the other stuff in the above list.

Doesn’t seem like that much does it? There’s the PJ pants and black top, the bathing suite, and the two dresses. (I didn’t want to include a pic of the undies because, well, that’s none of the internet’s beesness.) It’s interesting that it almost looks like there’s more toiletries/shoe mass than the clothing.

Next, just put it all in the backpack and VIOLA! I’m leeeaving on a jet plane! Don’t know when I’ll be back again… (ok I do know when I’ll be back but sing along with me anyway!).

Now no more giant suitcase for trips for me.

With packing lite, I’ll be saving time by not having to dig through a big bag for clothes or time picking out an outfit since I will have little choice. I’ll be saving money by not having to pay the carry-on fee; plus, there is limited space for souvenirs so money will be saved there. And I’ll be saving sanity because I just have one backpack to keep up with in the airport and rental car instead of a giant suitcase.