Packing Lightly
for Travel, School Teacher Class Materials
08.26.05
Dear Kathi,
I am a Special Ed schoolteacher. I hate to spend time going
through stored materials for school lessons and plans. I find
that it is usually easier to just start from scratch. I don’t
have a good filing system and I end up with tons of worksheets,
lessons and other collateral's. I have so much that I don’t
even know what I have. How can I save time in my planning?
Mary, Encinitas
Mary,
Organize your study materials by lesson categories. Consider
using a four-drawer file cabinet for your lessons and collateral's.
If this is not possible, due to space restrictions, follow this
idea using a shelving unit. The important concept is that your
lessons and related materials are grouped together into sections.
Each file drawer or shelf should have it’s own broad heading:
Arts, Sciences, Language or whatever is applicable for your
materials. Next, create major file categories within each space.
Label hanging files with a tab on the far right. Split that
major category into sub sections for instance, spelling, grammar,
reading etc. Stagger the sub section file tabs from left to
right as you create new folders. You won’t have hanging
files for your shelves but instead you can create separate categories
with boxes or magazine bins.
With a full file drawer or shelf for each major topic, you should
have the space to store three ring binders, packets of homework
sheets, books and other bulky items between the related topics
of your hanging file folders.
If you still feel more comfortable starting anew each year without
referring to last years’ notes, please discard your old
materials at the end of each year. The only acceptable reason
to keep old paperwork is that it will be referenced again. Keeping
it for posterity and for some future time when you think you
might want to stroll down memory lane is NOT a good enough reason.
If you think you might look at these papers again, you are fooling
yourself. Consider the fact that you aren’t even accessing
them now to create new lessons. I have been through enough schoolteacher’s
archives to know this is the truth.
If you do decide to create an archiving system, take the time
to set it up with broad headings to make it easy to expand.
Every year when you add materials to the folders or boxes, take
a moment to purge through each file and discard the duplicate
and obsolete papers.
Dear
Kathi,
In September I am traveling to Europe for almost 3 weeks &
we are only allowed 1 large suitcase on the tour. If you
have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it, as I always
over pack, but now I am not able to. I will already be
using your advice about choosing only one color.
Thank you for your help,
Shane
Shane,
The key to packing lightly is to choose one main color palette,
black, brown or navy and you are already halfway there! Include
classic wardrobe elements and you will be able to mix and match
most of the items that you pack.
Choose a dark hue for your basic slacks, jeans, jacket, and
skirt. They will look fresher longer during your tour with less
frequent washing. Use shirts and accessories to splash color
into your wardrobe.
Leave your expensive jewelry home; you don’t need the
ongoing liability and concern as you travel. Consider leaving
all of your earrings at home and wearing only your favorite
pair of stud earrings the entire trip. Pack a few bangles, necklaces
and scarves to add variety to your clothing combinations.
Pack 2 pairs of basic slacks, 1 pair of jeans, 1 lightweight
jacket, 2 lightweight sweaters that can be layered together,
1 skirt, 1-2 Pashima wraps, three casual shirts (2 short sleeve,
one long sleeve or vice versa if you tend to run cold), 11 pairs
of underwear, 1 bra, 1 sleeveless shell, a dressy blouse and
a sheath dress that doesn’t hold wrinkles. Also include
a swimsuit and wrap if you will have pool/spa facilities. Plan
on doing a load of laundry half way through your tour.
Pack a pair of sandals and pumps with kitten heels. The secret
to sexy kitten-heel pumps is that you can wear them comfortably
all day and they dress up elegantly for formal dinners with
your sheath dress and wrap.
Wear jeans, walking shoes and your heavy sweater during the
flight. Carry your coat on board to save space within your suitcase.
Make sure to pack enough clothes and toiletries for an entire
day and night in your carry-on. Avoid feeling miserable if your
luggage takes longer to arrive than you do. An extra blouse,
underwear, pajamas, makeup and toiletries are essential elements
for your carry-on bag. This habit also helps you pack a few
more clothes without breaking the ‘one suitcase rule’.
Pack a lightweight collapsible shopping bag to use on side expeditions
throughout your trip.
Have fun Shane! Let me know if these ideas work well for you.
Please write back if you have any follow-up advice or comments
for our readers when you return.
