Packing

Traveling is something I love to do. Packing is not.

 

Fitting everything I need into one suitcase for the next four months is definitely intimidating. What if’s run through my head at a mile a minute, and I worry that I might not pack right. I have a 50 pound limit to work with, so everything that goes into my suitcase has to be carefully thought through.

This week, I am sharing with you my packing strategy, my number one packing rule, and the reminder that I need every day, and especially as I pack for France.

STRATEGY: The Capsule Closet. A capsule closet is basically a smaller group of clothing where every piece can be worn with any other piece in the closet. I wanted to make sure that I could bring less clothes, but have a lot of options. A capsule closet usually revolves around a color family: mine is dark neutrals (olive green, navy blue, brown, white, black) and jewel tones (teals, cabernet reds) with a few statement pieces (robin blue, lavender). Choosing a family of colors that I liked and that went together made packing a lot easier- it was the guideline by which I chose every clothing item that went in. I asked myself: what other things does this item go together with? Does it fit in well with what I am already bringing? Does it add a new shape or style to what I am bringing? Using the capsule closet as a framework made packing go smoothly. In choosing a color family to inspire your capsule closet, I suggest looking at what you already have! I know there are tons of capsule closets on Pinterest- but none of those perfectly reflect what is hanging in your closet. Take a look at what you already love to wear, and see what colors, shapes, and styles you already have. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to make a capsule closet! If you are interested in seeing my capsule closet, check out my Pinterest board.

RULE: Love every item you take. France is known for having fashionable citizens, and it would be easy to leave certain items out or bring things I don’t like as much just because I want to fit in better. I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, but I do want to wear what I love. Look good feel good works- an outfit I feel cute in can really boost my confidence! I chose items that went together well, and I only packed the ones that I love to wear- those pieces I always reach for. This rule built my capsule closet- I chose the colors, silhouettes, and pieces I love. It also became the exception to my capsule closet. For example, I love my leopard print smoking flats. I think they are so cute, and add the perfect statement to any outfit without being too loud. These flats don’t go with everything, but they are definitely something I want to have! In making exceptions, I made sure that the piece went with almost everything, and I carefully chose which exceptions I wanted to make, and which were impractical. Choosing the things I love made packing easier, and it eased my stress levels because I know I will wear every item that I put in my suitcase.

REMINDER: My packing does not need to be perfect. Jesus tells us that we are not to be anxious about anything- and that includes the clothes we wear! He asks us, “why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Luke 6:28-30). This has been such a sweet, sweet truth to my soul this week. I can plan and pack to the best of my ability, but not a thing in my suitcase will faithfully care for my heart- only the Lord can do that. Keeping His faithfulness at the forefront of my mind during the packing process has done far more good for me than any tip or trick. He is good to me, and in that I am finding my peace.

Only one week until I take off for France! I am so thankful for each and every one of you, and I am so glad that you are all partnering with me on this journey.