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January 2019
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With the escalating cost of jet fuel, airlines have had to make service cuts and are trying desperately to improve the bottom line wherever they can. Unfortunately, to this end, most airlines are now charging for every checked bag. I've had a long-standing policy of not checking bags anyway, so this new rule doesn't affect me, but if you're reluctant to pay the extra baggage fee, here are some tips I find handy for packing light. Use a consistent packing checklist. I have used hand-written lists in the past, as well as the LobotoME Pack-Me List (pictured). Your packing checklist should be a standard template, not a fresh list each time. This helps you standardize your packing, which means less thinking and fewer on-the-spot decisions. Plan your wardrobe around a limited color scheme and choose your neutral first. I typically choose either black or brown, and then plan the rest of my clothing around two other colors such as blue and tan. This way I can mix, match, layer and create a bunch of different outfits without needing a ton of items. Use your shoes as containers. I can get three pairs of socks and my sports bra into my sneakers! Men's dress shoes are roomy too, as are some ladies shoes. Plus when your shoes are stuffed it keeps them from getting crushed. Bonus! Call your hotel ahead of time to see what they offer in the way of conveniences to save space in your luggage. I never need to haul a hair dryer, steamer, or iron because most hotels will provide them at no charge if you ask. Leave home any inessential toiletries. Airlines restrict the liquids and gels you can carry on, pack only the toiletries that are unique to your situation and leave shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash behind. Most hotels are providing those items as standard now (and usually good brands at that!). You can also pick up travel sizes at a local shop at your destination. Get yourself a couple of Pack-It Folders! These folders keep your clothing in a nice tight bundle, reducing movement thereby reducing wrinkling. If you carry a purse, don't make it your second carry-on bag. Change out your purse to a small one just for the trip, and bring only the bare essentials in it. Then stuff the whole thing inside a larger carry-on bag or your laptop bag. Poof. No checked baggage. If you just have to have that second pair of shoes, suit jacket, or your workout clothes and they just won't fit into your carry-on luggage, ship them to yourself in advance. Bring shoes that will serve more than one purpose rather than a specific pair for each outfit. Ladies' shoes with a low to medium heel can usually serve multiple functions and are a great compromise because they can dress up or down depending on the outfit. This saves you a ton of space in your luggage. The same goes for a comfortable pair of men's leather lace ups. Keep your travel size toiletries full and packed at all times. Refill any travel size containers as soon as you get home from a trip. This way, you're already good to go for your next trip, and you won't risk forgetting something important. These are some of my favorite tips for traveling light. Be sure to check out Unclutterer's post on the One bag travel website for folding help. How do you travel super light and avoid checking luggage? Do you have any great tips or secrets to share?
This post has been updated since its original publication in 2008. Post written by Monica Ricci
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![]() Some things are just too obvious and that's the case with the “do not feed rodents” campaign in New York. Mayor de Blasio is at the helm of the campaign to educate New Yorkers about rats in an attempt to get the population under control. How's it Working for You? That's the question being bantered around as residents of the most affected areas – Brooklyn, Manhattan, and The Bronx – want to know why the city is spending so much time and effort on talking when what residents want is more action. Currently, PEP officers are spending their time in the city parks speaking to people about the rat population, the importance of not feeding them, and the effect litter is playing as a food source. The job of a PEP officer is to patrol the 30,000 acres that comprise the park area, not educate patrons of obvious information. While the city did purchase over 300 rat-proof garbage cans, no information has been released noting if the cans made any difference. A simple suggestion by a resident was instead of wasting a PEP officer's time, why not increase garbage pick-up times? Seems like a simple enough solution. For help with a rats, contact Stern and we'll send a NJ pest control specialist to conduct an inspection. Our NJ pest control staff is experienced and trained in the matter of rat control and elimination. Don't hesitate; call today. The post NYC Reminds Residents “Do Not Feed Rats” They Are a Health Hazard appeared first on Sterns Chatter. |