Don't Leave Home Without - What?

Unpacking my suitcase for, what, the sixth time so far this year? I see that for a basically unsystematic person I have a definite packing system. Here are my top tips for getting in and out of town with minimal hassle and regret.

1. Avoid packing and unpacking toiletries by maintaining a separate set of just about everything. Pick up some of those 3-oz. plastic containers and fill them with shampoo, lotion, etc. Store them in an airplane-ready quart-sized bag. This way you can pack fast and are less likely to forget important items. You can also fly without checking your luggage, at least on short trips given current regulations. Keep another ziplock bag with all your 'dry' toiletry items like cotton balls, kleenex, and Q-tips. The plastic bags are not as elegant as some things available, but there is an advantage in being able to see what you have! When you come home, you can brush your teeth and wash your face without having to dig in your suitcase, because your regular stuff is still waiting for you at home. When you do get around to unpacking, stash these travel-ready bags in the closet until you need to refill and use them again.

2. Want to fit the most clothes in the smallest space? Lay out the largest thing on the botton, and layer everything else on top of it in a single pile. Roll the pile tight and put it in your bag or suitcase. You'll be amazed how much you can bring and how much space you save. This only really works, though, if you are going someplace where you can unpack at your destination. If you are moving around every day or two and need to live out of a suitcase it is awkward, as you cannot extract specific items from the roll without unpacking the whole thing.

3. Pack any medications you may need in small transparent containers that don't take up much space; again, there's an advantage in being able to what you have so you know when you are about to run out. You can also pack dissimilar meds, like antacids and aspirin, in the same container to make sure you have what you may need without having to overpack. The chances of getting them mixed up are slim.

4. Always bring an eye cover, ear plugs, a pair of socks, and a sweatshirt or something else to keep you comfortable if the place you are sleeping turns out to be too light, noisy, or cold.

5. Make sure you have a good book - preferably a paperback with lots of words on the page so you won't finish it by the time your shuttle gets to the airport. When I say a 'good book,' I don't mean one that's particularly improving, something heady or serious or related to your field which you want to be seen reading or have been meaning to pick up - no, I mean one that's actually fun and easy to read, a good escape that can be enjoyed without a great deal of thought.

What do you think? What are your favorite tricks?