I have been traveling an inordinate amount in the past few months. My newest book, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" (Clarkson Potter), was published in October, and I embarked on a multi-city book tour that lasted for weeks. I also made several business trips, to California, Maine, Ireland, Poland and even Iceland.
Because I travel so much, and to so many diverse locations and in many different kinds of planes and other vehicles, I have devised my own style of packing that works well and is effective. Little is left to chance, nothing gets lost or damaged, and my clothes and other items needed for the trip can usually be worn directly from the suitcase or hanging bag.
For two- or three-day trips, I find I can usually get away with a carry-on duffel/handbag, a smaller messenger bag and a small "wheelie" that fits into a plane's overhead compartment. If I must check luggage because I need many changes of clothing, I use a rigid aluminum suitcase. I also have several good zippered garment bags that can be carried onto a plane.
I carry lots of electronics and cameras with me, and their attendant chargers and batteries are cumbersome and heavy. I pack each charger separately in a labeled resealable plastic bag so everything is visible and at my fingertips.
My makeup and toiletries are packed in separate zippered pouches, which are then inserted into large resealable plastic bags. If I am bringing a laptop, that, too, is packed in my hand-carried duffel, which can be transported easily atop my wheelie or overnight bag.
What's most effective about my method of packing is that it lets me pack outfits together on one hanger. Each outfit is stored and folded in a dry-cleaner-type plastic bag so that once I reach my destination, I can simply hang up my clothes and wear them without having to press them.
Packing by outfit enables me to figure out exactly which undergarments, stockings, shoes, scarves and purses I will need. All my shoes are packed in flannel shoe bags, and I use the same type of bag for belts and evening clutches. If I am traveling with a hat or two, I carry them in a lightweight shopping bag so they won't be crushed.
I have also devised a list of essential "do not forget" items. I refer to this list so that I don't neglect to pack vitamins, a favorite tea, extra resealable plastic bags, jewelry, sunglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions, a hairbrush, checks, cash and my passport.
This packing system works well and is easy to incorporate into your next trip. I hope that you will find it as useful as I do.
Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10036. Questions may also be sent by electronic mail to: mslletters@marthastewart.com.
How to pack an ensemble for traveling
Step 1: Hang the bottom — First, you need a good dual-purpose hanger with metal clips and a secure grip. Attach a pair of jeans or pants or a skirt at the waist.
Step 2: Add the shirt — Slip the top onto the hanger, covering the bottom piece. If possible, keep all the buttons closed so that the shirt and collar will lie flat.
Step 3: Fold and wrap — Place the outfit facedown on a bed or a table. Tuck the pant legs under, creasing at the knees or in thirds. Then fold in the shirt's sleeves, and make a final fold at the bottom to fit the suitcase. Slip a clear plastic garment bag (you can use one from a dry cleaner) over the entire bundle, tucking in any excess plastic.
How to pack a suitcase for a five-day trip
In this suitcase, there is plenty of room for nearly a week's worth of clothing. The key is to keep everything in separate, neat bundles and make use of the built-in compartments.
Sweaters: To maintain the shape of my knitted tops and chunkier sweaters, I line the back of each garment with a few sheets of acid-free tissue paper before folding. These items should never be stored on hangers, either at hotels or at home; doing so can cause the fibers near the shoulders to stretch.
Footwear: Shoes are usually the heaviest cargo in a travel bag. To prevent them from crushing delicate clothing, I tuck them around the perimeter of the suitcase. Each pair is kept in an individual drawstring-topped shoe bag. I stuff the toes of my pumps and other dress shoes with acid-free tissue paper; socks go inside sneakers and slides.
Assembled outfits: To streamline both packing and dressing on trips, I plan my outfits ahead of time, complete with shoes and accessories. I put each outfit on a single hanger (unless the top is a sweater) and wrap it in plastic.
Accessories: In addition to packing my shoes in pouches, I also place belts in one bag, undergarments in another, and tights and leggings in yet another. This ensures the suitcase stays organized, even in the rare event that it is searched at the airport. These can also be placed around the perimeter of the suitcase.
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