The world is a beautiful place to see, but I don’t want to bring home any critters! Taking every precaution is a priority, as there are horrible stories of bringing home bed bugs or even a pesky spider! I will share a few packing and unpacking secrets. Number one, I use lots of Ziploc bags and I mean all sizes. Practically everything goes in a bag. Certain things are grouped together like: socks, undergarments, makeup, toiletries, nightwear, tops of similar color, bottoms of similar color, bathing suits and my mini steamer… Number two, that mini steamer is essential for me as I can freshen an article of clothing plus get another wear out it if needed. As clothes are worn they are put in extra large Ziplocs, labeled laundry and closed. When I pack up to come home and I have purchased souvenirs to bring home and have to make room for them. Number three, sitting on the Ziploc and getting as much of the air out of the bags as possible makes it more condensed and one can actually fit much more in the luggage. Luv that!

When I get home I leave the luggage at the entry door, take my laundry bags to the wash machine and start the laundry process. Clean clothes are taken out of the bags and put away. I usually pack a bit more than I wear. It is also good to know that most bugs die if they have no oxygen, which is another reason I like to pack this way. Then my steamer comes right out and my luggage is steamed inside and out as well as any other steamable items deemed necessary. Use caution with a steamer as always to prevent hurting yourself, your luggage or your clothes. Using tongs will keep your hands away from the steam. As all materials are different, do your own research on whether your items are steamable. It is important to know certain items may not be colorfast or materials may not be heat tolerant or too fragile. Next my blow dryer is used to gently dry the luggage a bit and then it is air dried. Again don’t use your blow dryer on an item that is not heat tolerant or too fragile. Well so far so good, no bugs brought home from a wonderful trip.

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