How to unpack suitcase clutter
Summer will be here before you know it. If you want to get ahead of the game, today’s an excellent day to climb up to the attic, or carefully go down to the basement, and do a little decluttering.
You probably have quite a few large suitcases, as well as a collection of valises and sports bags you used for carryon luggage. The next step depends on whether your luggage is empty or not. Open each one up one and find out.
As always, keep this manageable. Don’t unzip everything all at once, because you might have emptied everything last time you traveled, but it’s possible you didn’t.
If your suitcases are empty
High five! You’re ahead of the game. Today’s challenge is to assess what you have.
What’s useful and what isn’t?
Do you have more luggage than you need?
Count how many usable suitcases and travel bags you have. Does your suitcase collection feel reasonable, or could you lighten the load?
Toss any cases with zippers that don’t work — no one else wants them, either.
Discard any suitcases that stink, no matter how faintly. You’ll never fit them in your washing machine, and you’ll be glad to get the musty smell out of your home.
Store the keepers back in your basement or attic until it’s time to pack. If it makes things easier, store the smaller cases inside the bigger ones. If that means you’ll forget what you have, ignore that idea.
Oops, you must have forgotten to unpack
Choose the emptiest suitcase and search for something in there you can declutter or toss. Gradually put things where they belong, 20 minutes at a time. This is also how to handle suitcases you’ve been using as storage. When you’re ready for vacation, moving everything that doesn’t really have a home out of your suitcases is a drag. Get started now so when summer arrives, you can grab your luggage and head for your favorite getaway without being overwhelmed by dealing with your luggage.
Cheering you on, Lucy P.S: How many pieces of luggage did you keep, and how many did you let go?