Packing Cubes, Splitwise, Socks

Welcome friends and readers:

Even thought the temps in Chicago still feel like summer, fall is here. While I am trying to enjoy as much outdoor time as possible, I know that within days, I will be inside “flipping my closet,” swapping out my tanks for sweaters and sandals for boots. Taking stock of what is in your closet when the weather shifts is always a good idea even if you are lucky enough to have all your clothing accessible year-round. Here are a few things I have been thinking about lately...

Packing Cubes

This September I was lucky enough to travel abroad friends. It was a trip of a lifetime and we spent our time hiking, biking, eating and laughing. Because we wanted to see as many towns as possible, we moved around a lot and there was a lot of unpacking and repacking. After friends raved about their packing cubes, I decided to give them a try. They were amazing! Not only did they make finding my clothing easier, but they also simplified all the comings and goings. I put all my active clothing in one cube, undergarments in another, and dirty clothing in a third. I don’t think I will travel without them again. There are so many different brands and styles to pick from. Some compress, some expand, some are waterproof and others are mesh. I chose a very basic style with some mesh so I could see what was inside.

Splitwise

Another travel hack that kept us organized and sane was Splitwise. We all know the pain of splitting bills. Splitwise is an app that keeps track of shared expenses and balances. It is super easy to make a group, add what and where you spent and let the app do all the work. You can even add an expense and designate who should pay and what percentage if it is not equal. At the end of the trip, it lets you know who you owe and how much. It is a great tool when traveling with friends and frees you from the constant stress of whose turn it is to pay.

Socks

The never ending sock pile…do you have one? Once it has grown, it is a daunting task to find and match pairs. As with most “problems”, they are easier to prevent than to correct, so here are a few suggestions: If you have the space, designate a laundry basket for each member of the household and sort directly into the basket. Loose socks can sit in the basket until it’s match shows up. If you do not have the space to sort directly, consider buying one type of sock (I love these and these for hiking) as a way to cut down on the matching process. It is also helpful to buy each member of the family their own style or color. In this way, everyone knows whose sock is whose. As to how to store, my only “rule” is to match your socks before you put them in your drawer. Whether you role or fold them is personal preference.