Advise for living out of a suitcase? Possible links to websites or advise from people who do it?

[KatyMac]

DD is working all over the country, she is struggling with having everything she needs and with staying away longer than she expected to

I have come up with all sorts of advise that isn't going down well as I'm her mum

Has anyone practical advise or links to websites/podcasts/youtube videoas about how to do it efffectively? So she can read and work out better ways to pack/live

She does know I'm asking - she trusts MN more than me

She can always nip to Primark or wherever and buy extra knickers, tee shirt etc, so I wouldn't be too bothered about running out of those. I'd prioritise medication, then work stuff, and tuck everything else in round the edges. I don't suppose she'll need more than tee shirts and leggings for lounging in? And a set of clothes which she'll wear for travelling, so they won't need to go in the suitcase.

A friend of mine always takes her oldest knickers when she goes away, bins them before going home, and replaces when she gets home.

Good to hear dd is getting so many opportunities. I've namechanged quite a lot, but I have followed her progress for quite a long time.

Yes - I'm not sure I'd fancy her life atm it's very chaotic but.....she is doing well thanks

I am wondering about vaccuum packs for clothes? will they crumple badly? actually no - no way to repack while away

You can get roll vac bags. I use one for my down jacket when I don't want to wear it all the trip

You can get expandable suitacases - my Samsonite cabin baggage size has a massive expansion area so I can do a really full week with it. I do have a bag that slips onto the handle so its super easy to add more if I want - though I usually just move to my bigger case

They are clever - all rolling and stuff

Thanks

If you roll your clothes instead of gfolding they get less creased and there will be more room

I have a double shoe bag for ballroom/Latin which I like, but it takes up quite a bit of room if they're in it — I usually pack them loose and pack the bag squashed flat, then put them in it to take them to the competition/workshop venue.

Yes she rolls!

We hadn't thought of a separate bag for shoes - maybe that works with the packing cubes?

She almost never leaves her bag behind - it has to travel with her as she is in a different place each day

So small is the best for everything

It's really getting her down - 3 bags have died this summer - 2 from old age (4 yrs plus of student life) but the other was only a couple orf year s old

My tip re deodorant is to use a non aerosol pump. You can get the little Nivea ones or decant the pump Bionsen one (hard to find but often at Waitrose) in a Muji spray bottle. I second packing cubes and have bought cheap ones at Ikea and Wilkinsons or more expensive (but bigger) at Muji. As an aside "This Works" sleep spray range is great and bet she would love a beauty advent callender.

I have to say on bags you get what you pay for - my tiny Samsonite lasted 7 years of really, really intensive travel and my large one 12 years. Cheap bags have broken in a very few months so though the Samsonite was expensive to start with they work out vastly cheaper in the long run. And they are v well designed too

She looked at advent calendars last year but worked out price per gram vs ordinary products made them a real rip off

Esp as she is mixed and the colours often didn't work for her

She needs a very heavy duty under arm - will those be strong enough?

& what is a sleep spray range?

We were looking in TKMaxx today at bags and quite under-wealmed by them all

There was a pretty good sports bag one but I reckon she will think it too big

I second the advice about buying a good quality bag. The Eastpak suitcases are great as are samsonite. You def get what you pay for

Check the "This Works" range here www.thisworks.com/sleep/sleep-category.
Its really effective aromatherapy potions one is a pillow spray the other a essential oil for pulse points, body cream and shower products. Its got amazing reviews. Hmmmmmm re the deodorant. Sje may have to try. Possibly not. Your daughter sounds so savvy. Good luck to her

Thanks - the hunt is on for the right suitcase/travelbag

I think a sort of combination smaller one for overnights combined/converted into a medium for 2-4 nights - she has an extrememly large for lobger than 8-10 days