PACKING FOR TWO MONTHS IN A RENTAL CONDO

What was it like to pack for a two month car trip down to the Phoenix desert? Well, considering one needed to take one’s office – computers X2, printer, iPads and tablets, cameras, phones, besides all the anticipated clothing and shoes for the different climates- it was a most daunting task!

Reflecting back to what was packed and what should have been left at home is an interesting exercise. Yes, we used and needed every technology gadget packed. No, neither of us required multiple pairs of shoes, hikers, and boots (especially since, we still bought Sketchers, Sperry Shoes, and Nordstrom Rack deals). Clothing items could have been cut down to one single soft-sided suitcase- with bathing suits, caps, hiking and exercise clothes, two pairs of jeans, one fancier outfit, shorts and tees, a raincoat (for the trip down and back- once one hits Oregon), and a couple of warm sweaters. Yep, I’m going to develop the knack of packing less. (Why, oh why do I always say this when I return from a trip?)

It’s obvious to anyone that does this that you ALWAYS spend time shopping in the USA- the deals (even with the diminished dollar) are just too tempting. Did we end up returning with a carload? UNBELIEVABLE! (And that’s without even purchasing a single special bottle of wine from the Nappa Valley on our way home!) UNFORGIVABLE!

THAT’S JUST THE TRUNK!

(Tell me WHY I brought 1 sunhat, 1 Panama hat, and bought 2 caps and my husband brought 1 cowboy hat, 1 Panama hat, 3 ball caps AND he bought 1 old guy’s WINTER cap and 2 baseball caps (LA Angels and Arizona Diamondbacks)? (And those are the only ones I know about…!)

What have you learned about packing for extended vacations in the desert. How can one improve and make better choices regarding what to take? My readers and I want to hear from you, so join the conversation in the COMMENTS SECTION below.