BY Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi
We all love traveling and dotting from one destination to the other while we capture beautiful memories for stories we’ll tell later. Sadly, no one ever gives us advice when it is time for you to unpack after you’ve returned from your beautiful destinations.
Suitcases sometimes go for weeks, unattended and ignored simply because firstly, we honestly don’t have the energy to unpack all the curated outfits and goodies in our baggies.
Secondly, unpacking feels like we’re immediately abandoning that great feeling we experienced whilst traveling and are ‘forced’ to get back to the real world.
I know. It’s so frustrating. But I’m here to make things easier for us. At the end of the day, you have to unpack as this means that you’re starting afresh (with all the memories and the experiences) but ultimately, you’re seeing this as a fresh start to prepare for your next trip.
Unpacking after a long trip can often feel overwhelming, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much more manageable. As an avid traveller, who lives out of a suitcase, I have compiled a few tips to help you navigate through the unpacking process seamlessly:
- Take it one step at a time: Instead of trying to unpack all of your belongings at once, focus on unpacking one suitcase or bag at a time. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and make the task feel more manageable. For me, it’s always good to let my suitcase breathe for a day while it’s wide open waiting for me to attend to it. I know I sound dramatic, but all of this helps me master the strength to finally start unpacking.
- Start with the essentials: When unpacking, start with the essentials such as toiletries, medications, and any items you will need immediately. This will help you settle in quickly and avoid any unnecessary stress. I usually start with my toiletries, because I need them to survive hahahaha, so maybe start there.
- Sort and organise: As you unpack, take the time to sort and organise your belongings. Separate your clothes into categories such as tops, bottoms, and undergarments, and consider using packing cubes or bags to keep everything tidy. For me, it’s always easier to just sort clothes into colours because they are immediately going into the washing machine. It only makes sense that you do your laundry immediately after your trip.
- Check for any damages: Before putting away your belongings, take the time to check for any damages that may have occurred during transit. This way, you can address any issues promptly and prevent any further damage. We overlook this aspect but I cannot stress how important it is. Some people travel with very expensive items, so it’s quite important to just do a double check to see if nothing is damaged, especially if you have travel insurance for your belongings because that’s exactly when it steps in.
- It’s not a means to an end, you’re just preparing for the next trip: Unpacking can easily feel like you’re abandoning all the beautiful memories you made. No. It shouldn’t be that way. Taking it as a means to you preparing for your next destination. It’s the circle of life, you cannot go to the next destination with a full suitcase from your previous one. So unpack so that we can join the open roads or fly the incredible skies one more time!
By following these few points, unpacking from a long trip can be a much more manageable and stress-free experience. Remember to take it one step at a time, start with the essentials, and prioritise organisation to make the process as smooth as possible. Happy unpacking!
