Donating used clothing while traveling

I get a kick out of people telling me I should write a book when I regale some of my travel adventures. And yes, I am writing a book although I need to run away and hide out working on it. Who knows, with my crazy life the runaway might result in a chapter as well! The title I have in mind is " Places I've Dropped My Drawers" everyone that has followed my articles or heard me do a packing presentation knows that my favorite packing tip is to travel with old clothes that I "drop" or throw away as I travel. This simply gives me more room for treasures to bring home and not having to haul a bunch of dirty laundry home. Now the down side of this plan is sometimes my attire is not runway ready. OK, I never have that attire but rather than pitch that stained or worn shirt at home, I wear it once more and leave it behind. I keep a plastic tub under my bed with such garments.

I'm getting a little cabin fever as Big Red, my suitcase, has been parked for too long. I've got a trip coming up where I plan to put my favorite travel tip into play. A warmer climate but the need to dress modestly makes me look into my tub and realize I don't have those clothes in my drawers to drop box or in my closet. So plan B is to hit the resale shops and find some things that will work but aren't a big investment. I found some long, flowy skirts. Not my style, I look more like the Christmas tree skirt than fashionista but for a few dollars I'm cool, comfortable and covered.

I will leave the skirts behind in a hotel trashcan along with some t-shirts, old tennis shoes and undies that are not returning. I will write a note for housekeeping so they understand I'm disposing of them and they are welcome to them. Many times these items are repurposed for someone in need. That feels good. The only down side of my packing plan is not traveling with my favorite outfits that I like to wear at home. But I also won't risk losing my favorites if my luggage doesn't return. The other down side is I've threatened the husband if he takes pictures of me in these get ups. YOU might recognize them as their former owner! I hope neither of us are embarrassed, we both paid good money for the stuff. I'm guessing you paid more than me.

In my defense, I take some good stuff too, I don't just travel the world looking like a ragamuffin, but I'm also not out there trying to impress strangers.

This is a good time of year to get your upcoming trip wardrobe by shopping clearance sales, resale shop seasonal change outs, etc. Store them away in your tub and when your trip rolls around you'll be pleased at the Bucks you've saved and you'll be Good to Go!