Suitcase Closet Clearing - How To Organize Your Closet

 No matter how often I clean out my closet, I always seem to accumulate more clothes than I ever need.  Some old, some new and most that I know I will never wear again.

I have tried so many different techniques – trash or treasure, what I haven’t worn in 6 months and even turning the hangers in the opposite direction, all with no luck. 

There have been several times when I have moved out of state and even out of the country for up to a year at a time.  During these trips I stay in hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes etc., all with very little to no storage.  What I discovered is that, even for my longest trips, I didn’t need much more than what my largest suitcase would hold.

When I pack to go away, I usually take the same basic items and only what is absolutely necessary.  I do like to be comfortable and flexible for the conditions so I always take that into account. 

If I think about clearing out my closet in the same way as I think about packing for a trip, it should help with some of those iffy items that I always end up keeping instead of getting rid of.

Part of this will require severing the emotional attachment I have to so many items.  I love the pattern or how I looked or what I was doing when I last wore it, are my typical excuses for keeping something that no longer suits me.  

I used to try to pack away seasonal items as the weather changed, but I live in Colorado and we can have 90-degree temperatures one day and snow the next, so it’s not practical.  I need a year-round wardrobe that I can keep ready anytime for home or away.

Aside from actual clothing items, I have amassed a tremendous collection of shoes and undergarments that rarely if ever get used.  Packing is a great way to minimize those things as well.  I wouldn’t think of taking 15 camisoles when I need one or two.

I always begin my packing process by planning my itinerary – where will I be going, what are the weather conditions and what activities will I be doing.  For me, that usually involves a variety of situations – wet, dry, hot, cold, work, dinners, dances, dates, casual loungewear and outdoor activities. 

Next, I pull out the main items that I think I will want to wear for each of the scenarios.  Then I begin grouping by color and separate the tops from the bottoms, making sure all items in a color group match each other.  I usually stick to solid colors for bottoms (black, blue, brown) and add 3 - 4 print tops that go with each color bottom.

Then I add the shoes, sweaters, scarves, jackets and accessories for each group of outfits.  Looking at this all laid out really helps me to see what I have and how they go together. 

The last step is to pack it in my suitcase.  Depending on how far you want to take this, you might decide to use several suitcases or containers for what you are keeping.  I'm now using packing cubes as additional easy storage for those items I don't use very often but want to keep.

So, there it is, my new suitcase closet organizing system.  I’m getting started on it right away and see just how low I can go and free up my time and space from all of this physical and emotional clutter. 

Is decluttering and organizing a pleasure or a pain for you?  What methods have you used that work well for you?  I would love to hear your comments and whatever tips and tricks you may have to share with others.

Published on Sixty and Me

Travel Safety Tips for Women

Traveling the world on my own gives me such a sense of joy and freedom. It is a fantastic way to meet wonderful people, while having new experiences. At the same time, I have learned that it is very important to know how to be safe so I can continue on my wonderful adventures. 
One thing that I found, while staying at international hotels, is that, very often, cell service is unreliable. 

Here are a few travel safety tips that I have learned along the way.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings 

No matter where you are (airport, train station, restaurant, hotel etc.) it is always important to notice what is going on around you. If you are in a busy public place, you should know where the exits are and who is nearby that can assist you in the event of an emergency.

If you are traveling in a foreign country, make sure to learn some key phrases in the local language and what the emergency call number is.

Occasionally, the room phone will be blocked for outside calls, unless you have specifically made arrangements when you arrive. Once, I needed to use the phone in the middle of the night and I have never forgotten this experience.

You feel very vulnerable when you need assistance and can’t call anyone.

Protect Your Personal Information

People are very kind and helpful when they realize you are a woman traveling on your own. At the same time, you must be careful about giving out too much personal information.

I do not give my full – or even real name – to anyone, except the airline, hotel or car rental company. I like to be prepared with an alternative name and email address. This way, I’m not caught off guard when someone asks to stay in touch.

I keep my luggage tag reversed and only put my last name and email address on it. This way, it cannot be seen by anyone standing in the queue next to me. I also keep my personal documents in a closed location, out of public view.

At the hotel, after I have checked in, I memorize my room number and discard the sleeve. I like knowing that, if I lose my key, no one will know what room I am in.

Most hotels are good about not announcing your room number, while you are checking in. Unfortunately, they sometimes declare it openly when you go down for breakfast or to the pool. Politely remind them that you prefer to keep your room number private.

Personal Safety

While in your room, always use the do not disturb sign and keep all internal locks secured. I have been walked in on by housekeeping and even other guests, who were accidently given a key to my room.

I also carry a small, lightweight lock, for those doors that don’t have a good internal lock or, in some cases, none at all.

I prefer to stay at a hotel with a restaurant. This way, I can have my meals without having to leave the premises. Sometimes, especially if I’ve gotten in late and there’s bad weather, or it’s a dodgy neighborhood, I can just have my dinner and wait to go out the next day.

Do not go anywhere with strangers. The hotel should be able to arrange safe transportation for you when you go out and provide information on what is available for your return.

There might not be shuttle or taxi available when you come back, so, it’s best to plan your return transportation before you leave. I always take a card from the hotel so I have the address handy.

Do not post your plans or location on social media until after you have returned from your trip. Trust your instincts and use common sense anytime you are out and about. 

Guard Your Personal Belongings

I like to travel light. I only take carry-on baggage, one rolling backpack and one zippered tote. I can easily manage these bags without assistance and always know where everything is. The only purse or handbag I use is something small with a shoulder strap that goes under my jacket or sweater.

Always use the room safe or ask the front desk to store valuables while you are out. I keep a photocopy of my passport in a separate location and email a copy to myself so I can access it anytime.

Be Flexible

Travel is a wonderful, albeit unpredictable, adventure. You need to be able to adapt and adjust to whatever happens. Some of my best experiences have come from circumstances that initially seemed like a problem.

Wishing you all safe and happy travels!

Do you feel safe when you travel alone? What other travel safety tips can you offer to other women in our community?

Published on - Sixty and Me

What I Have Learned from Traveling

It is so amazing to me that no matter where I go, near or far, I learn something new every time I step outside of my door.  I used to think that I had to go far away to have a great experience and now I realize that it can happen in my own neighborhood as easily as on the other side of the world.

What is important for me is to stay open to my surroundings.  When I'm out and about, I make a point of not burying myself in a book or my phone.  I like to look around and notice the little things that are going on and always love to chat with people I meet along the way.

In many ways I feel like a child, full of wonder and awe and I am so grateful for each and every lesson on this incredible journey.

The Stanley Hotel - A Ghost Story

It was a lovely spring day, and my friend was coming to Colorado for a visit.  We decided to go to Estes Park for the weekend. 

We talked as we drove up the mountain, and he asked if this was where “The Shining” was filmed.  I told him I wasn't sure, but I thought it might be. 

It was a glorious day - blue sky, beautiful scenery, and the perfect way to begin our trip.

As we approached the overlook of Estes Park, with the Rocky Mountains rising in the background, it was truly a spectacular sight.

We drove toward town and noticed a striking white building up on the hill.  Neither of us knew what it was, so we decided to investigate.  

Driving closer, we marveled at the perfectly manicured grounds and then saw the sign that read - The Stanley Hotel.

We agreed that we had to see it but were sure that it would be too expensive to stay there.

As we entered the property, the massive white gates opened to a large outdoor patio.  

Inside, the lobby was beautifully decorated with big leather chairs surrounding several huge stone fireplaces.  Antique tables with fresh flowers brightened every corner, it was warm and inviting.  

We inquired about the rates and were surprised that they were offering a special price for the night, so we decided to stay.  

After checking in, the desk clerk informed us that the hotel was haunted and that they had ghost tours in the basement after dark.

We thought it was amusing and a good tourist attraction but declined.

Climbing the stairs, we noticed the air changing, it became heavy and dense.  The brightness of the lobby faded as we walked toward our room.

When we opened the door, we were immediately struck by the closeness of the space.  Not only was it very small, but there didn't seem to be any air circulating at all. 

We knew that this would not be comfortable and asked to change rooms.  They moved us to a large, beautifully appointed suite with a great view of the mountains. 

We enjoyed a luxurious meal downstairs at the restaurant and continued to marvel at the wonderful surroundings.  We planned on going into town later and do some sightseeing, but we never left the hotel. 

Throughout the evening, several people approached me, saying I looked like someone they knew.  

When I went downstairs to the restroom, I felt a chill in the air.  The entire time I was there, I felt as though I was being watched.  It made me very uneasy, and I hurried back to our table.  

My friend laughed when I told him and reminded me about the ghost tours.  I thought it was funny, and quickly put it out of my mind.  

It was getting late, so we decided to go back up to the room.  As we sat and talked, I felt a sudden draft of cold air and looked to see where it was coming from.  

I was shocked when I saw an apparition of a man step through the doorway of the bathroom and disappear.  

Before I could react, my friend asked if there was someone behind him.  

Standing over his shoulder, I could see the faint outline of a young girl.  We both were stunned, not sure what was happening. 

Slowly, we began to speak.  This felt like a child’s spirit nothing malevolent, but terrifying just the same.

Suddenly, the energy changed dramatically.  The room filled with cold air, and a bright light flashed across the wall and splashed onto the bureau mirror.  

It felt as though dozens of very angry people were trying to get into the room. 

We were both in shock at what we were seeing and feeling.  It was 2:00 a.m. and checking out in the middle of the night seemed strange, but we could not stay any longer.

It was a relief to see the friendly night clerk at the desk. 

When we told her what happened, she said that it was a regular occurrence because the hotel really was haunted.  She had seen some extraordinary things herself. 

We talked to her for some time, hoping to calm down before driving home. 

She said she was not surprised that I had a bad experience.  She told me that I looked very much like a woman from the hotel who passed away many years ago.  

We drove back down the mountain in silence.  

Years later, I still think about what we encountered in that strange and dark place.  

I have never returned to the Stanley or to Estes Park.

My Magic Wand

 Years ago, when I was working and encountered any sort of problem or difficulty, I would tell my team that I would just bring in my magic wand and that everything would be fine.  I actually had one that I purchased from a local Renaissance Festival - it was beautiful, twisted metal wand with a gorgeous crystal attached, but that is not what held the magic.  It was the attitude that I had about the situation.

Somehow, I always knew that something good would happen and it would always work out for the best.  Call it serendipity, happenstance or just plain luck, whatever it was I understood that the more positive expectation I had, the faster it would come.  This was a belief I held in all areas of my life.  It seemed as though, as soon as I joked about it and let go of any attachment then - poof, it would appear!

Easy Does It

I was traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Myers, Florida and had scheduled a shuttle from the airport to take me on the short 2-hour trip.  It seemed like a great option, I love land journeys, they are very relaxing, and you get to see areas that you miss by flying.

As always, I arrived extra early because I don't like to rush if I don't have to.  That is another bonus of being retired, I can take my time and set my own schedule.  So, while patiently waiting at the airport, I felt very fortunate to not be getting on a plane, I had fun just wandering around and visiting with some of the nice people there.  

As the pick-up time approached, I went to the designated area and waited there.  When the shuttle did not arrive on time I rang the office to check on the schedule and they said they were running a few minutes late.  No worries, I was fine standing in the fresh air just watching the people go by.

When Things Go Wrong on the Road

While I was waiting I met a lovely young couple from Australia who were traveling to visit family in the area.  I love meeting new people wherever I go so it was very nice to chat to them while we waited for the shuttle.  I am a very patient traveler and know that delays happen so I was not concerned until over an hour passed and still no sign of the shuttle.  The office was no longer answering our calls and my phone had completely died.

After almost 2 hours we began to get a little anxious that they may not be coming at all and we needed to think about what we were going to do.  We all needed to be on the other side of the state that evening or we would have to make plans to stay where we were for the night and try again tomorrow. 

I don't like feeling trapped, I'm sure no one does, but my response is to get creative and see what other choices are available. 

The Golden Rule of Traveling is to Stay Flexible and be Open to other Possibilities

When problems arise you have to decide how you want to handle it and it never helps to get upset or to be rude.  Calmly assess the situation and then decide how you want to proceed.

Fortunately, we were at the airport so we had many options for alternate travel.  We could rent-a-car and drive over, we could hire a taxi to take us or we could fly.  All reasonable avenues, and more if we wanted to check into coaches or the train.  Literally the moment we began to decide what option we would prefer, the shuttle pulled up to collect us.

The driver was brusque and clearly had been having a very bad day, much worse than ours.  The bus was loaded with passengers who seemed very tired and frustrated as well but now we were on our way.  At a short fuel break, I talked briefly to the driver and asked cautiously how he was doing.

It had been a very long day for him, he was actually the owner of the company and had a driver that didn't come in so he had been driving since 4 am and was trying to get all of his customers to their designated locations throughout the state.  He was so warm and friendly and immediately the atmosphere changed for the entire journey.

Sometimes the Best Things come from the Strangest Circumstances

After arriving safely, having a great dinner and good night’s sleep I thought about what a great day that it had been.  I met some wonderful people and got to see some lovely parts of the state and everything worked out perfectly.

Perfect does not mean that everything goes to plan.  It means that it works out for the best, usually in a way that will surprise and delight you!

I no longer have that magic wand but its power is always with me as long as I remember to expect the very best outcome possible and know that it will happen.

What experiences have you had while traveling?  Do you expect something good or something bad when things go awry?  Join the conversation and share your stories.

Published on Sixty and Me

Luxurious Langoustine

Last night I watched a cooking program where the chef prepared a lovely langoustine dish.  I have only had this delicate crustacean once and it was on my trip to New Zealand.

I had taken the Coastal Pacific rail from Picton to Christchurch, the journey through the countryside and along the coast was so beautiful.  

It was late when I checked into my hotel, and I went downstairs for a bite to eat.  There were 2 restaurants, one casual and bustling with people.  The other, elegant with a peaceful atmosphere, that was the one for me.

As I looked over the menu, I realized that this would be beyond my budget, but I wanted to stay so I decided to have a starter and thought that would be sufficient.  I ordered the langoustine with cream sauce and a nice glass of local red wine.  

I'm not sure if it was the food, the atmosphere or just the entire experience but it felt so luxurious and tasted like the best thing I had ever eaten.   

For me, that is one of the great joys of traveling.  I can savor those precious moments and relive them again and again, just like they were yesterday.

Sentimental Journey

After a very stressful week at work, I was finally heading to the airport to go home.

When I arrived, it was buzzing with activity, mostly sports fans and students on spring break so it was very loud and hectic.  

I found the quietest location possible and tried to focus on what would make my flight more pleasant, so I decided to think about where I wanted to sit on the plane.  

The airline does not assign seats which can be a blessing or a curse and with today's crowd I thought I better put all of my energy toward positive thoughts so I could try to relax on my way home.  

My request was simple - a seat on the aisle with room for my small bag overhead and a pleasant seatmate preferably between rows 5 - 20 on the plane. 

It may sound silly, but where I sit can make all the difference between an easy, comfortable flight and an uncomfortable one.

As I boarded the plane, I could see it was already more than half full.  I scanned the rows looking for my seat.  

Finally, row 17 on the aisle, with plenty of overhead space - perfect.  As I sat down, I realized it was 2 women with a small baby and that may have been why the seat was available.  

It was a lovely young mother, her grandmother and 6-month-old daughter.  I immediately began to relax and knew this would be a wonderful flight.  

I was a new grandmother, and it made me very happy to be around young children. 

I chatted briefly with the women and played with the beautiful little girl until she fell asleep in her great-grandmother's arms.  Then it occurred to me - that could be me someday!  

A tidal wave of emotion came over me as I thought about my grandchildren having children of their own and how I might have my own great-grandchild sleeping in my arms.  

What a beautiful and sentimental journey and one of the best trips I have ever had.