Packing Cubes (or Compartmentalization, Literally)

How we pack for a trip says a lot about who we are as people.

Early or last minute? Roll or fold? Excitement or stress?

Listing these A/B scenarios, I realize that I am all of the above. Typical. Per usual, I have difficulty taking a side. Putting myself into a box.

I am large. I contain multitudes.

Thank God for packing cubes.

I recently did a “Packing AMA” on Instagram for like, social media marketing reasons, or whatever.

The first question I received is also the one I find most indicative of packing as a metaphor for being human:

Question: Do you like using those lil packing cubes, like for separating things?

Answer: If you travel with a backpack and do not use packing cubes, you are psychopath.

A bit dramatic, maybe. But not far off. Backpack or no backpack, don’t you want to know where things are? 

This cube is shirts. That cube is pants. This one is pajamas and gym clothes. And that one is socks.

There are many components that go into a well-packed suitcase. They are all necessary. They are all different. And they all work together to form a complete outfit. 

So it goes for a person.

[I mean, I guess you can throw everything mixed together in a bag and it would still work. But it will also be trickier to tell which pants are right for a hike and which skirt is right for dinner or when to dress up and stand out or when to dial back and blend in. I don’t know. There’s a lot going on in a messy suitcase.]

— 

Additional questions, for posterity’s sake.

Q: Which backpack do you use?

A: Pink/red Gregory 40L and a blue Cotopaxi Allpa 28L. The Cotopaxi is so durable and well-designed (internal zip pockets, laptop sleeve). Plus, it passes for a personal, under-seat item, which is amazing. It holds so much. Mr. Gregory is holding up great as well.

Q: Are airline baggage restrictions real?

A: In short: yes, real. Bags are always weighed at check-in. You can’t escape the scale. But, if you mean at the gate…

  • depends on the airline

  • depends on the staff

  • depends on the day

So basically, it sucks to suck. Always check if your ticket includes a carry on because them sneaky discount airlines sometimes only allow one personal item (small backpack, purse, etc.) and they do be hardcore about that.

Q: The eternal question: check or carry on?

A: Carry on only — always, forever. Exception: very long trip or very cold weather.

Q: Three things you never travel without?

A: Photocopy of my passport, microfiber towel, water bottle… and PATIENCE & GOOD VIBES.

Then there was the final question. It read:

where tf u going now” 

Meant as a display of snarky humor, I’m sure. But oh… the bitterness! Am I crazy to sense some bitterness?

Perhaps it’s because I recently had a conversation with someone which reminded me of something I already knew. I was told, in sum, that some people who “know me” from home are under the impression that I’ve just been fucking around for the last two years.

They see that I’m here, or I’m there, and they assume it’s all fun and games. (It’s a lot of fun and games — but it’s not like I haven’t been training and working as an advisor since the end of 2022, building a sustainable, fully-remote business.)

Two years ago this misperception would have really bothered me. And part of me still is, truthfully, because whoever these people are clearly have no idea of the work I’ve been putting in. Period.

Nowadays? Mind your business. 

And by the way, I have been fucking around. That’s literally the point. I’m having fun. I am living. 

Are you?

My point: some people will never understand you. And you cannot make them. You are going to be perceived — maybe wrongly, unjustly — whether you like it or not.

Me? Me and my packing cubes are having a blast. 

ONWARDS,

Mag

Maggie PecorinoComment