Each Friday, we feature a reader-submitted tip as our Travel Tip of the Day. This week’s reader tip comes from reader Martin, who shares a packing tip you can use to do good when you travel:
“I have an under-bed storage container where I put all underwear, socks and clothing, including shoes, that are on their last legs. Almost worn-out, or not things I’m going to wear again because of who knows: fashion, fit, color, etc., but have one or two more wears in them. I pack them, wear them, and strategically throw them out as I travel, to make room for new purchases, or I leave them with a note to please donate them after my last hotel stay. I’ve almost always come back with less then I left with.”
It’s a great idea. Reminds me of this tip. Thanks, Martin!
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- Reader Travel Tip of the Day: Hit the Cleaners Before Packing
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Good idea if you’re going somewhere where you don’t have to look decent. Otherwise, if you are not wearing it at home, you will not want to wear it elsewhere..
Generally a good idea. I would never donate underwear, socks or worn out shoes. Newish shoes that I don’t like, sure. But wear them and then strategically leave them not nicely washed?…wair…what?…maybe put them on Craig’s list as used panties…
I’m not sure if throwing out your worn underwear as you travel or making it the responsibility of the hotel to take care of your no longer needed clothes and eventually trashing it is a good idea. That is just lazy and leaves your trash in the places you visit instead of taking responsibility at home. Throwing old clothing into the trash is never recommended and bad for the environment. Donate instead to Goodwill or ARC or a local shelter. Don’t dump your unwanted clothes on someone else just to make your trip easier. Someone still has to pick up your mess!
I don’t donate old underwear, socks or shoes. But as a general idea I like it.
Let me clarify. Aa a general idea, I like the idea of donating old, or unused attire, just not the items listed in my previous post.
Do you believe the hotels take the time to distribute your left overs to the people who need them or do the maids just pitch them with the rest of the garbage in the room. I seriously doubt any hotel is going to take the time to properly dispose of your left overs, except in the dumpster!
I heard this tip years ago and it sounded like a great idea, but then you think of not washing those items and leaving a note for items to be donated, No respectable hotel is going to donate unclean, worn items. This may be more cumbersome for certain areas already strapped for refuse services such as small islands.