You Can Buy/Source MORE Treasures Than You Think While on the Road - Even When Travelling via Air!
I just returned from my annual jaunt to North Carolina & Florida, USA, where I went Treasure Hunting in a MAJOR way over 9 days!
I uncovered a virtual Treasure Trove! I brought home to Canada an AMAZING amount of wonderful finds of all types AND my 2 packed suitcases were NOT overweight for my flight AND all items arrived INTACT!
I laid out all I had to pack (in amongst my clothing). This shows what Treasures I had to deal with, except for two small bags of costume jewellery & a bag of sleigh bells that are not in the picture.
I was lucky enough to find an older suitcase on a previous trip that fits snuggly INSIDE my larger suitcase so that I just have ONE suitcase for the outbound flight.
My larger suitcase, without unzipping the expandable feature, measures approximately 25 1/2 inches x 9 3/4 inches x 17 1/2 inches. I discovered that the expandable portion cannot really be used because of the weight restrictions when flying. Weight is limited to 50 lbs per suitcase for regular checked baggage on Canadian Airlines. Rates for each suitcase checked vary from airline to airline but is $20 to $40 on average.
When I pack, I place most of the lighter and/or bulkier items in the larger suitcase, such as plush, dolls, clothing, etc, and place the heavier items in the smaller suitcase.
While Treasure Hunting, I concentrate on "smalls". I try to avoid any large or extra heavy items. There can be exceptions!
My smaller suitcase weighed 45 lbs and my larger suitcase weighed 46 lbs!! I avoid using extraneous packing materials such as bubble wrap, tissue, or paper unless absolutely necessary. It can be necessary for extremely delicate items, or for items with oxidization/rust that may transfer. Instead, I use scarves, handkerchiefs, neckties, clothing, handbags, plush toys, my own clothing etc as cushioning/wrapping materials.
Unpacking my smaller suitcase:
I place a light tote bag on the top of the packed bag "just in case" I do need to lighten the suitcase during the check-in process, and would then have an extra carry-on bag for any items I may have to remove (green/pink item).
Any pictures, posters, sewing patterns, thin booklets, magazines etc that need to be kept FLAT are slipped into the lid's zippered compartment.
Small cases and boxes are filled out with other items! In this box, which holds brass buttons, is filled out with a porcelain belt buckle and an old horse brass, cushioned with embroidered patches!
Handbags often have inherent cushioning. Make use of it and the space by stuffing the bag with items!
Hats, or in this case a thick felt Fez, can be stuffed with items so the hat is not crushed.
Items used as "stuffing" for the Fez included a small plush bear, padded fabric coasters, neckties, a patch, a stack of stickers and a tiny acrylic boxed bear!
Still only partially unpacked, this shows what has been off loaded from the suitcase into a tote and what is left in the case!
Clothing items for your collection or reselling are best ROLLED and can also be used for padding. Rolling reduces wrinkling and items can be snuggled into small spaces.
This scrub shirt has protected two glass ashtrays!
A box of vintage stockings can protect small flat items such as this pamphlet & packet of collector cigarette packet cards!
End result of unpacking the smaller suitcase is a full tote and items in boxes (vintage greeting cards) and bags (costume jewellery) that would not even fit in the tote, with my own clothing visible on the left side!
My larger suitcase also has a tote bag packed on the top "just in case" of having to unpack items to lighten the load!
Glass dish folded inside my own shirt survives the journey!
Handbags are utilized once again, this time for breakables! Wrapped in tissue first, these three elf ceramic figurines are protected inside the bag!
Even with their spindly arms & legs, they remain intact!
A wooden Tea Box is utilized to protect a very special Chipmunk made from natural bristles and a geode slice decorated with flamingoes (not pictured - it's shown wrapped in tissue)!
Dolls and plush fill out the rest of the suitcase, to save on weight!
I ended up with 2 totes filled with items, several bags and a large bag of plush! I even found clothing for myself while away and used those items as wrapping for my Finds!
Make use of nooks & crannies with neckties, pocket silks, and neck scarves to tuck inside and around. Thimbles and belt buckles filled out a few items that had their original boxes. I kept my costume jewellery in bags in case I needed to lighten the suitcase weight since the jewellery could have become my carry on, if need be, and those pieces often weigh the most!
You can bring home many more Collectible items if you pack economically and travel economically (fewer pieces of your own clothing and shoes).
Bear Hugs
Mandy
Mandicrafts
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