That bus stop shuffle at Union Station taught me a better way to pack my bag

I was at Union Station in Chicago last week waiting for the 5:15 bus when I realized my backpack was a mess. I kept digging for my phone charger and holding up the line while people shuffled around me. So now I pack my bag the night before with the stuff I need on top in a separate ziploc bag. My phone, earbuds, hand sanitizer, and a snack all go in that one bag so I can grab them quick without blocking the aisle. Has anyone else found a packing trick that makes the commute less chaotic?

3 comments

3 Comments

emery_white22d ago

Oh man, I totally feel this. I read somewhere that the average person spends like 15 minutes a day just digging through their bag looking for stuff. That adds up to almost 4 days a year of just fumbling around. That ziploc trick is clever though. I started doing something similar after I heard that statistic, but I use one of those little mesh pouches instead so I can kinda see through it. Helps a ton when you're in a rush and everyone's staring at you holding up the line.

diana_west2723d ago

Exactly, I started using a smaller bag so I'm forced to keep it simple and not overpack.

bettyroberts22d ago

Oh come ON, I tried that and it was a DISASTER. I took a tiny crossbody to a weekend trip and ended up shoving my sweater in my husband's bag, then my water bottle didn't fit anywhere, and I had to carry my book in my hand like a weirdo. A small bag just means you're either doing laundry mid-trip or buying stuff you already own because you forgot it at home. I'd rather have my bigger tote with room for snacks, a spare scarf, and the random souvenir I'll definitely buy than feel like I'm packing for a prison sentence.