Decodable Passage 20

Six Tips Before You Leave

Let’s say that you must pack for a trip that will last a week, and your goal is to take only a big backpack. What will you take? These six tips can show you how to squeeze everything that you need in just one backpack. Have faith. You won’t fail. It will be a real breeze!

  • Tip 1 Make a list of the things you need. Greed can make you pack too much! Don’t take a load of stuff you don’t need. Match things that go together. Ask yourself: Will I use that yellow jacket? Will I really need three sweatshirts in that heat?

  • Tip 2 Wear the big stuff. Don’t pack a coat—wear it. Slip on those jeans, too. Jeans take up a lot of room in a backpack.

  • Tip 3 Be neat, and don’t just throw stuff in. Roll up things like socks, jackets, and pants. Clothes take up much less space when they’re rolled, not folded.

  • Tip 4 Take some laundry soap, and use it to wash your things while you’re away. It takes just ten seconds to soak your pants and tops to get them clean. Then you can wear each thing two or three times.

  • Tip 5 Each pair of shoes takes up a lot of space in a backpack. Pack just one extra set of shoes, not more. Your feet won’t mind a bit!

  • Tip 6 Take your time as you pack. Don’t just throw things in the bottom of the backpack. If you rush, you will end up with things that you don’t need on the trip.

Now that you know these tips for how to pack, it’s time to load up your backpack and go!