Photo: Oleksandr P
Do you consider yourself a pro-packer? Someone that can pack light and smart? Or do you just throw everything into your suitcase and hope for the best.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. We have an early flight, it’s getting late, and you can’t be bothered to stay up all night deciding what to take and what to leave behind.
Take too much and it’s a heavy load. Take not enough and you’ll be paying over the odds at the airport. Well, here’s a some advice on how to pack light and smart.
Make A List of All The Essentials and Add A Few Extras…
Planning and preparation must be your first key on how to pack light and smart. Make a list of your essentials and then just add a few extras. Don’t just throw anything in. For example, when you are thinking of clothes, find ones that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Neutral colors are your friend here!
Where are you going? Is it going to be cold there? If the answer is yes, take some layers with you to adjust to different temperatures. A light jacket can double as your rain protection in many cases. Think of quick-dry fabrics which are also lighter in weight and can be used multiple times because they wash and dry quicker.
Packing Cubes Are Your Best Friend
If you are a pro then packing cubes are your best friend. They can help compress your clothes and keep things organised. If you are going on a longer trip, plan your laundry.
Versatile shoes are a must. You may need to do a lot of walking, so think of comfort, and whether you can dress up your shoe if you need to go somewhere nice.
- This post contains affiliate links that I earn a small commission from at no cost to you.
One of the things I’m not good at is toiletries. I usually forget them. Luckily most hotels supply you with their own brands, but you may kick yourself, if you forget to take your favorite perfume or aftershave with you.
Think Of All The Things That You Don’t Need To Take
As well as thinking of all the things you need to put in your suitcase or backpack, think of all the things you don’t need to take with you. Do I really need an extra pair of trousers, or can I make do with just two?
Some travel geeks go AWOL when it comes to technology. Apart from my phone and charger, I usually leave most things behind. My watch, my calculator, my writing pad – do I need to go on? They are all on my mobile phone.
To Give You A Better Idea, Here’s A Refresher Reminder Of My Checklist For A Weekend Break:
- Carry-on luggage: or backpack – Choose a size that will fit all of your belongings for the weekend, but still comply with airline carry-on restrictions if you’re flying.
- Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking on your weekend break, so pack a pair of shoes that are both comfortable and stylish.
- Neutral-colored clothing – Opt for clothes in neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This will help you pack less and still have plenty of outfit options.
- Layers – Pack a combination of clothes that you can layer, so you can adjust to different temperatures.
- Toiletries – Pack travel-sized toiletries or decant your favorite products into smaller containers. Many hotels provide basic toiletries as well.
- Pajamas – don’t forget them!
- Swimsuit (if you’re going to be swimming)
- Sunglasses and hat – shades to protect your eyes
- Electronics – Pack your phone, charger, and any other electronics you’ll need. A portable charger can also be handy.
- Entertainment – Pack a book, magazine, or headphones to keep yourself entertained during travel time or downtime.
Here’s A Few Last-Minute Extras You May Wish To Consider:
- Utilize empty spaces: Stuff socks or underwear into your shoes to maximize space.
- Think about renting gear: For bulky or specialty items like ski boots, consider renting them at your destination rather than packing them.
- Pack a multi-purpose scarf: It can be used for warmth, as a beach cover-up, or even a makeshift picnic blanket.
By following these tips, you can become a master packer, saving yourself time, hassle, and backaches on your next adventure!