Packing is a pain – so much so it can even put you off leaving home. Check out our tried-and-true tips below to make taking a break so much easier!
- Roll your clothes – don’t fold them! When you do, they’ll fit so much more easily into your bag. If you want to avoid creases as much as possible, place your heavier clothes on the inside of the roll, and your lighter ones on the outside.
- Use packing cubes to keep your items organised. Cubes with see-through mesh allow you to see what you’ve got in each one. Or you can colour code your cubes (white for smalls, red for tops, green for bottoms – and don’t forget a spare black cube for what will be your laundry).
- Pack your heaviest items (liquids, shoes, books etc) so when you’re carrying or wheeling your luggage, they will be at the base of the bag. That way, they’re more secure, your suitcase is better balanced and less likely to crush more delicate items.
- Stuff your footwear with small items you don’t mind being crushed (such as socks, underwear, plugs, or toiletries in crush-proof containers). Doing this helps prevent your shoes from being crushed out of shape, and also uses up what would otherwise be wasted space.
- Pop your morning routine items into a convenient hangable sponge bag. That way, your shower necessities, sun screen, hair products, dental paraphernalia, and makeup are all in one easily reachable place. Choose a hanging sponge bag which includes a mirror, so you can set up your ‘bathroom’ wherever you need it!
- A carry bag or fold-away daypack is a must on every holiday. Double its value when you pack by popping your footwear into it. It keeps everything else clean.
- Decant toiletries into small travel bottles (label each one carefully). At home, keep these small bottles in your sponge bag at all times so they’re always on hand when you travel. That way, all you need do is top them up before you leave home.
- If you wear spectacles or contacts, take a snap of your lens prescription so you always have it on hand if you have to re-order because of breakage or loss.
- Knitting (or other craft) patterns take up space, are easily crushed, and are so easy to leave behind when you repack at your holiday destination). Instead of taking a hard copy of patterns, take a snap of them, and store them on your phone. If you email them to yourself, you’ll also still have them if ever your phone goes missing!
- Travelling by plane and want to knit or crochet en route? Choose plastic or wooden pins, hooks, or tapestry needles instead of metal (but always check ahead with your airline to see if they will accept these in-flight).
- When it comes to holiday packing, most of us are list-makers – and we make a new list every time we leave home! Save yourself time by using a packing app to create lists you can use again and again. Pactor is one of our favourites!
- Weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, but they can guide your packing. Check the weather forecast before you leave home, and pack (within reason) to suit the conditions.
- Lay all your packing items on your bed, and challenge yourself to reduce them by a fifth. If you find this stressful, remind yourself that in most places you’ll be heading to, there will be an op-shop or budget store where you can pick up anything you regret having left at home.
- If you’re flying, leave in your suitcase any items that will cause you a headache at security (this includes boots, belts, brooches, and buckles).
- Pop a damp flannel into a zip-lock bag. It’s great for a freshen-up – and so much more sustainable than ‘wipes.’
- Choose a colour scheme for your holiday wear – that way, you’ll be able to mix’n’match clothing and accessories rather than having to pack a separate set of clothing for each occasion or activity. Check out our article on using a capsule wardrobe when you travel.
Packing is, without doubt, one of the most stressful aspects of holiday planning. Make it easy for yourself, and leave home feeling refreshed!