Over the years I’ve learnt that packing isn’t about taking more—it’s about taking the right things. A little planning before you zip up your suitcase can save space, reduce stress and mean you’ll actually wear everything you’ve packed.

Here are my favourite packing tips to help make your holiday that little bit easier.

Set aside your flight clothes

Before packing decide what you will wear for your flight and set them to one side.  Next, think about the items you will want to keep on you while travelling (glasses, phone charger, headphones, hand sanitiser and tissues etc).  If you’re travelling overnight or taking a longer flight hink about comfort just as much as style. Trainers, lightweight layers and a pashmina or wrap can make all the difference if the cabin gets chilly or your looking to get some sleep on route.

Keep your colour scheme simple

One of the easiest ways to create a capsule wardrobe is to keep to one or two neutral base colours (think navy, camel, burgundy or chocolate brown) with two accent colours allows almost everything in your suitcase to mix and match, creating far more outfit combinations with fewer pieces.

Packing Order

Check what time of day (or night) you will be arriving at your destination and the items you will be wanting to access first.  Whether you’ll be immediately hitting the beach or heading straight to bed on your arrival be sure to pack these items last so they are near the top of your case and easily accessible.

Pack your heaviest items at the bottom of the case.  This will ensure your case stays upright when stationery, is easy to roll with the weight at the bottom and avoid heavy items crushing your other belongings.

If travelling as a couple or family separate you clothes across two suitcases.  It takes a bit more organisation but will save you a load of aggravation on the off chance you arrive at your destination airport to find your case hasn’t made it.  You will at least have some underwear, swimwear and a couple of outfits to keep you ticking over until your reunited with the rest of your luggage.

Edit your suitcase

Lay out what you think you will need and then edit it ruthlessly.  Review everything you plan to pack (most women only wear half of the items they take with them).  A good question to ask yourself is: “Can I think of exactly when I’ll wear this?”.  If the answer is no, leave it at home.

Shoes

One of the biggest space-stealers in any suitcase!

As a general rule try to pack no more than three pairs:

• Comfortable daytime shoes
• Evening shoe or sandal
• Flip-flops (if needed)

Wear the bulkiest pair while travelling and you’ll save both weight and space.

Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are one of my favourite packing tools and save loads more space than regular packing cubes. They help keep your suitcase well organised (finding items is so much easier), you can still roll your clothing (great for saving space and preventing creases) and if your packing for the family opt for different colour cubes for each person so everyone’s items are super easy to identify. And if you haven’t tried compression cubes yet, they’re one of the best travel purchases I’ve made in recent years. They save space while keeping everything beautifully organised.

Opt for solid toiletories

Consider replacing liquids with solid forms when possible. There are a variety of different bars available including shampoo and conditioner, shaving bars, deodorant bars, and moisturiser and body butt bars – they take up less space (and weight) and are great for the environment. And if using only carry on luggage they don’t count towards your liquid allowance.

If however you still need to pack some liquids in your case make sure they’re well sealed to prevent any unnecessary leaks. You can either pop them in bags to protect your clothes.  Or if you have the time undo the lids and cover the tops of any bottles with a small piece of plastic ( I find cling film works well) and replace the lid.  And if you can’t remove the lid pop some tape over the top to secure the opening in place.

Don’t forget a laundry bag for dirties

This one often gets forgotten as we’re too busy thinking about what to pack and not about the return journey.  A couple of bins liners work a treat.  Providing they’re not too dirty (or smelly) they can be used for your rubbish bins once home. Plus it keeps your packing cubes clean for the next time you go away.

Pack all chargers, valuables and irreplaceable essentials in your carry on

When packing always ensure you place chargers, valuable and irreplaceable essentials in your carry on.  These are things like medications, jewellery, tablets/laptops, contact lenses, glasses etc.  And on the subject of medications if taking prescription drugs take extra with you so you have plenty on the off chance your return home is delayed.

Plan for the unexpected

If you’re travelling with family or friends, spread everyone’s clothes across two suitcases rather than packing one case per person. It takes a little more planning, but if one suitcase doesn’t arrive when you do, you’ll each have enough essentials to keep you going. I usually suggest swapping a few key items into each case, such as underwear, swimwear, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and a lightweight cardigan or cover-up. It can make all the difference while you’re waiting to be reunited with the rest of your luggage.

Before you leave home, take a quick photograph of each packed suitcase too. If your luggage does go astray, having a recent photo makes it much easier to describe to the airline and can help speed up the process of locating it.

Most importantly…

Don’t aim to pack for every possible situation – pack for the holiday you’re actually going on.

Wishing you wonderful adventures, fabulous outfits and a suitcase that zips up first time!

Happy travels,

Lorraine

Could you use a helping hand?

If you’d like help creating your own signature style, building a wardrobe you love and learning to shop with confidence, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to find out how I can help.