With warmer weather finally making an appearance, it's time to ditch those cosy knits and say hello to sandals, sunglasses, and the sun! Packing for your holiday can sometimes be a daunting task, but if you're like us, you love to get organised and take great care of your clothing items.
Having done my fair share of international travel, I consider myself to be somewhat of a hotshot when it comes to packing a suitcase. My initial trips were marred by poorly packed luggage, but as I gained more experience and my trips became more complex, I quickly learned the benefits of packing frugally and smartly. Whether you're going abroad or opting for a staycation, travelling for work or pleasure, here are my best packing tips for stress-free travel.
1. START FROM A CLEAN STATE
Start by cleaning your room! This may sound a little strange, but it's great to start with a clean slate. Make sure your laundry is done and put away so you're choosing from the best selection of clothes. This way, you'll be able to see what items you need to take with you, ensuring you don't forget anything!
2. CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE BAG SIZE
Make sure you choose the best size bag for your trip. While it can be tempting to overpack, it's often better to opt for a smaller bag than you initially think you'll need. A more compact bag encourages you to pack only the essentials, making your luggage easier to manage and carry.
However, it's important to consider the duration of your trip and the activities you'll be doing. For shorter trips or weekend getaways, a carry-on bag might be all you need, while longer vacations may require a medium-sized suitcase. Always leave some extra space for souvenirs and any new clothes you might pick up along the way.
Remember, a well-chosen bag will not only save you from the hassle of lugging around a heavy suitcase but also help you avoid potential baggage fees at the airport.
3. PLAN YOUR OUTFITS TO PREVENT OVERPACKING
To prevent overpacking, be ruthless with the number of outfits you take. Just as fashion stylists advise you to create a capsule wardrobe based on your lifestyle, aim to create a "capsule suitcase" based on the purpose of your trip, considering the length of your stay and the weather at your destination.
Select items that work together to create multiple outfits that can transition from day to night. For example, a sarong for the beach can double as a wrap for the evening. For work, consider packing one dark jacket that can make a smart suit for daytime and can be dressed up with a silk top and jeans for evening drinks.
Shoes take up a lot of space, so wear your comfiest, bulkiest pair while travelling, and pack sandals with a bit of glitz that will work on the beach and at the restaurant. Wraps and sarongs are a must because they can turn a day dress into an evening dazzler. They also fold up incredibly small, allowing you to indulge yourself by packing a little selection.
When I say consider the weather, I mean really think about the temperature. In the past, I've made the mistake of packing dresses for Europe that were more suited to summer in St Ives than St Tropez!
4. CREATE A PACKING LIST
Once you have chosen your outfits, it's crucial to create a packing list. Start by jotting down everything you think you’ll need, including electronics, chargers, medications, and any special items for your destination.
As you pack, check off items to keep track of what’s already in your bag. It's always better to forget something on the initial list and add it later than to forget it completely! We recommend organising your list by categories, such as clothing, accessories, toiletries, and miscellaneous items, to make packing even more efficient.
5. ORGANISE YOUR SUITCASE EFFICIENTLY
Lay out everything you want to pack on the floor or bed. Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the case (the bottom is the section closest to the wheels). Fold or roll clothes as you prefer, but try to group larger clothes together in outfits so they are easy to find. Place shoes in the gaps at the sides, and put underwear inside them; this not only maximises available space but also helps maintain the shoes' shape.
Wrap liquids in plastic bags to prevent spills from affecting your entire case. If you're taking liquids in your carry-on luggage, make sure each item is no more than 100ml, with a total limit of one litre. These should be placed in a sealable plastic bag; full guidelines are available here.
6. ROLL INSTEAD OF FOLD!
Rolling clothes can help maximise the small space available. To reduce creasing, I like to roll items that crease more easily around bulkier, less crease-prone items, similar to a Swiss roll. However, some creasing is inevitable, so I always pack a handheld steamer. They are perfect for any type of fabric, even the most delicate, and small enough to fit in a carry-on suitcase. We supply a superb steamer that comes with a water bottle adapter, so you only need to pack the compact steaming unit. Here is our blog with advice on how to steam clothes.
7. USE PACKING CUBES TO ORGANISE YOUR GARMENTS
Packing cubes makes organising and protecting your clothes so much easier. Use them to separate larger, bulky items or to group outfits together. Having cubes in a range of sizes allows you to keep small garments and accessories together, making them easier to find.
Separating items in packing cubes also helps protect delicate garments from being snagged by zippers, shoes, or belt buckles. Packing cubes help compress items, making it easier to close your suitcase and ensuring everything stays in place. This is especially useful if you need to open your case at any point during the journey.
I have found travel packing cubes so useful that I’ve added them to my clothes care range. I wanted to ensure that mine were made from a light fabric to allow clothes to breathe and prevent odours from accumulating inside. They also have a transparent mesh lid, making it easy to see what’s packed inside—a simple but important feature for saving time. Our set includes three different sizes that fit together into a carry-on suitcase.
8. ADD A TOUCH OF LUXURY TO YOUR PACKING
To add a touch of luxury to my suitcase, I like to include one of our May Chang Drawer Sachets. These are perfectly compact and keep clothes smelling wonderful during transit. They can be placed in drawers or hung in wardrobes when you reach your destination. The scent is designed to deter clothes moths, providing protection in storage away from home and helping to improve hotel wardrobes that might not meet your standards!
THE FINAL SAY
Packing for a holiday really doesn't have to be stressful if you approach it with a little planning and organisation! When you return from your trip, it is crucial to make sure the clothing items you have brought with you on holiday are washed very soon when you get home. The harsh chemicals from a swimming pool and sea salt can affect the colours within your swimwear, as well as the shape of it this is something you don't want to happen!
When it comes to washing your delicates, we recommend our lingerie wash bag. It protects your delicates in the wash and also helps prolong the life of your items. We also suggest using our laundry liquid which has been made using the most delicate and natural of ingredients - rosemary and aloe vera. It's extremely gentle and kind to the skin and lasts up to 22 washes!
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