Packing with Confidence: How to Pack for your Vacation Properly
Packing your suitcase for a getaway can be a mammoth task, and we hear you – it’s no-one’s favorite thing to do. Whether you’re heading away for the weekend or a family vacation that you’ve been planning all year, packing your case with confidence will help you get off to a great start. But how? Well, don’t worry, we’re here for you. Here are our top PreParture tips for getting your case packed and ready for the journey.
Check the Airline’s Baggage Rules
Flying long-haul is a lot different to flying domestic, especially where your airline’s baggage rules are concerned. And packing within your airline’s perameters is important if you don’t want to pay out of pocket when you rock up to the airline.
Check things like; which dimensions and weight limits of suitcases and hold luggage cases are accepted by your airline, whether you can take an extra bag into the cabin with you, and how much an extra bag is likely to cost should you need an upgrade.
Invest in a Good Set of Suitcases
Of course, it’s not always feasable to drop dollars on new luggage; it can be costly, especially if you want it to last a good few years. At some point though, it is a good idea to invest in a set of suitcases that’ll see you through your travels and make packing that little bit easier.
A small carry-on suitcase and a larger, sturdy suitcase for checking in is usually plenty for a long-haul trip abroad. Make sure they’ve got a good set of wheels for easy rolling, no matter how how full your cases end up. And, on the inside, ensure there’s at least one zip-locked section to keep your smalls from being sprawled across the hotel’s floor upon opening.
Having a great set of cases can give you the confidence to pack properly for your vacations, and some of the better quality ones can last at least a decade, which is eco-friendly, and a weight off your mind.
Don’t Overpack
Are you a chronic overpacker when it comes to going away for one or two nights? Or even for your 2-week summer vacay? We get it. It’s really difficult to pack precisely when you’re not entirely sure what you’ll be doing, or what the weather will be like. Some people are even guilty of overpacking their underwear (don’t worry, we do it too!).
There’s nothing more irritating than going to zip up your suitcase and it it almost popping at the seams. It’s time to make yourself a packing checklist. To do this, jot down how many days you’ll be away for. Then, split up your days into possible outings: think days out, nights out, date night, activities, nightwear. Don’t forget to take the weather into account. Are you going somewhere hot, cold, or somewhere in between? Once you’ve got an idea of what you’re doing and what the weather’s likely to look like, you’ll know the types of clothes you’ll need to pack. Stick to as few items of clothing as possible – can any tops or pants be used for different activities? Dual use items are fantastic for keeping your case tidy, and excess-free 😉.
Once you’ve nailed this part of your packing repertoire, it’s time to move onto:
Packing Cubes are Your Friends
For anyone who doesn’t enjoy rummaging through their suitcase for their undies, or for those who enjoy keeping their smaller bits and bobs organized and within easy reach, packing cubes will give you loads of freedom and keep you from stressing when you’re in a hurry.
These handy, zip-up bags come in small, medium, and large sizes, and are perfect for keeping sets of clothing or accessories together. Of course, we love eco-frienly packing cubes like the ones listed here.
Roll, don’t fold
Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice we’ve got is to roll your clothes rather than fold them. Not only will you save oodles of space and be able to pack more (although yeah, don’t do that – think of how light your suitcase will feel, and all the souvenirs you can bring back 😛), but you won’t find your clothes creased in the bottom of your bag an hour before you’re due to head to that fancy restaurant you booked 😉. No ironing necessary.
Take it one step further – roll your outfits together
Yes, some people take their packing so seriously that they roll their outfits together. This works best for short city trips or weekends away. Simply pick out your top and bottoms and lay on on top of the other. Then, grab your underwear you’ll wear on that day too, lay it on top, and roll the outfit together. This is a pro tip for anyone who’s likely to wake up late when they’ve got a scheduled itinerary, or for those who like to prep their outfit the night before and leave it out for the morning. You’ll save loads of time and space!
What are your tips and tricks for perfect packing? Have we covered everything to help you banish your packing woes and get a head start on filling your suitcase? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see you again next week.
