Packing Tips

"We have nothing to lose, and a world to see."

Packing to go away can be really stressful, especially if you aren't properly prepared, or don't leave yourself enough time. With all the times I have packed a suitcase or overnight bag I have learnt some valuable tips to make it easier. Don't get me wrong, I am still a massive over-packer, but at least I never want something I don't have, right? Here are 10 things I have learnt that help me pack...

1. Earlier is better

The earlier you can pack to go away the better, start a week or more before you go and take your time. That way you can make sure that you have everything you need and have the time to think about what you might have forgotten. There is nothing worse than driving away from the house and realising you forgot to pack something important!

2. Think about the weather

You don't take a coat if you are going to Hawaii. So look up the previous weather for the place you are going and pack accordingly. This saves a lot of space and stress and is perfect for those places you don't know too much about. 

3. Use packing cells

These packing cells are the best inventions ever! They make it easy to organise your suitcase and find things at the other end. I always put shirts and shorts in one, dresses in another, underwear in a third and swimmers in the last.

4. Bring shorts and tops that work

Instead of bringing shorts for every day, bring some that work with most of your tops and wear them for two or three days. Dresses are a great way to save space too. 

5. Think about where you are going. 

This goes with thinking about the weather, but you wouldn't go camping without taking camping gear, so think about where you are going. If it's the beach take thongs, mountains take runners. 

6. Think about what you are going to be doing.

Again, if you are going to the beach everyday pack more than one pair of swimmers- and if you are wearing swimmers a lot you probably don't need a fresh outfit every day. 

7. Try and limit the shoes

I struggle with this, but there is no need to bring 7 pairs of shoes. When I went to America for three weeks I took my runners, thongs and sandals- that was all. You don't need to bring everything. 

8. "You can buy it there"

It takes a lot of the stress out of packing if you think "I can get it when I am there". It's not the end of the world if you forget something. 

9. Brings bags to use while you are there. 

I made this mistake when I went to Queensland in 2016, I didn't think to bring a backpack or handbag to use during the day. 

10. If your suitcase weighs too much.....

Use your family members. My brother always travels light, and if my suitcase is over a weight limit I can move some things to his bag. The best things to move are shoes and a big packing cell of clothes....or that bathroom bag.

I hope that some of these tips can make your next pack easier....I guess I should go and back my bag for our holiday tomorrow now...

xxxPoppy