Packing Lighter

We’ve all heard the saying “after you’ve packed a case take out half your clothes and double your money”. Well if you want to get about quickly and easily and avoid excess baggage charges you’ll use this as your mantra. But where do you start?

Firstly, decant all toiletries. Most hotels provide soap and shampoo as minimum but if you prefer your favourite brand decant them into convenient, light, travel bottles. You can also buy travel toiletries but these are not as cost effective. Collect some samples from department stores of your favourites instead of full size products, especially creams and perfume. I picked up a lovely sample size Shishaedo mascara and Steve got a trial size of Tom Ford Noir aftershave. Pack your toiletry bag a month or two before you travel and only use the decanted products to get an idea how much you will need to last. Then simply refill and you know you have everything you need. If you didn’t use it in the week/weeks before your travel then you can do without it. Don’t pack for just in case!

Perfume Samples

Samples

Travel size products

Remember your main goal is to pack light. Keep shoes to a minimum, nobody is going to be looking at your feet anyway. Take a comfortable pair of walking shoes and depending on your travel, a pair of dressy shoes and wear your third pair, your comfy ballet pumps, making sure they are either neutral or tone well with the colours you have packed. You are best to keep basic items neutral and add colour with your scarf or shirt. Plan what you pack to make sure everything matches/coordinates with everything else you pack and if you can multi purpose, using an oversized t-shirt as a beach cover up or night shirt and a scarf as a sarong or wrap if cold. If you can’t wear the item you are packing with at least three other items of clothing then leave it behind. The aim is to be as flexible as you can with your wardrobe, mixing, matching and layering so you get variety in what you wear. Try and pack enough for only one week, having layers to allow for variables in the weather. The plan is wash to as you wear or use hotel laundry service or local Laundromat. I suggest two pair of bottoms, one light neutral, one dark neutral, one jacket, one jumper (sweater), one dress, three coloured tops, two bras, three pair knickers, two scarves, two statement pieces of jewellery. Check out capsule packing for your wardrobe, it will show you examples where you can pack 15 items in a carry on to work a different look everyday for 3 weeks.

Pack summer weight clothing that will dry quickly and can be easily layered, take more tops then bottoms, remember people are not going to be looking at your feet or trousers, the colour and shape of your top are what people see most. Try living out of a suitcase for a week to see what works and what doesn’t, what packs well and what crinkles and to perfect your packing skills. I find rolling your clothes takes less space and also creases less and packing cubes are great to use. Just don’t worry too much if you forget something, you can always get it there.

Dryer sheets are great to layer in between clothing to keep clothes smelling good. Take an emergency sewing kit, they are small and you will have on hand some thread, spare buttons, safety pins, etc. Use a Pill container for earrings, small necklaces and rings.

I carry an anti theft cross shoulder bag with my passport, a pen, travel size toothpaste/toothbrush, hand wipes, tissues and lip balm and wear the heaviest items I am taking like jeans, jacket, shoes. Your scarf can now be your pillow and the jacket used instead of the re-used blankets on the plane.

Now to you use these tips so you have room in your case to bring home a few souvenirs.  If you have any other space saving travel tips please let me know.

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