Everybody knows it is best to pack light for a vacation but many people don’t know where to start and often find themselves packing too much and bringing things that they actually won’t use. In this guide we will show you how to pack more lightly and efficiently with some simple packing tips and hacks.
Create a Packing List
One of the best ways of ensuring things don’t end up in your suitcase that you don’t need is by following a packing list and sticking to it.
We recommend breaking down your packing list into days and activities if you know them. This way you will ensure you have enough clothes to last your week (or until you plan to do laundry) and know any activity specific items you need to pack i.e. snorkeling, gyms etc.
Use a Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are a great way of packing light. Capsule wardrobes ensure that all items you pack are interchangeable and can be used in a variety of outfit compilations.
Use a packing method
If you don’t own a capsule wardrobe, then you may want to use a different packing method which will help you restrict the amount of items you pack.
Some packing methods we have used are:
- sudoku packing method – this 3 x 3 packing method uses just 9 items (3 tops, 3 layers and 3 bottoms) and is perfect for long weekend breaks.
- 4 x 4 method – similar to the above but using 16 items rather than 9 and more suited to week long trips.
- 54321 method – perfect for those going on longer vacations or travels with multiple weather conditions. We used this when we did our round the world trip.
Learn how to Pack more efficiently
One of the things I have noticed in overpacks is that they often don’t know how best to maximise the space in their suitcase. Now depending on your luggage, size and types of clothes you are packing depends on what is the best method but you may want to consider.
Rolling Clothes
Instead of traditionally folding clothes then you could try rolling clothes tightly instead. We love this method, especially when packing linen as this method is good for reducing wrinkles.
We also think this method is best if you plan to used some soft sided luggage and if you are packing more casual clothes like tees, jeans, athleisure etc.
It isn’t great however for winter travelers as bulky clothes don’t roll quite as well and anythign with boning doest roll well either.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes have been a game changer for me and works no matter whether you are trying to fold or roll clothes.
Packing cubes are great if you are traveling to multiple locations and want to try and stay organised as you move around.
You can move packing cubes to pack the same type of clothes in each clothes i.e. grouping t shirts together or you could use them to pack outfit sets together.
You can use any packing cubes but we have had good sucess with the amazon basic ones.
Remember to pack a cube ready to store your dirty laundry too!
Compression Bags
I often use compression bags (aka vacuum bags) when I am packing my winter capsule wardrobe away for summer at home but there is no reason why you can’t use them for travel packing too!
This method is particularly good for those traveling in Winter and packing bulky items like sweaters and coats. The compression bag squeezes out the air and reduces the volume of the item creating much more space in your case.
KonMari Folding
The Konmari method is well known in home organisation circles but it is also a great method for packing. In this method you use a traditional folding method but instead on packing items one on top of each other you pack them vertically in the case.
This method is great for being able to see all your clothes at a glance and works well if you have a minimalist wardrobe with you.
Bundle packing
Bundle packing isn’t as common as the rolling and folding method but is another one to consider especially if you have lots of laters with you or more formal outfits.
This method works by wrapping clothes to form a bundle and packing this as one. It is great for reducing creasing but will require you to unpack all at once so isn’t great if you are traveling to multiple locations.
Wear Bulky Items
If you are traveling in Winter, or are traveling through different seasons it is a good idea to wear your bulkiest items on the plane. For instance when we travel in Winter I always wear my largest boots i.e. knee length boots and my coat to get on the plane as this will save space in your case.
Use Shoes as Storage
Shoes are well known for taking up lots of room in your case but there is no reason they can’t double up as storage. We always pack our shoes especially larger shoes like books with other items like socks and underwear.
So there you have our top travel packing tips and hacks. If you have a tip or hack we haven’t included we would love for you to let us know your trick in the comment below!