Packing Like A Pro

You know what its like - you’re about to travel for the holidays but you’re standing in front of your closet staring into it and wondering what on earth to bring, and how you’re going to fit it all into one suitcase! Well this is the blog for you!

I’ve just come back from a six week trip overseas. Because I had to leave quickly, and had limited space, packing well was important. Not only was I going to the changeable weather of a New Zealand Spring, I had to pack for a range of occasions from lazing around home to a funeral. But a few basic principles made my life simple. 

So I thought I’d share them with you!

Think about outfits not separate pieces

Make sure every item you’re taking works with multiple other items so you can mix and match. For a six-week trip, I took three pairs of different color pants and 5 basic tees that would work with any of the pants, then two colored long cardigans and three jackets. Layering is better than bringing bulky items. You’ll find that packing light is so much easier when you stick to a limited color palette. I only took denim, black, white, and gray items and chose khaki green as my color to contrast.  Highly patterned or colorful items might be your favorite things in the world, but they usually are less versatile. Instead, take a patterned scarf or some jewelry to create a new outfit or to glam up an everyday one if you’re going out. A dressy jacket can be a key piece to add sophistication to many different casual outfits.

Limit yourself to only a few pairs of shoes that work with most outfits

Even though I love a fancy pair of heels, I knew I would hardly wear them and so I opted for a heeled bootie instead that I could also wear casually. Then a pair of running shoes for walking, working out and those round-the-house days, and two pairs of comfortable casual flats. And on that note - don’t bring anything cute but uncomfortable, or clothing that needs dry-cleaning. You don’t have time for sore feet, going home to change or being without clothes when you have packed light. You can always do laundry but the last thing you need is to pay for an extra bag that you need to lug around an airport. Better to pack smarter

Pack like a Pro!

Roll items in your suitcase to minimize wrinkles and save space. Put shoes in a plastic bag so they don’t make your clothes dirty. Pack dressy jackets last so they can go on top and crinkle less. Although I like to keep my smalls separate, if you’re in a pinch for space you know they can fit onto your shoes! I always pack a spare plastic bag for any dirty laundry that needs to be packed when I’m heading home. I also tape up any toiletries with a lid that might open during the flight. Check if your accommodation has items like a hair dryer. Or, if you’re staying with family, ask if they have a spare one they can borrow while you’re there. No use taking anything you won’t need - that’s precious real estate gone to waste! Don’t forget chargers. If you’re traveling overseas make sure you have an international adapter too.

Carry-On Tips

Bring along a plastic bag with your passport, a pen, and your itinerary(unless you have  it on your phone which is even better). Being able to pull out a single Ziploc at check-in and immigration is so much less stressful than having to tip out the contents your bag each time. If you’re on a long haul flight bring a small toilet bag including personal care items. IO always carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hand cream, hand sanitizer, a change of face-mask, wet wipes and a fresh pair of underwear. You won’t feel like a million bucks after a long flight but these will certainly help you feel better! Freshen up about an hour before your flight lands before the descent starts in the bathroom lines begin. Before your flight make sure you download books onto your electronic device. Not taking heavy physical books saves tons of room and lots of weight. I traveled home from New Zealand over 40 hours carrying just my handbag which held my toilet bag, plastic document bag, a refillable water bottle, my laptop and my phone.

Just a few tips but I KNOW they’ll make packing for your trip and choosing what to wear when you get there so much simpler!