How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Pro

“[one] who would travel happily must travel light” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

So, you’ve been patiently waiting for weeks, months, maybe even years and the time has finally come - you’re going on holiday. Despite all the planning and anticipation, you still find yourself scrambling to get ready and pack. You’re busy at work and with your family, and packing is the last thing on your mind.

But as the days tick down, you realise you can't put it off any longer. You throw some clothes into a bag and hope for the best.

It's not the ideal way to start a holiday, but it's all too common. People underestimate how much time it takes to pack, and then they're left scrambling at the last minute. It's a stressful way to start a trip, but sometimes there's just no avoiding it. Or is there?

When it comes to packing for your next holiday, it's all about prioritising and travelling light. After all, you don't want to be lugging around a heavy suitcase when you could be out exploring and having adventures.

1. Do travel light

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when packing for a holiday is overpacking. Not only will this make lugging your suitcase around a lot more difficult, but it will also increase the chances of losing or misplacing items. So, pare down your packing list to the essentials and travel light for a hassle-free holiday.

2. Do be efficient

Another key to packing for a holiday is to be efficient. This means packing smartly and using every inch of space in your suitcase. One way to do this is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, which will help save space and prevent wrinkles. You can also use packing cubes or packing paper to keep everything organised and in its place.

3. Do pack your carry-on wisely

If you're bringing a carry-on bag, be sure to pack it wisely. This means packing items that you may need during the flight, such as a scarf or sweater, in addition to your essentials. And, if possible, try to avoid packing items that are heavy or bulky, as this will make carrying your bag around a lot more difficult.

4. Do label everything

When packing for a holiday, be sure to label everything. This includes your suitcase, your carry-on bag, and all of your individual items. This will help to ensure that everything makes it to your final destination, and will also help you keep track of your belongings if they happen to get lost along the way.

5. Do plan ahead

Finally, one of the most important things to do when packing for a holiday is to plan ahead. This means starting to pack a few days in advance so that you're not scrambling at the last minute. It also means making a packing list and sticking to it, so that you don't forget anything important. By following these simple tips, you can make packing for your holiday a breeze.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to travel light and make the most of your next holiday.

1. Don't be disorganised

Packing for a holiday can be a stressful experience, especially if you're the type of person who tends to be disorganised. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack and that you know exactly what you need to take with you. A good way to do this is to make a list of everything you need to pack, and then tick it off as you go.

2. Don't forget to pack for the weather

One of the most important things to consider when packing for a holiday is the weather. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the climate you'll be visiting. There's nothing worse than being stuck in a summer holiday wearing only shorts and t-shirts when it's unexpectedly cold.

3. Don't pack illegal items

This should go without saying, but make sure you don't pack any illegal items in your luggage. This includes things like drugs, weapons and anything else that could get you into trouble with the law.

4. Don't forget your passport

This is probably the most important thing to remember when packing for a holiday. Make sure your passport is up to date and that you have all the necessary visas for your destination.

5. Don't overpack

Try to avoid packing too much stuff, as this can be a hassle when you're trying to get around. Only pack what you think you'll need and you should be fine.

1. Skip the Plastic Bags

We all know the feeling of packing for a trip. You're trying to fit everything into your suitcase, and then you remember you need to pack your shoes. More often than not, they’re dirty. And we don’t want to put our dirty shoes in with our clean clothes. But what's the best way to pack them?

If you're like most people, you probably just stuff them into a plastic bag and hope for the best. But plastic bags are not environmentally friendly and they can actually damage your shoes.

A better option is to keep your shoes in scrap packing paper. This will protect your shoes from getting scuffed or dirty, and it will also help to keep your suitcase organised. Plus, it's a lot more eco-friendly than using a plastic bag.

Just stuff your dirty shoes in packing paper before packing them into your suitcase. It’s that easy. The paper will absorb any dirt or moisture from your shoes, keeping them away from your clothes. And you can even reuse the paper when you unpack.

So next time you’re packing for a trip, skip the plastic bags and go for the packing paper. Your clothes will thank you.

2. Upcycle your Holiday Wardrobe

We all want to look our best on holiday, but sometimes we can get caught up in spending too much money on a new wardrobe. If you're looking to save money and be more eco conscious, there are some great ways to upcycle your existing clothes or buy second-hand items.

One way to cut down on holiday spending is to plan a capsule wardrobe. This means choosing a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. A capsule wardrobe is perfect for those who want to travel light and only pack a few items.

If you're looking for some new pieces to add to your capsule wardrobe, consider shopping second-hand.

Another great way to save money and be more eco-friendly is to upcycle your existing clothes. If you have clothes that you don't wear anymore, try repurposing them into something new. For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a cute summer dress or cut up an old pair of jeans to make shorts.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to upcycling clothes. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own clothes using fabric scraps or old clothes that you don't wear anymore.

So, next time you're planning a holiday, don't break the bank on a new wardrobe. Instead, try shopping second-hand, upcycling your clothes, or planning a capsule wardrobe. You'll save money and help the environment in the process.

3. Go for Zero Waste Toiletries

When packing your bag for a trip, it can be tempting to throw in all of your favourite toiletries. However, going with packaging free toiletries could save you a lot of space.

From shampoo and conditioner to soap and sunscreen, there are now plastic free versions of just about every type of product you could need on holiday. These products are often just as good as their conventional counterparts, but they’re much better for the environment. So, if you’re looking to be more eco friendly this holiday season, be sure to pack some lightweight, zero waste products.

Remember, “‘Just in case’ is the curse of packing” – Alexandra Potter