Packing used to be a stressful exercise for me, involving multiple lists, days beforehand spent panicking, sitting on my suitcase to shut it and stressing about how much it would weigh at airport security. But practice makes perfect as they say, and given that I go on quite frequent business trips at the moment, I've had to hone my craft. These days I've pretty much got stress-free packing down pat, so as I pack for a road trip across Ireland today, I thought I would share with you a few tips that I've learned.
Make a list and re-use it
I have a standard packing list of all the basics that I'll need on every trip, which I keep in the Notes section of my phone, using the checkbox feature to tick things off when they're packed. When it's time to plan for another trip, I simply copy and paste the note from the previous trip and I know I've got all the basics covered and won't forget anything vital. A few must-haves for your list which you may otherwise forget: travel adaptor, plug and charger cables (I like this IKEA multi-cable charger), painkillers and other medication, Bluetooth speaker and headphones, eye mask and earplugs. Also include on your list things to do before you leave the house, such as water plants, turn appliances off at the wall, download podcasts/TV shows for the journey and in my case, put on the cat cam to keep an eye on my girl while I'm away...
Plan your outfits
Ever been on holiday and ended up not wearing half of the clothes you brought with you? It may sound slightly OCD but planning out all your outfits beforehand ensures that doesn't happen. Just make sure you account for both days and evenings, then add in an extra tee, a cashmere or wool scarf and some cosy socks (planes can be freezing!) Include which bags, shoes, jewellery and accessories you'll want for each outfit to ensure you don't forget those either.
Stock up on beauty minis
By this, I don't mean buy the empty mini plastic bottles in Boots to fill up: they're often quite expensive considering they don't contain any product, and you'll end up getting confused about what contains what. Instead, buy (or forage from hotels) mini shampoos, conditioners and shower gels - just make sure that you only take them if they've got a lid that can be easily removed and re-filled. You can usually pick up mini toothpastes for free from your dentist, while department stores will always hand out free perfume samples (just ask at the fragrance desk). As for your skincare and make-up, I find that getting a beauty advent calendar once a year gives me plenty of mini reusable pots for moisturisers, cleansers, etc. Another idea is to save up your beauty splurge until somewhere like Space NK, Feel Unique or M&S are offering a free beauty box with a purchase of over x amount, as these will always contain a plethora of travel-sized products. Also make sure you always add free samples to your online order (most beauty stores offer these with a spend of over £30 or sometimes £50), as test sachets make for perfect travel companions, especially if you're going hand-luggage only (anyone else always struggle to fit all their beauty products in those tiny plastic bags...?)
Bring extra fabric bags
One for dirty laundry, one for each pair of shoes (they may be clean now but you don't want to be putting them back alongside your clothes covered in mud...), and one or two for any shopping trips.
The practical stuff
It's not so much a packing tip, but will definitely reduce your pre-holiday stress: get a credit card which doesn't have any fees to take money out abroad; my Halifax Clarity card means I never have to worry about cashing out loads of local currency. Also, note down the emergency services numbers for the country/countries you are visiting.
Think space saving
For someone who doesn't naturally travel light, I've managed to get my luggage down to a cabin-sized bag for up to 5 days, alongside a small handbag. A few tips: roll up your t-shirts/dresses, stuff your socks inside your shoes, wear your most bulky item on the journey (e.g. knitwear and/or coat), go for lightweight outerwear if you can (I like this raincoat which folds up into a small bag), and don't take any full-sized cosmetics or perfumes; you won't believe how many people I see pack a huge deodorant or 100ml bottle of perfume... You're not going to need that much and you can always find minis at the airport if you're stuck.
Invest in a good suitcase
I say invest, but stylish suitcases don't have to cost the earth. I love my new Made.com grey & copper suitcases*, which come with multiple inner pockets, inbuilt locks and, most importantly, four super-mobile wheels which make wheeling them around a breeze (not sponsored, just good!) - and are very reasonably priced. Plus it's easy to spot on the carousel, saving you precious time in the airport which you could be spending relaxing on your holiday.
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