Your guide to the common mistakes to avoid when packing
Whether you are out of practice or feel like you can improve on your packing, here is a list of mistakes that we believe will help make packing for your next trip a breeze.
Image by THE FIFTH COLLECTION : Tweed Jacket Trolley by Chanel , Horizon 55 Eclipse by Louis Vuitton
Do not leave packing to last minute
It can be tempting but life can throw at us all sorts of things before it is time to prep for our trip. Leaving packing to the last minute is not only super stressful but is the best way to make sure that you will either forget something or overpack.
Ideally, make a list way before your trip and make sure you take into account what will be the activities you will be doing while away. Of course, we are talking realistic ones. Deciding that during the trip you will kickstart your wellness journey or reading all the books that have been sitting on your side table for months is not realistic - chances are you are going away to create memories… not pick up on the things you have not done all those months.
Do not pack your closet outliers
It is funny that it is always when packing that you find the pieces that you actually never worn before and therefore think that you should pack them. The key to a successful packing is to only pack what you usually wear. The outliers will still be an outlier when away and, trust us, you are actually better off re-homing this piece. If you have not manage to wear those pieces when at home, chances are you will not do so when away. So that it is clearly a bye-bye piece and not one you want to lug around during your trip.
Do not pack your entire collection of anything
This is important because it is always oh-so-tempting to take all your collection of bags and shoes when away. But again, if you are going to pack things that you are not going to use, they are going to be more trouble than anything else.
I like to pack versatile pieces that I can layer and mix and match easily. And when it comes to my handbags, I always take an easy tote bag and a clutch for when I will be going out. The plus side to my clutch is that it will also be used as a pouch inside my bag to keep together other essentials. I will however pile up on accessories as they can change a look without taking so much place or weight in my suitcase.
When it comes to shoes I try not to pack more than 3 or 4 pairs of them, including the sneakers that I will be wearing as my traveling shoes as well. In the summer time, you can pack an extra cause summer sandals don’t take that much space in the luggage.
Do not forget to pack a laundry bag because chances are wherever you will go, you will be able to do some laundry which means you will be able to pack less.
If traveling with a friend or your family member, make sure you communicate on your packing because you really don’t need to pack the same essentials each. In my case, I coordinate the colour palette of what my family will pack. It might sound slightly OCD but I am quite sure I will be doing the laundry wherever we go and if we all packed same colours then it means less loads of laundry to do. That probably explains my love of white tops and jeans. Finally, keep an eye on the type of fabric you pack because when I say you can do the laundry, I am not including ironing in there.
“I like to pack versatile pieces that I can layer and mix and match easily. And when it comes to my handbags, I always take an easy tote bag and a clutch for when I will be going out. The plus side to my clutch is that it will also be used as a pouch inside my bag to keep together other essentials.”
Decant and Minimise your beauty products
Whether you have an extensive-step beauty regimen or feel like you will finally have more time to up your masking game, please decant your products. Not only will it save you luggage space but I know first-hand that some hotel bathrooms don’t have much space, especially when you are sharing as a family. The lack of space on the bathroom vanity counter is also one of the reasons I upgraded the entire family to this hanging beauty case by Muji. They are the right size and are super practical when you arrive at your destination, especially if you will be hopping from places to places. When it comes to decanting I really swear by the Muji containers as well and I label each of them before packing because chances I will forget what’s in there.
The only thing that I will pack full size is sunscreen.
Choose your luggage wisely
Your choice of luggage will naturally depend on the type of the trip you intend to take. For instance, if you are doing multiple destinations using a rental car, trains etc then your choice of luggage should be made accordingly. Do not forget to check the regulations of each airlines you will be taking as not all luggage regulations are made equal and nothing is less fun than having to repack in the middle of the airport in front of strangers. Or, worse, pay a premium because you did not know that your luggage was too big or too heavy.
Do not forget to take into account your carry-on as well. I personally like them to be roomy as I tend to hold lots of things for other member of the family. I also prefer them to be understated and solid as I want them to go the extra mile. Finally, it should be easily accessible to remove the computers/liquid at airport security.
Leave some space
Always always leave some space on your way out because chances are that you will be bringing back few items with you and nothing is more frustrating than stopping yourself from buying a certain piece because you have overpacked. I actually always pack an extra bag in my suitcase for the just-in-case shopping need. My favourite is the Longchamp Le Pliage Sac de Voyage extensible.
Never Forget
Few things that often get forgotten and should always be on your packing list:
Swimming suits because you never know when a pool or a spa might appear during your trip.
Always pack a shawl - even if you are traveling during the summer season. I actually recommend placing it in your carry on.
Sunglasses because it is not fun having to shop for a new pair when in a rush.
Have a mini first aid kit with the essentials especially if you are traveling with kids.
Finally, pack a re-usable water bottle. Not only is it great for the environment but it means you will stay hydrated and save on expensive water bottles when commuting.
Be smart about your gadgets
How many gadgets do you use on a daily basis and how about when you are traveling? Last time I counted for our family of three, when we are on the road, we have 14 different gadgets that will need to be charged. Of course, chances are they will need to be charged all at the same time and this can cause some frustrations to say the least. Hence make sure that each family member has their own individual pouch with the correct connections they need. Also, pack an extension cord as well. Sounds over the top? Not really. How many times have you found yourself in a place that did not have enough plugs to accommodate all your charging needs. You certainly don’t want to spend your trip coordinating charging time.
And, honestly, while It can be tempting to pack all your gadgets for this trip, don’t. Just like it stands for the fashion outliers in your closet, if you don’t absolutely need them, then don’t take them.
Enjoyed reading the common mistakes above? A few of us in the team are also obsessed about optimising our packing and always happy to share our finds. We also love hearing about yours. So, leave us a comment below.