Secrets to Stress-Free Packing
Packing for a holiday can often be one of the most stressful parts of travel as we all want to take the best options from our wardrobe so we look and feel fabulous. This can lead to the fear of leaving something essential behind, which can often prompt you into overpacking.
Today I’m giving you my top 7 tips that I followed when I recently went to Melbourne for the annual Professional Organiser conference, these really worked for me and I hope it will help you too!
1. There are two ways you can pack, and this can depend on how long you are travelling for. For shorter trips, you may like to pack an outfit for each day, though of course, this results in more luggage. For longer trips or if you like to travel with carry-on only, a capsule or mix and match wardrobe is a space-effective way to travel.
2. Choose 2 main neutral colours that go well with each, all other items you choose should coordinate with your two main neutrals.
3. Make the majority of the clothes you pack one solid colour. if you are travelling for a longer period of time it makes them less memorable if you need to wear them again.
4. The advantage of choosing mainly plain items is you can pack loads of accessories to jazz up the outfits. Scarves, jewellery, belts and other accessories can completely change an outfit, and see you through a variety of occasions.
5. If you like patterns stick to having them in only one clothing category - tops, bottoms or toppers (cardigans, jackets, coats) You will be able to pull together more outfits from your suitcase this way.
6. Lay out your clothes on your bed before you go. Try the outfits on together. Sometimes things look great in your mind or laid out, but don't always feel right once you put them on. To be absolutely confident I find the exercise of trying each combination on quickly before you pack really works. This also seems to stop the fear that makes you pack all those "just in case" items, that you generally bring home unworn.
7. When it comes time to packing place the heaviest items on the bottom of your suitcase and roll clothes for less crushing and more space (to fit in your accessories and any shopping you may treat yourself to!)
By following these tips I wore every single thing that went into my suitcase. I was covered for 2 days of sightseeing, three days of conference and four evening functions and it all fit into a carry on case (on the way there pre-shopping anyway!).
By limiting your colour scheme, thinking about mixing and matching options for each item you pack and packing accessories to jazz up plain outfits for different occasions you’ll be ready to say yes to a range of outings, confident that you have a fabulous outfit ready, plus you'll spare yourself a stressful packing experience!