The Art of Packing Light
The Art of Packing Light
August 17, 2015By First For Women
Packing for a trip (whether for two weeks or two days) can be daunting, especially when there’s a weight limit involved.
Because so many of us have faced this challenge at one time or another we’ve gathered a few tips that might help you pack light without compromising the art of looking fabulous!
If you have any tips that you would add to this list, don’t hesitate to share!
A little research goes a looooong way!
We cannot stress this enough – if you check out what’s available to do in the area that you’re visiting and what the weather will be like, it will become clear whether takkies, boots, or stilettos are more appropriate.
Love the Layers!
Packing a few lightweight layers will save you heaps of space! That way you can start off a chilly morning warmly dressed and as the day heats up, remove the layers. We call it: refreshing your look.
The List.
Lists are an extremely practical way to prevent over-packing as you won’t be tempted to throw in items that you definitely won’t use. Lists are also handy for insurance purposes. Did you know that the more valuable items can be specified on your portable possessions policy? This way if anything disastrous happens, claiming will be hassle-free. What we love about 1st for Women’s Portable Possessions Insurance is that it gives you world-wide cover and more peace of mind than relying on airport insurance.
Mini is IN!
Bigger is not always better – especially when it comes to packing your toiletries. Don’t you just love buying the mini versions of your shampoo and conditioner? Dischem has a travel section with mini bottles of hair care products, shaving foam, etc. and Dermalogica has a wonderful travel range! It’s more than just an excuse to go shopping - it’s a practical way to save space and weight.
Buy when you’re there.
As if we needed a better reason to do some holiday shopping? Instead of hastily shoving a lot of ‘what-ifs’ into your bag, do the best that you can and realise that if it’s a hassle to have left it behind, it can be bought when you arrive.
Colour Schemes.
This doesn’t have to be limiting, in fact it can be quite freeing to pack according to a colour scheme. You can mix and match and produce numerous outfits from only a few pieces, which is particularly helpful when packing according to weight restrictions.
Let’s get ROLLING!
Bigger, bulky pieces can be rolled to save space, although I certainly don’t suggest this for your smaller, more lightweight items - these will only end up getting creased. Think of it like rolling your socks – it saves space in your cupboard, so why wouldn’t it work for your luggage?
A little Soap!
These take up so little space that they’re totally worth it, so pack a few washing detergent sachets. Being able to hand wash a few items gives you the flexibility to re-wear items. Whilst we’re on this subject, remember that darks don’t show dirt that easily, and that woollen items dry a lot quicker than other materials.
And finally…
Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Rushing leads to nothing more than over-packing and forgetting items that would have made more sense than a shirt that can’t be worn with anything other than one other pair of shoes.
