Your Ultimate Guide For Holiday Packing – Done Right

Holidays are great! Whether you’re on a vacation or a staycation, there’s nothing better than taking time out of your usual day-to-day schedule to relax.

Undoubtedly, the lead up to this trip would have caused some unnecessary stress at times. Don’t worry, we’re here to remind you that packing should NOT be one of these stresses.

Are you guilty of overpacking? Do you leave your packing to the night before you go away? Or do you just want a few hacks up your sleeve to impress your family and friends?

Well, no matter the reason, here are a few tips that will help you bring your A game to your packing.

1. Heavier items to the bottom

The first rule of packing to ensure a smooth sailing experience is to always put your heavier items to the bottom of your luggage. Whether this is footwear, jeans or jackets, they should be the first things you pack into your suitcase.

From here, you can start adding your smaller items on top, giving you much more room and saving them from being crushed at the bottom of your luggage. You wouldn’t want your favourite top to get ruined by your pair of chunky sandals!

2. The three-by-three method

If you’re short on space in your suitcase or only bringing carry-on luggage, then the three-by-three method could save you from overpacking.

Essentially this method involves only packing three tops, three bottoms/dresses and three pairs of shoes and mixing and matching your fits throughout the holiday.

This is a great way to ensure you still have space in your suitcase for the rest of your bits and bobs as well as being able to wear something different every day! If you’re travelling for a little longer or do have a little bit more room, you can always extend this method to four by four or five by five.

@ayeshayeshbaby6 part 2 of the 333 method which has been a life saver for me when im traveling. i can come up with tons of outfit ideas and not overpack! #capsulewardrobe #traveloutfit #styletips ♬ original sound – Ayesha

3. Plastic bags

One of the best ways to organise your packing is to divide everything up into smaller sections and then pop them into plastic bags. If you’ve ordered any outfits online which have arrived in re-sealable bags, then these are great to use. Use one bag for bottoms, tops, underwear and so on…

This won’t only help to keep everything tidy, but you will also know where absolutely everything is. It’s also a great way to get use out of these bags rather than throwing them away!

4. Roll-it-up

If you’re not a big fan of using plastic bags, then do not worry, rolling your clothes instead of folding them leaves you with lots of suitcase space! This is great for last minute packers who don’t have a lot of time to divide all their items into sections but need some extra luggage room.

The best way to do this method is to roll all your heavier clothes (for example, jeans, jumpers and sweatshirts) and pop them at the bottom of your suitcase. From here you can start rolling any smaller tops and dresses and popping them into any gaps you see. Any remaining pieces you don’t want to roll can then be folded on top.

5. Compression packing cubes

If you’re still looking for the perfect packing method, then this one could be for you! Compression packing cubes are great for fitting a lot of clothes into your suitcase if your tight for room.

Similar to using plastic bags, divide your clothes up into different sections for different cubes to keep everything perfectly organised. This is great for over packers, as the extra compression helps to keep everything tight and secure, leaving you with extra luggage room.

To give you an extra helping hand, we’ve listed two of our favourite cubes here and here. 

@travel_withlexie Compression packing cubes are the way to go 👏🏼✈️ #packingcubes #monosluggage #compressionpackingcubes #traveltips #travelhacks #packwithme #packingtips ♬ original sound – travel w/ lexie 🫶🏼

6. Check airline/ airport security requirements

This is just a small reminder that if you’re flying abroad this summer, check the requirements for your specific airline before you start packing.

Each airline differs, so double check the size regulations for your luggage as well as what is included with your ticket. It could save you a hefty fine!

It’s not just airlines that have different rules and regulations, but also airport security. Always double check the security requirements, especially for liquids you want to bring with you, to ensure nothing gets taken off you.

Words by Nikita Hall