People who know me may find it laughable that I’m giving advice on packing, I am notoriously an over-packer (I take the same size huge case away with me whether it’s for a weekend getaway or 2 week holiday!) In the past, I have taken way too many pairs of shoes and outfit options. Well not anymore! As I write this I’m on the plane to Greece, and for once in my life, I didn’t go over my baggage limit (3kg under to be exact). So what did I do differently this time? I prepared and planned everything, even down to my makeup bag. As I’m off to the Greek islands, it’s a safe bet that it is going to be hot and have a very relaxed vibe. This did majorly help when planning my holiday wardrobe. No adding in extra outfits just to be safe, no need for endless pairs of heels and no need for a tonne of make-up. So here are my ‘packing like a pro’ tips that I have learnt over the years…
1. Plan your outfits
Be organised – if you are going for 7 nights, take 7 outfit options instead of packing 14 just to be safe (we’ve all done it!) Take a number of bikinis and beach outfits you know you will wear during the day and really don’t go overboard on the shorts and skirts and extra tops – chances are you will be laying on a sunbed the majority of the day.
2. Comfort over style
I have learnt in the past that trying to be stylish in tight clothes and ridiculously high heels isn’t fun, it’s uncomfortable. For the airport, wear something that is easy to move in, I tend to go for the ‘sport-luxe’ look, so stylish tracksuit bottoms, a nice top and my Adidas trainers! Simple and relaxed! Equally, on holiday don’t pressure yourself to wear the tightest skirt and highest heels – as I’ve got older I have opted for flowy maxi dresses, a nice pair of white jeans with an off the shoulder top and a I always pack a good old LBD for a special night out!
3. Less is more
This is definitely something I struggle with. Who else has packed their whole entire makeup bag, practically your whole bathroom of beauty products, hair straighter, curlers, your jewellery box, shoe closet, the lot! I am definitely guilty of this. So instead, I now take two or three pieces of minimal jewellery that I know will go with most of my outfits, a small selection of makeup products – usually a tinted moisturizer, bb cream, lipstick and powder. And I have also limited myself to one pair of wedges, a pair of heels, a pair of flats and my trainers for the gym!
4. Multi use items
This is a great tip! If you bring a white pair of jeans for the evening, you know you can wear two different tops and the outfit will look different. I find the same with dresses, I have a black maxi dress that I can make look really casual for the day, but I can also dress it up in the evening with a pair of heels, a denim ripped shirt over the top and tied up and a nice handbag. Be clever with your outfits and definitely multi use items.
5. Go mini
This is referring to toiletries. The heaviest thing in my suitcase is always my toiletry bag. Most stores now do ‘mini’ bottles of everything. So search around your local store and try to buy mini items – I tend to get a mini toothpaste, deodorant, dry shampoo, bodywash and moisuriser – it saves SO much space.
6. Weigh don’t pay
I have made the mistake in the past of not weighing my suitcase and just hoping for the best – and then I get stroppy when I have to pay an extra £10 for each kilo I am over. It is SO frustrating. But, there are ways to prevent this. Buy a special weighing scale for your suitcase and check the weight beforehand. Take things out that you don’t need and make sure you are under so you don’t get caught out at the airport – it doesn’t put you in the best of moods before a nice trip away!
Once you have packed like a pro – go and relax, unwind and enjoy your holiday!
Olivia x