How To Pack The Perfect Holiday Suitcase

Eliza Scarborough   |   04-06-2017

No matter how precisely you plan your itinerary, the best holidays start with a thoughtfully packed suitcase. However, although most packing always begins with good intentions, somehow it can very easily get out of control, and soon you find yourself with an unedited collection of most items from your wardrobe. While streamlining the process is an art, for certain, it can be mastered with a little forethought.

So, to help you get started with your globe-trotting luggage, we have compiled a simple checklist to follow which will make you a pro when it comes to packing efficiently.

Begin with the Basics

As boring as it may sound, start with the basics when packing, and not just in terms of underwear. Start by laying everything out to make sure you don’t forget anything essential, some basic items such as socks, tights, and nightwear can tend to get pushed to the backs of our minds.

Colour Coding

What is key to a capsule holiday wardrobe is keeping to a colour theme throughout, as this will allow you to mix and match without worrying whether things ‘go’. Start by choosing two or three items that you really love, and then you can build the rest of your clothes around them, making sure that every item in your suitcase complements each other.

Think Outfits

Consider how you’ll be spending your days and make a list of outfits, which will ideally take you from day-to-night. These outfits can of course be mix and matched, depending on your mood and where the days take you. However, ensure you include the wardrobe staples that will see you through your holiday, such as a denim jacket, the ultimate cover-up, flat shoes, and an oversized scarf that you’re likely to make use of no matter where you’re going.

Multipurpose

Pack a couple of blouses and oversized shirts, as they will get plenty of use throughout your stay. They work over jeans or shorts, as well as doubling up as great beach cover-ups. Lightweight and perfect in a hot climate, they also work well as a travel outfit.

Don’t Double Up

There are certain items that you only need one of, such as a pair of jeans, and a coat. Any more is overkill, and you can wear these items to travel in, to save space in your luggage. When it comes to eveningwear, again you need just one statement dress, and this is the time to take out that item that you have been waiting for the perfect occasion to wear.

Keep Organised

Keeping everything organised will be a life-saver, and using a selection of pouches will make packing easier and more ordered. One for underwear, another for swimsuits, and ones for make-up, sun care, hair products, chargers, and adaptors. It keeps everything in their place, not just in the suitcase but in the hotel room too.

Roll, Don’t Fold

Tried-and-tested, rolling saves more space than folding and prevents creasing. Also, you can use your rolled garments to slot in between fragile items, making use of every inch of space in your bag. Shoes and bags should be placed inside dust bags, to keep your packing clean and protected, and when it comes to your summer hat, you are best stuffing it with soft items like T-shirts or underwear. Then lay it flat in the bottom of my suitcase, packing the rest of your wardrobe around it.

Wear Your Jewellery

Avoid any mishaps with lost luggage, by both wearing your most special jewellery, and then packing any of your more valuable items or accessories in your hand luggage. Missing luggage always tends to turn up a couple of days later, but by being prepared you will take away all of the stress, which you won’t be wanting on your first days of holiday.

Turkish Towels

Traditional hammam towels, made from flat-woven cotton rather than heavier, fluffier fibres that waste space, make perfect beach towels, travel blankets and double up as shawls when temperatures drop at night.

First Aid

Stock up on basic medications, as when your body relaxes, it often lets down its defences, and the air circulation on aeroplanes can also often breed germs. Don’t let this ruin your trip, and be prepared by packing cold and flu remedies, together with painkillers. Also, a new environment can upset your sleeping habits, together with jet-lag, so guard against restless nights with This Works ‘Sleep Over’ kit, and a pillow spray, to ensure you get some good rest.

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