Packing your suitcase or carry-on is similar to building a capsule wardrobe for a few days or weeks. It needs to be functional, versatile and, most importantly, stress free. I use a few techniques to pack light and still find plenty of outfits to wear on the go, that have proven to work really well over the years. With pandemic-related restriction in place and airline luggage allowance getting smaller and smaller, it’s important to pack your suitcase efficiently to avoid panic buying on location.
If you often run out of potential outfits during your holidays and end up having to buy things unexpectedly, this article will definitely help you. I like to have a rough plan of what I’m going to wear in advance, and keep it easily accessible on my phone. Wardrobe digitalisation apps like Save Your Wardrobe can come in handy to do so. I won’t delve too much into this here, as I’ve already covered this topic extensively in my Slow Fashion Weekly newsletter.
You probably saw this coming, but packing in a hurry is never a good idea. You may need time to plan, clean clothes beforehand and make sure that everything you are bringing with you to your destination is going to be worn. I would start thinking about it a week before your departure date, and spend 30 to 45 minutes on this task to do it properly and not forget anything.
Choosing the right suitcase
How to pick a new suitcase
There are very cheap options out there, but price shouldn’t be a criteria when buying a new suitcase. A good, well-made, suitcase should be on the expensive side as it will last you many years. I recently retired a Kipling suitcase I owned since 2005!
Choose a standing suitcase with 4 wheels that can roll next to you rather than a bag you have to drag or carry over your shoulder. I prefer a soft shell because it’s lighter. I also avoid suitcases with built-in compartments because it reduces the space available. My suitcases come from Samsonite and Bric’s, which are really good brands I recommend checking out.
Packing your suitcase efficiently step by step
How to create a capsule wardrobe to wear on the go?
The secret to packing well is simple. You have to bring outfits rather than a disorderly list of random clothes that reads like 3 bottoms, 2 tops, 1 dress, etc. Start by thinking about the activities you’re going to take part in each day, the future weather, unexpected events that may occur and how much walking will be required during your upcoming trip. Don’t forget to take downtime activities into consideration as well.
Then select a few pieces you absolutely want to bring with you for some reason. It can be a new jacket you just thrifted, a gorgeous jumper you can’t live without or that top that goes with everything. Once you have them, imagine outfits featuring these items with other pieces from your wardrobe. You can plan a daytime outfit and an evening outfit for each day in order to have a good amount of options.
Create a packing checklist and calendar
Write down the full outfits you plan on wearing each day in your calendar. This will make it easier to visualise how you can mix and match items you’re packing as well as re-wear the same outfits several times but a few days apart. As a general rule, if one piece of clothing doesn’t go with at least a few others you plan on bringing, leave it at home.
Take time to try everything beforehand to make sure clothes fit and are in good condition. Once your calendar is filled out with outfit ideas, add some useful extras. Such as: pyjamas, a versatile workout gear, a loungewear set and comfy socks for when you’re chilling in your hotel room. I also always pack a swimsuit , no matter the season or destination, because we never know… 😉
How to pack avoiding wrinkles and creases
Roll or fold?
Woven fabrics like cotton or linen are more prone to wrinkling. However, there are also lighter and take less space than denim for example. Rolling your lightweight blouses and t-shirts, and storing them tightly next to each other, can help avoid wrinkles.
A small steamer like the one I have or a mini travel iron to use on the go can prevent wardrobe emergencies. Some hotels and Airbnb’s have steamers and irons on loan as well. It’s worth enquiring if you tend to wear a lot of items that crease easily.
Suitcase space optimisation : tips and tricks
How to pack smartly to save space
Pack shoes and heavy, cumbersome, items first and place them at the bottom near the suitcase wheels. I like to use an individual cloth bag with drawstring for each pair of shoes to keep things clean and neat. This space optimisation hack also helps your suitcase stay stable when standing upright and stops other items from getting squashed, especially cosmetic bags and loose beauty products.
Packing cubes, dividers and ziploc bags
You can use individual bags to keep undies, socks, shoes, loose items like chargers and film rolls away from the rest of your clothes. I like to pack two empty tote bags as well. One is to store dirty laundry and the other one is to keep souvenirs and gifts I’ll buy on location.
Clothes are either folded or rolled in two neat piles. Trousers and jumpers are at the bottom, then dresses, followed by skirts and shorts. Tops, shirts and jackets are usually at the top. Cosmetic bags, jewellery boxes and other fragile items are tucked in between the piles.
You can use packing cubes to separate different type of clothes, if you have several stops in your holidays or will be very mobile and don’t want to unpack everything at once. For example, week 1 outfits in a cube, and week 2 outfits in another.
Which shoes, bags, hats and accessories to bring on holiday?
In summer, I would recommend bringing small and light accessories such as flat sandals instead of heeled ones. Fine jewellery, vintage hats and sunnies are great accessories too. A silk scarf can double as a top, headband and belt as would be perfect if you don’t have a lot of space in your suitcase. Pick versatile shoes that can be worn during daytime and evening, and fit the type of trip you’re going to. I personally like to bring a pair of white or black canvas trainers or high tops.
Packing cosmetics safely
In this department I follow what most professional makeup artists do and pack all my products in clear cosmetic pouches. I bought a set of 3 transparent bags years ago, which are ideal in my opinion. It helps keep skincare and makeup separate from the rest and avoid spillage. You can also store each product individually in reusable sandwich bags if you’re worried about it.
Unpacking your suitcase
How to make the most of your tiny, temporary, wardrobe
On location, unpack everything and store your clothes as neatly as possible, using hangers for jackets and dresses. This is the best way to actually wear everything you brought with you. The calendar will help you keep track of what to wear everyday and get dressed as quickly as possible in the morning. Your holiday time is precious, so we better save as much of it as possible for sightseeing and relaxing.
