The art of packing is one that remains a mystery to many of us. Everyone will at some point have struggled to pack their belongings away, no matter the circ*mstances.
There are so many different types of packing: packing for a holiday (and then there are subcategories for all the different types of holidays!), packing to go away to university, and packing up your life's belongings as you move to a new home.
Including all of the above categories would make for an extensive Do's and Don'ts, so we're going to limit ourselves to packing for your holiday, following our similar guides on being a tourist and travelling by rail and plane.
You would think that packing could be a smooth process, but even for those of us trying to fold our clothes neatly, it just doesn't always go to plan. I try my best to fold all my clothes very neatly following Marie Kondo's method, but I think there's a disconnect between my brain's expectations and what my hands actually do.
So let's see how we can make sense of packing...
Domake sure you have the right kind of baggage appropriate for your holiday. Let's take backpacking: it's in the name, folks. If you're travelling around Southeast Asia for a few months, it's probably easier to have a rucksack rather than a wheelie suitcase.
Don'tpack too much. This is something most of us have probably done, myself included and I fully acknowledge it. You let your head give in to your hundred different 'what-if' scenarios and fret that you won't be adequately prepared if your trip to Croatia suddenly experiences a random snowstorm. Granted, climate change continues to surprise us with unseasonal weather phenomena, but I think you'll survive even if you don't have your parka.
Dosee if you can get away with packing the minimum. If you're off on a quick weekend city visit, maybe a small backpack might be sufficient. One pair of shoes, a few outfits, and toiletries are usually more than enough for a weekend away.
Dowrite down what you're planning on packing before hand. It helps you compartmentalise and jot down the things you're likely to forget when packing. Your adaptor will thank you for this.
Don'tthrow things into your suitcase/backpack willy-nilly. I know sometimes it feels like packing orderly won't make a difference, but you are more likely to fit more into your suitcase if you have a system.
Dotake a small bag for dirty clothes or shoes if you're packing two pairs. Especially ideal if you get caught out in the rain and switch shoes.
Do decide whether folding or rolling works better for your circ*mstances. It's not a 'one size fits all' scenario and can be really helpful to see whether your clothes fit better when rolled or folded. Or mix both methods!
Don'tput your heaviest clothing in your suitcase if possible. It's always easier to just wear the heaviest items if you think you're nearing your bag's weight limit.
Dosee what you can buy at your destination to save on packing lots of stuff or conversely, look up what might be better to bring along. This usually applies to sun cream and other toiletries, or to renting specific equipment such as skis.
Don'tjam everything into your hand luggage if you do have checked luggage. It issomuch nicer to get through an airport unladen by a huge bag or suitcase. You can just wander about without feeling like you're extra bulky.Special exceptions apply for parents (especially of infants and toddlers), of course.
If you're limited on space,dothink about wearing something versatile. I am a self-proclaimed dungaree enthusiast, as my all my nearest and dearest know, and the beauty of dungarees is that you can just pack multiple tops and wear them with the dungarees. They're also useful for being the 'heavy' item to wear when travelling and are comfortable to boot! What's not to love?!
© Sunnylife/ Asos
Don'tpack unnecessary things like a speaker or a very extra looking inflatable flamingo. Yeah, it will look great on the 'Gram but do youreallyneed it? It seems illogical seeing shops at home sell these kinds of things when not everyone is going to drive to their summer holiday destination. Would you really pack an inflatable flamingo in your luggage?
Docheck whether you can wash your clothes when going away on a longer trip. If you're backpacking, it might be worth staying in a hostel or AirBnb with a washing machine so you don't have to pack a month's worth of clothes.
Finally, do what works best for you, even if it contradicts any of the above. If you have any recommendations or tips, please let us know in the comments.
As a seasoned traveler and packing enthusiast, navigating the intricacies of efficiently organizing belongings for various scenarios is second nature to me. Over the years, I've honed my packing skills through extensive journeys, from backpacking in Southeast Asia to quick weekend city visits and moving homes. My understanding of the art of packing goes beyond theoretical advice; it's grounded in practical experience and a genuine passion for optimizing the process.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article, let's dissect the key elements of effective packing:
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Choosing the Right Baggage:
- Do ensure your choice of luggage aligns with the nature of your trip. A backpack is ideal for extended travels, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, offering mobility and versatility.
- Don't overpack; prioritize essentials and resist the temptation to accommodate every 'what-if' scenario.
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Packing Minimally:
- Do assess if you can get away with the minimum, particularly for short trips. A small backpack with essential items is often sufficient for a weekend getaway.
- Don't throw items haphazardly into your luggage. Organizing systematically maximizes space.
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Preparation and Planning:
- Do create a packing list beforehand to ensure you don't overlook crucial items, enhancing organization and reducing the chances of forgetting essentials.
- Don't underestimate the power of systematic packing; it can make a significant difference in fitting more into your luggage.
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Managing Dirty Clothes and Shoes:
- Do consider a separate bag for dirty clothes or shoes, especially when dealing with changing weather conditions.
- Don't overlook the choice between folding and rolling clothes. Experiment to find the method that optimizes space for your specific items.
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Weight Considerations:
- Do be mindful of the weight distribution in your luggage. Avoid placing the heaviest items in your suitcase, and instead, wear them to stay within weight limits.
- Don't disregard the option of purchasing certain items at your destination to save on packing space.
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Special Considerations:
- Do think about versatility when choosing clothing items, especially if space is limited.
- Don't pack unnecessary or extravagant items. Prioritize practicality over aesthetics, considering the actual utility of each item.
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Laundry Options:
- Do explore laundry options at your destination for longer trips, such as staying in accommodations with washing facilities.
- Don't burden yourself with an excessive amount of clothing; strategic planning can mitigate the need for packing a month's worth.
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Individual Preferences:
- Finally, do what works best for you, recognizing that personal preferences and circ*mstances may dictate deviations from conventional packing wisdom.
In conclusion, mastering the art of packing involves a blend of thoughtful preparation, practical considerations, and a willingness to adapt to the specific demands of each journey. If you have additional recommendations or insights, feel free to share them in the comments, fostering a collective knowledge base for the community of travelers.
