Packing Light made easy… avoid pre travel packing anxieties
Last year at The Aspiration Group we saw more and more of our clients travelling with carry-on bags. This trend has mainly been contributed by flight schedule or route changes, baggage losses and the hike in prices which means low-cost carriers or travel without a checked bag was the more economic version. Carry-on is mainly suitable for short breaks whether for business or pleasure. If you it try once, you will realise how liberating it can be not having to trawl around with lots of big cases for even a 3-day trip which may have multiple destinations involved too.
With this said the prospect of trying to pack into a small carry-on bag for your trip can seem like a mammoth task, or for some even enough to get the anxiety level alarm bells ringing (I personally know a few people like this) This is why we have decided to share this with you and to avoid pre travel packing anxieties. To help with any future travel plans you may have, where the option of taking a carry-on bag is more price competitive or a quick way to get to your destination by avoiding baggage claims or connections if traveling via another airport. Be brave and try it out and see how it works for you.
We have a few steps for a packing system to helps save space and cut back on weight in such a way that you don’t need to worry about wearing the same underwear twice. This applies for carry-on bags, but a similar method could be applied to packing light and not having to carry unnecessary items with you and having the confidence that you do not need pay excess baggage fees for the endless number of shoes you will probably not wear, or multiple hair products that is not needed.
Get a versatile carry-on case that could also be expandable if needed and you may want to check your bag in in the event you got carried shopping whilst away in your destination. Also, ensure the suitcase weight is also light, we often make the mistake of getting cases that look good and when empty feel light but then realise the wheels and the frame are almost 5 to 7KG. Bag sizes vary but on average are approximately 55x40x25 cm.
Next buy compression bag tubes if you haven’t got some already. They are great at saving space and keeping you organised. Especially on short trips and if it’s a business trip, you end up saving lots of time as everything is where it’s meant to be with easy access.
Make a list. This will get you focused and eliminate any unwanted items. You must be ruthless!
Clothes and shoes; focus on lightweight but multi-functional items. Keep the colour palate simple and matching allowing for functionality. Try to only take one max two pairs of shoes which are multipurpose.
Health & Beauty; small bottles for essential items. Remember you are only going for a few days and your destination is likely to sell toiletries in the local shop or your hotel will have amenities.
List Example
Tips on packing light:
Get a smaller suitcase than the one you usually use
Must have a packing list (once you are confident you will know what works for you when packing light) Categorise as follows and remember keep everything to small sizes or to a minimum by asking yourself “do I need it?”
Use compression bags to organise your suitcase and save space
Try not pack thick and bulky clothes and where possible try to wear them on the journey. Use multifunctional clothes with fabrics that are breathable and require minimum effort once unpacked. As well as staying colour coordinated allows to mix and match easier
Pack maximum two pairs of shoes. You will be wearing one pair anyway so try to pack. Smart casual (can be worn with smart clothes when going out) casual and sports wear
Use lightweight beauty organisers and where possible make sure they are waterproof so if a leakage does occur, your clothes will not get wet
Take miniature versions of your essential toiletries or purchase them once at your destination
Invest in an iPad or a tablet of some sort. These are great for travelling, you can load your emails to them so no need to carry the laptop, can also load books or magazines so no need to carry bulky books and can also load your favourite TV shows too
If you have medication or vitamins take only what you need for the duration of your travel. Buy a daily tablet organiser, they are lightweight and compact
No need to take your full-sized perfume with you, you can also buy the small travel refillable containers. They are great for handbags too
Check where you are staying has a hair drier and the power output of it (most places these days have good hairdryers in the rooms) no need to carry your bulky one if that is the case
May seem obvious but as reminder, nevertheless, take headphones not bulky headsets
While you have the compression bags for some items, things like jeans/trousers, light jackets can be rolled and that too will save a lot of space
These are just some ideas we hope will help you next time you travel. Like anything, when you do not have clutter around you will feel lighter, liberated, and less dragged down. Enjoy your trip!
