How to Pack Light on Your Next Trip

Travelling with an overly full suitcase is a chore and a bore. And it’s no secret that UK airports are tricky to navigate even at the best of times, so you don’t want to be weighed down further by your bags (or stung by baggage fees). 

With some planning and forethought, you can ensure that your next trip goes off without a hitch – or at least without too much extra baggage. 

Here’s how to pack light:

Pack a capsule wardrobe

To keep the weight down, you should opt for a capsule wardrobe, a small collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched together in different ways each day. Choosing these pieces means you don’t have to pack as much on your travels, and you can create multiple outfits centred around just a few key pieces.

Choosing versatile clothes also makes packing easier. Items like jeans, chinos, or black trousers match any occasion because they can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with trainers.

Ask yourself: Will I really need this?

If you’re not sure, leave it at home.

If you’ve got an item in your hand that tempts you to bring it along on the trip, ask yourself why exactly. Then think about whether or not that thing will be useful during your trip. If the answer is no, put the item down and resist temptation.

Prepare a tech survival kit

It’s a good idea to prepare a tech survival kit for your next trip, whether across the country or the world. Doing so will also ensure that you streamline your tech essentials and don’t end up taking every cable or adaptor you own. The kit should include:

• A power bank and extra chargers
• Portable wifi hotspot (if you’re going somewhere with limited internet access)
• Packing a spare phone for emergencies. An extra mobile is handy if you have kids who like to break things!
• Travel adapter because the electricity in other countries is different from what we’re used to at home

Consider buying toiletries when you get to your destination 

There’s really no need to bring shampoo, conditioner, or any other heavy toiletries with you.

You can find these items when you arrive at your destination, and depending on where you’re heading, there might even be able to find better quality products at better prices. By extension, there’s no need to bring them home with you unless you’ve become attached to your new foreign brand.

Bring multi-purpose footwear

In addition to your standard pair of flip-flops (we’re assuming you’re going somewhere sunny!), bring another pair of shoes that can do double duty. Smart trainers, for example, can be dressed down or dressed up. 

Planning a trip is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that it’s not just about packing light but packing smartly. The right clothes and accessories will help you get through your trip without breaking a sweat, and they don’t have to take up much space!