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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how on earth people pack light?!

412 replies

NeedSomeAnswersPlease · 11/08/2024 17:44

Travelling to the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix in ten days or so

We (stupidly) booked to travel hand luggage only and I just don't understand how it's possible! The amount of things you need, I'll be due on my period that weekend too so need to take extra bits for that as well. I know everyone's answer will be "just take less clothes" but it all seems to accumulate - shorts, t-shirts, a dress or two for if we want to go out in the evening, it's not possible!😩

OP posts:
BeatsAntique · 11/08/2024 17:55

Compression packing cubes and rolling your garments instead of folding. I travel a lot and if I’m going for < 5 days I only ever take a backpack.

I pack mostly dresses, because they take up less space. Wear your bulkiest items, e.g jeans and any over-layers. Bare minimum toiletries, cleanser, moisturizer, decant your shampoo/conditioner into 100ml travel bottles. I have a Mooncup so only need to pack that, if you’re willing to try a change.

IncessantNameChanger · 11/08/2024 17:54

I'm packing light for two weeks in the UK, but not just hand luggage. You need to ask my teen! He has no issues packing just hand luggage for a,week. He wears a sweater, hoody and coat on the plain. He never dresses for the season ( never wears shorts, never swims) couple of tshirts, two joggers, undies, one set of pjs and washes at his friends house I guess.

My only tip is wear all your heavy layers and take a carrier bag of a duty free shop. I went to Dublin for a week with my son, under seat hand luggage and 10kg case. I put stuff I the duty free bag.

TheChosenTwo · 11/08/2024 17:53

depends on what carry on looks like - a small case for 2 days no problem. If it’s one of those tiny laptop sized bags then no chance and I’d have booked check in hold luggage from the start.
I don’t even overpack as such it’s just that I have a lot of things that need charging 😂 and the plugs and cables etc take up so much bloody space!

Emotionalsupporthamster · 11/08/2024 17:52

I can easy fit enough for a week in a normal sized carry on suitcase. Are you just going for the race weekend? The trick is the shoes. One pair of lightweight flats/sandals in the bag only.

BarbaraWoodlouse · 11/08/2024 17:52

Compression cubes definitely help although remember there is often a weight limit as well as a size limit. I think shoes are key - travel in the bulky, walking pair and then ideally only one other pair for evenings.

Madamecholetsbonnet · 11/08/2024 17:51

How long are you going for?

DeeDeesfabulouswardrobe · 11/08/2024 17:50

I find it impossible to travel ‘light’ I think if you are ‘low maintenance’ it’s much easier but if you want to take hairdryers, straightners, a choice of shoes, a dressing gown and slippers it’s really hard, clothes are the easy part, it’s the other paraphernalia that’s a nightmare.

Helpfullright · 11/08/2024 17:50

As a serial over packer who then travelled for work and had 2 kids, packing cubes will change your LIFE!!! I can get 4 of us in 2 cases for a fortnight!

ScrummyDiva2 · 11/08/2024 17:49

Order all toiletries to pick up at airport and assume that you're leaving them behind- so don't be fussy! Just order essentials, small pack sizes and maybe not your usual more pricey brands!
Travel in your bulkiest clothes/shoes.
Choose a colour theme- say three colours that all mix and match.
Compression cubes!

MoveToParis · 11/08/2024 17:48

Do you mean the 10kg EasyJet Cary in only?

namechangedforthisposttt · 11/08/2024 17:45

Nightmare isn't it ! I always always overpack, but I also like to have a choice as I don't always feel comfortable in a planned outfit...
do roll though, you'll get loads more in !

AssassinsEyebrow · 11/08/2024 17:44

No idea. If you figure it out, let me know.

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