Travel packing nightmare

[pocketvenuss]

I can't be the only person who is rubbish at packing for travel. I don't know how people travel light. I panic pack and gather clothes like a squirrel gathering nuts and then try to squash it all in. I start dragging out clothes I never wear in some delusion that I'm going to definitely need them on this trip. I triple up on things in case the one thing is dirty when I need it and maybe the second one will shrink irreparably in the wash so I need at least 3 of it. I can never figure out what I wore at home in the season I'm travelling to as it's the opposite of the weather at home now. I take too many shoes. I take 12 t-shirts because they are all slightly different cuts. My lotions and lotions and electrical stuff and hair stuff and makeup and first aid and medicines take up an entire suitcase.
Help me.

I absolutely hate packing! I am terrible at it too. I have no idea what I will need- and end up with random stuff I've not worn for years to have to make outfits with.
With you on this!

I’m actually quite good at this - I once went on a weeks holiday with my two boys with just one suitcase between us!
It does really depend on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing whilst you’re there.

Don't panic pack. Pack about a week before. Make a list.

but actually, do you really need to pack light? If you have the suitcase space, are happy and able to carry take everything. Why travel light if there is no need?

Otherwise Start with 3 bottoms , three tops (or 3 dresses) 2 jumpers that go with everything already in, one warmer item (eg coat or warmer jumper), one swimming costume if travelling or 2-3 if beach type holiday, one pair of flip flops, one pair of everyday shoes and one waterproof (depending on location)

Anything else has to justify why you couldn't have worn something already in the case. So you might include a fancy outfit and shoes for evenings out or a beach cover up.

But again We have travelled light this way because there has been need (limited physical ability to carry heavy bags, want to travel hand luggage only etc). You shouldn't feel you ought to travel light if you don't need to travel light. Pack what you want and enjoy.

Are you trying to pack for a specific trip? If so, where and when? Packing cubes and travel wash are essential.

What sort of trip is it? What will you be doing? Can you select an "outfit" for each day?

I'm a great packer. I've never used travel cubes?! What are they??

You need a decent list.

You start with the items you need for every trip. Chargers, kindle, toiletries and make up, hair stuff etc. This list always stays the same.

Then you plan outfits day by day. This will depend on type of holiday obviously. I include shoes and jackets in this list.

Selection of beach stuff if relevant. You don’t need new stuff every day. Underwear. Gym kits.

I separately list what will go in hand luggage and what I will wear to travel in.

Depending on the trip I might add in a couple of extra t shirts and some extra underwear. Nothing more.

I sometimes start the list a few weeks before and add to it as I think of stuff. Means that when I come to pack (only ever the day/night before) it never takes long because I don’t need to think about anything.

Why travel light if there is no need?

This also a great point. I got sick of trying to do hand luggage only, especially the mini toiletries stuff and making do with two pairs of shoes.

If you travel a
Lot or more than few times a year get a toiletry bag and fill it with the essentials then it stays in suitcase till next holiday. Replace any that need replacing obvs.
Same with make up. Small bag of essentials. A decent pallet with choices. A few eyeliners. A waterproof mascara and a small fountain and concealer. I dont bother with other bits

Clothes. Choose the tops you want and match outfits around them.
Jeans can matched to many tops so wear twice. Or shorts if hot destination
Shoes one evening plain colour. One day a flip flop and a trainer (wear in plane)
A tan wedge is your friend as will go with everything.
Aim to take a clean top for each day but less lower half items or
Plus a few dresses.

Lists lists lists !

And then packing cubes are your best friend . I was same as you OP. I managed to fit so much in my case after using packing cubes . You have to plan whole outfits and make sure a couple of shoes go with most . Dispense larger toiletries into smaller containers.

Also....

Medicines if they are essential and you are flying should stay with you in hand luggage just in case. Even travelling hand luggage only, i can take quite a large first aid kit, but mine includes cool packs and joint supports because of DD. As a rule I'd take enough paracetamol/ibrophen for everyone two nights, but this depends on where I'm going. France I take more because where I go its out of the way to get to a pharmacy whereas Spain have better pain killers so i only take this. If you don't have immediate medical need I would take something prefilled but not anything bigger than
this. Just upgrade the plasters anx add ibrophen/paracetamol. Your best just in case is decent travel insurance and an empty credit card with a high limit!!

Can't help with lotions and potions because I don't use them much. Try and change to solid stuff as much as possible, you can cut it down to the size you need and its better for thr environment (and your hair)

I travel and pack a lot. Make a list starting with essentials. Check what’s available where you’re going and therefore don’t need to take. Plan your outfits based on the weather and activities. Try and work around the same shoes/jacket. Also, you will always be able to buy something unless you are going to somewhere very rural!

We always travel hand luggage only if we are going to Europe for a week or less. If we're going somewhere warm then I take enough pants and socks for the number of days, 3 or 4 loose fitting t-shirts (so I can wear them more than one day with the help of a decent deodorant - I use Trust), a pair of thin cotton trousers, a pair of thin cotton shorts and one or two skirts. Then a kindle, sun cream, cleanser, brush, tooth paste, tooth brush. Might take an inflatable for the pool too. Shoes wise I wear trainers and take either some ballet flats or flipflops.

Are you me?
I'm exactly the same. Recently went on a 5 day break oops North - 3 nights in a hotel in a city folliwed by 2 nights staying with friends. The amount of clothes I packed was crazy. In my head I was planning for cold northern temperatures, not knowing if friend's house would be cold due to everyone cutting back on heating (I feel the cold). Also wasn't sure if we'd dress up in the evening to go out for meals. Heavy rain was forecast for 1 day of our visit. Lots of walking around the city was planned and then walking in the countryside with the friends. I ended up taking jumpers/fleeces, 4 lots of footwear, 3 coats in addition to all the usual stuff. Thank goodness we went in the car! Of course I ended up not wearing most of it.

I'm hoping to do an interail trip in 2024 for my 60th birthday and I think the most difficult bit will be only taking what I can carry on my back!

This can only be a long term solution but I used to be like this. Then one holiday I made a careful record of what I actually wore (not the details ie specifically the red dress but a dress) and what I didn’t then when I packed the next time I realised I only needed eg 2 dresses not 4 .

@bigbluebus I would have been exactly the same as you packing for an Autumn holiday in a northern UK City. I think that's understandable.

I would really struggle with packing for the inter-rail holiday though . Where are you going and what time of year?

I think in general it's a lot easier to pack if you are a lot clearer about what to expect when you get there . For example a summer holiday abroad - unless you are staying in an incredibly posh hotel then you know that you only need light, casual clothes. If you are off to the Lake District in October you know you need casual trousers, fleece and waterproofs .

I think I pack the largest suitcase when we go to Spain in the winter as it tends to be lovely in the day time (summer weather) but properly cold in the evening . I have learned now though that washer/tumble dryer in the apartment means I don't need to take several sets of spare clothing so I prioritise this when booking .

I tend to pack in colours, so everything goes with everything, eg shades of blue/white, or greens and yellows. Also, if it's a beach holiday, all other clothes can be worn 2 to 3 times, as they are only generally worn for a couple of hours in the evening.

@shinyshinynewapple22
Hopefully going to go in the Summer months (birthday is in spring but not bothered about doing it on my actual birthday) but route not decided yet - but I'm thinking warm countries. I think I need to work on my wardrobe next summer to make sure I buy items which all coordinate and which can be layered in preparation for the trip.

The thing is when we go away with friends they don't seem to take much because they know I'll always have everything (other than clothes).
We go camping to a small festival every year and I just keep packing until nothing else will go in the car! 🤣

I'm also crap. Packing light js better as it takes less time and when you get there there is less to unpack, chose from and wash when you get back.

Ideally I should take for a week
4 evening outfits
4 day time outfits
One comfort outfit (joggers and a top)
2 pool outfits
One sandals
One trainers
One flip flops

Inevitably I ask ways end up wearing the same things and leaving much unworn.

I'm going in a cruise on Friday so this is helpful. I find the weather is the thing that gets me. It was too hot for t shirts in Europe this year and I did r have enough sleeveless tops

Vacuum packing bags where you expel the air by rolling them are fantastic for saving space. I got mine from Robert Dyas.

I take issue with this a bit. I take stuff I can roll. I've never found anything compression compresses clothes better than I can roll them. And vacuum bags create wrinkles. But then I do have wardrobe that rolls well.

I take nothing that would suffer from a lack of ironing.

When you're on your holiday write down everyday what you wear and use. Next holiday just pack the stuff on the list 😊

There are always tips like 'tan wedges' which truly are great for versatility. Only thing is they are so far from my sartorial aesthetic that I can't imagine in what universe I would be wearing them 😂. I always think I need 2 pairs of comfy flats (sneakers/loafers etc) as too much walking in any shoes gives me blisters so I need to rotate. Then I need a pair of night time shoes, gym trainers and sandals or boots depending on season. That's 5 pairs.
I can't cope with ONE sweater/sweatshirt. What if I spill on it. I'd have nothing until it was washed and dried so at least 2
Tops - oh at least 12 😂 black, white, grey t-shirts, couple of over shirts like linen or khaki, couple of prettier for evening
Trousers - run around types like trackies/jeans at least 4. So I have different looks and some may work at night
Blazer. I'm being good. Just one black one. Not the 4 I first put out...
Gym kit x 2
Dresses x 2
PJs x 2
Then all the paraphernalia...
Hair dryer (hate hotel ones), straightener, volumiser, 3 styling brushes, styling spray, dry shampoo, hair spray, blah blah blah so much stuff
Body lotions and potions
Face lotions and potions
Medications
Small first aid pouch
2 x sunglasses
Glasses
Contacts
Power banks x several
Laptop
Chargers for everything

One of my problems is taking several of each thing 'in case'. Incase something bad happens , I fall in a puddle, some one vomits on me, I spill my dinner in myself, my sole falls off my shoe, I get stuck longer so take extra meds.....

So. Much. Stuff.

You don't need hairdryer, straightener & volumiser, styling sprays & brushes for a start (unless you are a professional hairdresser going away to work) - just wash & go! You're on holiday, you're supposed to look relaxed.
Way too many shoes - and wear the heaviest pair on the plane.
One coat - ditto on plane.
If it's for 2 weeks, just wash a few things, if needed, and take the same number of clothes as for one week - so 7 tops.
If gym kit is essential, surely only one?
Potions etc - travel sizes from the supermarket and take the bare minimum. Shampoo & shower gel will be provided by the hotel. Face stuff etc I never use, but I'm sure small sizes must be available.
One pair of sunglasses - why any more? My prescription ones cost £000, so no way can I afford a second pair.
Universal charger.
Why a power bank? Charge things in the hotel room - in fact, why not do without your phone for a few hours every day? It is a holiday, after all.

Above all, nobody will vomit on you and just remember that "less is more"!

I'm not going on a beach holiday. I'm going to visit family back where I grew up in the antipodes. So city stuff and weekends away and meeting up with old friends do want to look nice. A month