AIBU to ask how to make packing easier?

[Polkapjs]

Every holiday wherever we go - I pack for us all but hate it. I find it so stressful.
I was amazed when a friend told me to pack an extension lead instead of a bag of many adapters. Mind blown. Again
Is there an easier way or is packing just a pain in the arse? I seem to need so much stuff and will need make up before I go so need to remember that once I’m ready tomorrow. My hat is too rigid to pack. The fridge needs emptying and I bet I forget. Very tiring. First world problem I know. I’m lucky to be going away.

Totally sympathise, puts me in a bad mood the day before a holiday when I should be relaxing! Have found it marginally more enjoyable to enlist help of DS (11yo), giving him responsibility for certain things (chargers, games etc). Also caring less eg accepting may not have everything might possibly need.

Miniatures of everything. And double up where you can - buy a moisturiser that's also an after sun, or use shampoo as shower gel. Make a list of what you're planning to take and think, "Do I REALLY need this? Can something I'm already taking do the same thing?" Look at that list when you get home and mark off what you didn't need, then use that for the next trip!

My other tip is vacuum bags - I got mine from Claas Ohlson. You put all your clothes in, zip it shut and squash all the air out of it. Result: a vastly reduced amount of space needed for clothes.

I like the extension lead idea - genius!

What about when you come home? How do you vacuum them back into the case?? I’ve not packed nearly enough underwear for me or clothes but I’ve had enough and I bet I don’t wear what I’ve got anyway!!

Write a list of what you need to pack and another of what you need to do. Start the list a couple of days before yo7 go so you have time to remember stuff. Cross them off as you put them in the case so things you need untilthe kast minute remain on the list.
Edit what you need. You don’t need lots of stuff. I don’t take hair dryer etc ever. I don’t wear make up anyway, but I don’t think anyone needs it on holiday.
For a week, per person,
3 bottoms (trousers, shorts, skirts)
3 day tops and 3 evening tops (these may be interchangeable)
Enough underwear
Swimsuit if needed for type of holiday
Pjs
Sightseeing shoes
Sandals
That’s plenty.

If it’s to a. Lot hot place,obvs sweatshirt x2 and waterproof
Walking boots if needed, but I’d wear those to travel.
Washbag, suncream, any medication.
This is why I start the list early -other stuff comes to me.

I need this thread, have started packing for our holiday in 3 weeks time, oh will start about half an hour before we set off and send me into a rage.

Definitely pinching the extension lead tip, wi stick it in a case tomorrow.

You don't need a vacuum or pump or anything - they've got a kind of airlock seal at the end of the bag. Literally you put the clothes in, pull the zipper across to seal it and then you roll the bag/clothes up to force the air out.

I use packing cubes, so one for underwear, one for swimwear, etc etc.

I also pack an adapter and have a set of charging cables just for travelling.

I double up so that I have a toiletry bag & make up bag that I can just grab and go

I have a list of usual travel things & start packing the week before in case I've lost/forgotten something

I try to limit my clothes to 3-4 colours so everything goes together. I always take spare sunglasses.

Do people take washing powder to give clothes a wash whilst away?

Roll everything, dont fold.

I thought that about the extension lead but then thought again. Surely four plug adapters are less bulky than an extension lead.

Do people take washing powder to give clothes a wash whilst away?

I do, cuts down on the amount of clothes I need to take. And always powder, rather than liquid wash, so it doesn't count towards my liquid allowance as I generally just travel on hand luggage.

That said, it's just me when I travel. I shouldn't think having to handwash a load of stuff for children as well as yourself would contribute towards a relaxing holiday!

I’d be careful with taking a UK extension/multiplugs as lots of places don’t have electricity supplies set up to deal with them like ours is. I plugged one in in France and got a horrible electric shock when using it.

Packing cubes though! Brilliant things. I have 2 sets and they make everything so much simpler than clothes being packed ‘loose’ just in the case.

If you go back to the same place/ region then buy the charger plugs for that country. Travelling within europe easy as its the same 2 pin plug. Buy laundry soap (a bar of laundry soap) and a travel washing line so you can do laundry and dry it. Plus the bar of soap can be packed in hold luggage.

Can someone explain extension lead? That gives you more flex not different plugs doesn’t it, what am I missing?

Plug your extension lead in using one adaption it this gives you the option to plug in 4 UK plugs but now I’ve seen I might bet zapped I’m not so keen!

Most electric stuff tends to be usb charged (phone, tablet, camera), you can get a plug with 4 usb slots and an interchangeable EU/UK plug, so that already does the job of 4 adapter plugs. Like this one: www.amazon.co.uk/Charger-Anker-4-Port-PowerPort-Interchangeable-White/dp/B01MXXOQTE?tag=mumsnetforum-21
Then just take 1 more standard adapter plug for non usb stuff.

I use a combo of packing cubes (for underwear and socks) and hand roll vacuum bags for bigger clothes plus a "chargers cables and plugs" bag (so everything is together and easy to find).

When you get back home, write down a list of everything you unpack as you take it out your bag, but exclude anything you did not use/need while away and add anything you wished you had taken with you to the list - you then have a ready made packing list for next time. Email a copy of this list to yourself so you can easily find it again and print it out.

I don't take washing powder as most places that have a washing machine will also leave you some powder/tabs/liquid, but if they don't, at least in Europe you can usually find a shop/supermarket that sells very small size washing liquid or powder for only a couple of euros.

Biggest problem if travelling hand luggage only is if you want to take an extra pair of shoes as they are so big and bulky.

I agree packing is still a pain in the arse but the tips above helps and makes it quicker, for me anyway.

Packing cubes are magic. We have 2 cheapy sets between us. Each person packs 3 days' outfits in one and 4 days' outfits in another, plus swimsuit etc. Then the 2 cubes go into different cases (due to experience of lost luggage! It usually turns up in a day or two.)

Jumpers/skirts/dresses won't fit in but can easily go on top.

Another bag for electricals/bit of string/clothespegs, washbags, medicine bag, books, done.

We keep a packing spreadsheet . I don't find packing hard, the tricky bit is getting everything washed beforehand. We don't have that many clothes so we have few decisions to make!

We generally don't take miniatures of anything. One normal sized soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, conditioner between us.

My packing tip is a bit different because I can’t rewear clothing due to allergies so mix and match and rewearing does not happen when I travel.

Pack outfits in ziploc bags. I do this for myself and kid. Each bag has matching clothes, undergarments and socks. It keeps the suitcase organized and makes it so much easier at the hotel.

I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of packing cubes till now! These look amazing! Getting some before my next trip!!

I hate packing too. I set a time limit so i have an hour or whatever to just get it done. And buy doubles so there's no need to keep your bag open waiting for bits of toiletries just before you go.

I used to regularly fly overseas, years ago. Cannot believe the joy of those packing cubes. Reckon id number mine and list what was on them.

I find it’s easiest to pack if I know EXACTLY what the weather will do, and exactly what I’ll be doing.

If any of that is uncertain I seem to find it very hard.

I always say, it’s not a sign of moral superiority to pack light!

Some of my tips to make things easier:

• Pack it cubes as already mentioned
• spreadsheet lists for different kinds of holidays that are tweaked and refined.

• I always have a wash bag ready to go as I travel a lot of work, so I have an entirely separate and self sufficient wash bag with razor, tweezers etc.

• I have a ‘travel’ make up bag always ready to go for the basics. I don’t wear much/often especially ok holiday.

• I have a pack it cube with electronics ready to go, I have a 4 way USB charger and leads for all my devices plus one normal adaptor (obvs I switch the adaptor and usb charger from EU to USA if I am going there).

@BrightYellowDaffodil I hadn’t heard of those roll bags, I always thought you needed a vac! Thanks.

I’m going to get some as they would be perfect esp for ski trips

Oh, and I also have a multi use robust clear plastic bag for airport security which houses my hand luggage liquids in mini sizes so no scrabbling about trying to separate those out or the stupid free bags splitting