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.

Packing cubes
Work out actual outfits for each day/event, don’t just pack your favourite clothes
Roll everything
Work out which things you can wash and dry there
Teach your kids to pack their own stuff!

Spreadsheets, packing cubes, fold and roll. We travel a lot and not once have I used or needed an iron. I even took a wedding dress in my case one time. Multi USB travel adapter. We have a 4 port one that we can and do use at home. We have some 4 gang extension leads with the appropriate travel plug but they have been superseded by the USB adapter.

As for your hat, I usually have a slouchy carry on bag and put my hat in there. I store it under the seat in front rather than in the overhead locker so it doesn't get squashed.

Most of my tips (packing cubes, vacuum bags, ready packed washbag and charger bag, plus basic list) are already here. I also always get dh to get everything he wants together and stacked on the bed for me -I am much better at fitting things in than he is, but that doesn't mean I have to do all the work. I go through my makeup bag and pack the minimum -I quite often don't bother on holiday anyway, but I certainly don't need to take more than one mascara or lipstick. I use things like socks and knickers rolled up to fill gaps including in any spare shoes we need to take -I tend to put them in Sandwich bags to keep them clean, and the bags are always handy when we're away. I have a tendency to want to take too many clothes so I put them all on the bed and then remove about half of them. I have a large scarf/shawl which always comes with me too -it's large enough to keep me warm, double as an extra blanket or roll up as a pillow or lumbar support, but doesn't take up too much space.

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

Exactly this. A colleague went on honeymoon with just a holdall once and as I expressed surprise another colleague smoothly said "well when you're well travelled..." little did she know that growing up my father had a job that took us all over the globe... I'd travelled more than she'd had hot dinners and still don't pack light. 😂😂😂

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

schampoo works for that if needed...

Definitely a packing spreadsheet! I have one page for each person and one general page. Now DC are older I just print off their page and they pack their own things.

I want to get some packing cubes but there is a huge variety. Can anyone recommend any particular ones?

don't take an extension lead with various sockets, that's a fire risk.

Are you packing for your dh as well!? (Unless there’s no dh/dp)

DH packs his own. I pack mine and get the dcs to have a go packing.

Basically count out underwear, socks. Depending on how long, one or two jumpers/thicker tops. Then a top for every day and 2-3 bottoms. Plus swim wear.

Shoes - sandals and one set of trainers.

One thin raincoat just in case.

Toiletries - reduce the makeup bag, we all share soap/shampoo, toothpaste etc.

I try and pack light - if I need more I can buy it if it’s an emergency but that’s only happened once.

Also learn the Marie Kondo folding technique and don’t pack a case each as you may end up just filling space. Just get everything you need in one place and then review which bags you need.

Start as soon as possible to think carefully about what you need. Don’t pack random stuff ‘just in case’ of an random unknown event.

I don’t like taking loads, for a weeks beach holiday I would rather 5 amazing dresses for evenings that I know go with my shoes and simple jewellery rather than spending time away figuring out what to wear.

For sunny holidays I wear sturdy sandals for the journey and take a pair of silver sparkly naice flip flops and white samples. Everything is mix and match and I know works together.

I would not say I pack light but I certainly pack lighter than I used to and I find it much easier when I am on holiday.

I sussed this a few gears ago! After stressing over packing and ALWAYS packing too much.

I write a list each day of the clothes ds and I got through.

I then totalled up how many shirts, t shirts and jumpers we'd used. I then added 1 shirts, 2 t shirts and 1 jumper extra as spare.

I keep all the things like adaptors etc in the suitcase all year round.

I buy stuff like suncream and toiletries mini when I book it and store it in the suitcase.

I budget for buying buckets, spades lilos etc when there knowing they ain't coming home

Remember if you wear shorts and t shirt for the day at home you'll likely only wear them for a few hours in the evening on holiday so they may wear longer?

I also go for mix and match - so plain grey, denim and khaki cream bottoms and brightly coloured tops.

Mostly - enjoy!

Some info on packing cubes HERE. We spent a bit extra and bought decent quality ones and they have lasted years. It was worth it for us as we travel a lot. Another thing we take is dry bags, excellent to keep things safe from water splashes, rain, sand etc and for carry wet swimwear if you've been on a boat trip etc.

Oh and A4 sized sandwich bags with the slide across too work as well as vacuum bags and are a fraction of the cost!

don't take an extension lead with various sockets, that's a fire risk.

Only if you take one with a U.K. plug. You can buy them with plugs appropriate to the countries you are visiting.

Any liquids eg shampoo etc, tape the top closed. We also seal them in sandwich bags to be on the safe side. We bring the bags home and keep them in the cases for next time.

And I've just realised the bags I have had for years are packing cubes 😂

Who knew! I will add mine were Ikea family and cost £9.99!

@SilverOnToast me too. I'm away right now this is the fourth time I've packed this summer and wish I had them!!!!!!! Ordering some for next time!!

And plugs - if you have a tv when you're abroad they have a USB port on the side to charge phones tablets etc so don't panic if you forget your adapter.

And we use a small case for hand luggage with a change of clothes. Swim suits and front door keys.

If your luggage goes missing on the way there you're ok. On the way home I would hate to have to wait a couple of days for my door keys!

I pack for all 4 of us. I do it with different quadrants of the bed. So for each person I put a seperate part of the bed.
I work inside out. First to be packed is underwear, pjs and socks, then tops, bottoms, jumpers. Stick each quadrant into a roll up packing cube and you’re done. (I generally shove some dryer sheets in there too)
We have a prepared wash kit that is always ready to go. I just replenish after every holiday/trip.
I also put shoes into the front compartments of suitcases.
(We don’t holiday abroad but do camp an awful lot!)

chips the tv USB idea is actual genius!

Re a change of clothes to go in hand luggage, we all put a clean tshirt/pants/socks in our flight bags and the children have small shorts/leggings too.

Does Ikea still do the packing cubes? I'm not sure I can get my head around them but next year we are going to South Africa and staying 2-3 dad's in several places so they could be useful

Stay in a decent hotel and then you don't need any toiletries, extension cables or washing stuff

I send 200 nights a year in hotels. I stopped taking toiletries years ago- just use what is there , even the cheapest hotels provide.

Have 1 bag with cables, chargers etc always ready to go in a small bag.

Keep clothes in their dry cleaning bags with hangers when you pack them, stops creasing and you can just hang then straight at the hotel.

Don't take too much stuff, you won't use it.

Make a list.
Pack everything you think you need them take half.
Take something to wash clothes with.
Roll up dont fold.
Miniature products that can double up. E.g. Nuxe oil can be face, body and hair.
Bar of soap instead of shower gel. Can also use for shaving.