Space-Saving Packing Tips for a Lighter Holiday

When you’re off on your holibobs and you’ve been counting down the days, packing lists and space-saving hacks are probably not at the top of your priorities. But it’s worth thinking about no matter how excited you are.

Your bags will end up  lighter, you  won’t have unnecessary stuff, and you’ll have a versatile, streamlined system for an easier trip. The same methods can also be applied if you’re travelling with children, plus you’ll be reducing the amount of laundry to do when you get home. Result!

The first of our packing tips is relatively simple: don’t overpack.

You’re probably going on a seven-day stint in Tenerife, not three months amongst royalty in Dubai! Try packing mix-and-match outfits, rather than potential options. One skirt, two tops, a pair of shorts and a dress can equal five different clothing combinations, or up to seven depending on how you layer them. Add another pair of shorts, top, and trousers, that’s upwards of ten combinations. Choose wisely, and employ the same method for kids.

Number two: packing cubes.

You can further reduce the space used in your suitcase by using packing cubes. Honestly, these little zip-up fabric bags are game-changing. They make it easier to sort and categorise what you’re packing, they slot together nicely, they keep nick-nacks and doodads together, and they have a kind of compression effect so you can get a good amount of clothes in one cube. Don’t overpack and you might not need more than two suitcases for a family of six!

Third on the list is to give shoes the boot.

Realistically, you’ll probably live in your flip-flops or sliders, especially if it’s a pool holiday. Understandably, you might want a nicer pair of shoes for the evening and there’s always the ones you travel in. If you don’t mind, you can probably wear your evening shoes for travel - given they’re comfy of course. Think of it this way: would you wear ten pairs of shoes in a week at home?

And lastly, utilise hand luggage.

If you’re checking in luggage as well as taking carry-on, make the most of your 10kg hand luggage allowance. It sounds like a lot to lug around at the airport but once you’re at your accommodation you don’t have to do it again until the trip home. Pack any tech, miscellaneous clothing, and items you absolutely must have by your side, and obviously, take care to follow the allowances and restrictions of the airline.

There are plenty of ways to pack smart. Some people buy their toiletries at the airport, others use e-readers instead of books, and some families even colour code their kids’ belongings. However you do it, explore what works for you when it comes to going on holiday, and see how you can pack differently to make your travels a bit more efficient.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 8TH JULY 2024