Packing for your trip is the worst part of going away for many people, and whether you are packing for a vacation, travelling, or a business trip, it can be a boring and tiresome job that we all avoid doing.
However, there are ways that you can make packing for your next trip a lot easier, and by thinking more carefully about what items you need to pack, you can get the job done quicker and more efficiently.
With airlines now adding additional costs onto heavy luggage due to their weight restrictions and busy public transport meaning there isn’t a lot of space to store your luggage while travelling, it is important that you know your stuff when packing your belongings for a trip.
Therefore, we have put this guide together to tell you everything you need to know about packing so that when your next trip comes along, you can pack like a pro.
This post is part of our Family Travel Advice Series
Think About Luggage First
Before you start packing your belongings, you need to have the correct type of luggage for your trip, as this will make packing a whole lot easier. If you are going on a family vacation, then you may decide that a lightweight suitcase is the best option for you.
However, you should check the airline’s weight restriction policy before you travel to avoid any additional costs.
If you are going on a business trip for a few days or are heading off travelling then you may decide to invest in a functional and good quality rucksack that will be much easier to carry.
The type of luggage that you need will largely depend on what sort of trip you are going on and how much stuff you will need to take with you.
You can see our complete guide to kids ride-on luggage here.
Must Haves Over ‘Just in Case’ Items
When packing for a trip away, it can be easy to pack everything that we own, just on the off chance that we may need it. However, you should prioritize must-have items over ‘just in case’ items, as carrying unnecessary items around with you will make your trip less enjoyable and more stressful.
You should remember that every item you take with you is something else that you must carry and look after during your trip. Therefore, when packing items in your luggage, you should consider whether the item is necessary and whether you can leave it at home instead.
Don’t forget there are some items that you will be able to buy or borrow while you are away, depending on your destination.
Roll, Don’t Fold
Most people make the mistake of folding up all their items in their luggage. Not only will this take much more space, but it will also result in your clothes being more creased when you arrive at your destination.
Therefore, you should roll your clothes instead. If you want to keep items in your luggage more organized, then you should consider investing in packing cubes to help you maximize space. For more information on this, check out this video about how to pack with packing cubes.
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A Small Day Bag is a Necessary
Packing a small but secure bag that you can use throughout the daytime while you are away instead of having to carry your suitcase or rucksack around with you is an essential item in your luggage. During your trip, you may want to explore the area and you don’t want to have to take your rucksack with you every time you go out.
This is a much easier way to keep your belongings safe when out and about. A cross-body bag is a good choice, as it is big enough for your essential items, while also providing you with a secure way to protect your belongings.
We cover a great range of cross body diaper bags here which you can keep using for years!
Versatile Footwear
Travelling often involves being on your feet for long periods of time and walking long distances. Therefore, you should be prepared for this by having a versatile range of footwear in your luggage to meet your needs.
When travelling, you should have a comfortable pair of trainers that you can wear so that you can protect your feet. You may be surprised at just how tiring travelling can be and if you don’t wear the correct footwear then you may find yourself arriving at your destination with very sore feet.
However, shoes take up a lot of space in a bag, so you should try to pack footwear that has multiple uses and that you can use on more than one occasion.
Packing for your next trip doesn’t have to be a task that you put off and by establishing a process by which you pack light, have the correct luggage, and only pack the essential items, you will be able to pack like a pro each time you go away.