Over the years, I have gone from complete over-packer to travelling carry-on only for most of our trips. And I’ve learnt so much about packing from all the mistakes I’ve made along the way. There are so many great packing tips out there, but there are 4 in particular that I just don’t agree with… well, on some level at least.
Packing Tip #1: Don’t Pack Jeans
What?! I find this one absolutely crazy. So the theory goes that jeans are heavy and take up space, so leave them at home. But, jeans are also so versatile, you can take them from day to night, match them with just about anything, and the best part is, you rarely need to wash your jeans. I know some of you are going to disagree with me about the washing part, but really think about how long it takes for your jeans to get dirty, and on top of that, some of the world’s top fashion designers swear by not washing your jeans to help keep their shape and colour.
Our Packing Tip: Always pack jeans unless you are going to a super hot climate and really won’t wear them
Packing Tip #2: Wear Your Heaviest Items On The Plane
I hear this one all the time, and to be honest, I half agree. But only on the way home from your trip, if absolutely necessary. If you wear your heaviest items on the plane on the way over you are completely setting yourself up to fail; If you can’t fit everything in at the beginning of the trip, you definitely won’t be able to fit everything in at the end of the trip. On top of that, you may be on the plane for hours, surely comfort has to be a factor in what you choose to wear on the plane.
Now, don’t get me wrong, if you are struggling to fit everything in at the end of your trip, it’s a great way to save some space. But why not go one step further and actually leave room when you pack your bag in the first place? That way, you don’t need to look like your about to trek Mount Everest when you board the plane.
Our Packing Tip: When you pack your bag before your trip, make sure to leave some space so you can still fit everything in on the way back. If you’re still struggling to fit everything in on the way home, then chuck on the heavy items.
Packing Tip #3: Roll Is Better Than Fold
This is an ongoing debate, and before all the folders out there get excited, I’m not on your side either. I just think there’s a time and place for both rolling your clothes and folding your clothes :) I’m newly converted with the art of rolling, not so much because I think it saves space, but it keeps the wrinkles out (or at least minimises them). And I think the roll works great in combination with packing cells. So I usually roll my t-shirts and dresses, but I will fold my jeans because I find them quite bulky when rolled etc. So I think the roll vs fold debate really depends on what items your packing and your luggage.
Our Packing Tip: Do what suits you best! For us, that’s rolling t-shirts and other items we fit into packing cells, and folding bulkier items. We think rolling does minimise wrinkles.
Packing Tip #4: Don’t Pack Real Books
I’m a sucker for a real book-smelling book! I must admit, I don’t pack them on every trip now, as they are just an extra item, so I can totally understand and even agree with this packing tip. Well, my head agrees with it, my heart doesn’t.
Our Packing Tip: Ok, so if you’re fine reading books on your tablet, this is actually a great space saving tip. But if you’re like me, and real books make you weak at the knees, you could buy a book once you’re through the gates (this way the book shouldn’t count towards weight), and give it away when you finish it on your trip.
So there’s the 4 Packing Tips I just don’t agree with, and what we think works instead. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt about packing is that there are some awesome tips and tricks to help you pack light or just pack better, but at the end of the day changing the way you pack is a process.