Whether you’re about to head off on vacation to the capital city, or you’re heading to the Caribbean to make the most of the Nassau house rentals that are up for grabs, you’ll need to take a suitcase with you. Many people take a little too much with them on vacation, and they usually end up taking more than they really need to. This is where we can help, we have put together a list of suitcase-packing tips that will make you think again about what you put in your suitcase, and what you leave behind.
1. Use a Small Suitcase
Although the idea of using a small suitcase may make you cringe a little, something a little smaller can make a huge difference. The idea is that you use a case or a backpack that is no bigger than a carry-on case. This means you cannot throw too many things into your suitcase, meaning you’re unlikely to overpack. Using a smaller suitcase may well mean that you only take the essentials, but you will be travelling a lot lighter.
2. Re-think your Clothing Choices
While it may be tempting to take your favourite sweater on vacation with you, it’s likely to take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Here’s where you need to have a bit of a re-think about your clothes. Clothes that have been made from synthetic materials are typically thinner and less bulky than anything made from cotton or wool. What’s more is they also dry quicker, which is ideal if you need to wash your clothes while you’re away.
3. Take Clothes that have More than One Function
Some items of clothing can have more than one function. For example, a sarong can be used as a head scarf, it can be worn on the beach, or it can be used as a picnic blanket.
Some items of clothing can have more than one function. For example, a swimsuit top for women is perfect when you go for a swim, it can be worn on the beach with denim shorts and a kimono, or you can make a style statement by pairing it with your favorite jeans or skirt.
Clothes that have more than one function can be something of a lifesaver when you’re trying to pack a lot less. Don’t forget to take a shirt that can be worn over a t-shirt during the day, and matched with a smart pair of trousers or a skirt at night.
4. Lay Out All Your Outfits on the Bed
If you want to travel lighter you need to work out exactly what you’re going to be taking with you, and what you can leave behind. Take all the outfits that you have on your packing list, and place them on your bed. Doing this will help you to see how big that pile of clothing really is. You can then make a better decision about which clothes you can take, and which ones you can leave behind.
A lot of people take some items of clothing with them ‘Just in case’, but did you know the ‘Just in case’ clothes can take up a bit too much room? Try to limit the number of garments that you may only use once, and your suitcase will be even lighter.
5. Choose a Colour Combination
You may have many different items of clothing that come in many different colours. You may also want to wear outfits that are brightly coloured, and those that are a little ‘Quieter’. A great way to limit how many outfits you take with you is to choose a colour combination and pack clothes that match this combination. This will allow you to mix and match your outfits while ensuring you don't take more than you really need to.
6. Wear Your Bulkiest Items of Clothing
If you want to travel a lot lighter, you may want to think about wearing your bulkiest items of clothing when you travel. This may mean that you have to wear a jacket and bulky shoes on the aeroplane, but at least you won’t have to carry them. Don’t forget, you can always carry your jacket if you don’t want to wear it. Just make sure it stays out of your suitcase so you don’t have to struggle to fit everything in.
7. Ball-up Those Small Items of Clothing
Small items of clothing such as socks can take up more room than they really should. The trick here is to roll them into a ball and place them inside any shoes you’re taking with you. This can save quite a bit of space in your bag, leaving room for something else.
8. Don’t Pack More Than Two Pairs of Shoes
OK, so this may be easier said than done, but limiting yourself to two pairs of shoes can save a lot of room in your suitcase. Take a comfortable pair of shoes that are ideal for wearing when you’re walking around town, and a pair of dress shoes for those formal evenings.
9. Buy your Toiletries When You Land
Rather than packing those big and bulky toiletries, why not buy them when you land? No matter where you are in the world, there will be at least one nearby store that sells shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant etc.
10. Take some Laundry Detergent with you
Taking some laundry detergent with you can help you to reduce the amount of clothing you take by half. Concentrated laundry detergent is ideal as you won’t need very much of it and you can wash your clothes when they’re dirty. This may mean that you end up wearing the same outfit more than once, but at least you won’t have to pack so much in your suitcase.
Use these tips the next time you pack a suitcase and you’re soon find that you’re travelling a whole lot lighter!
