3. Labelled packing cubes<\/h2>\n
In a small bag, space is important. That\u2019s why I love packing cubes \u2013 they save space AND help you organise everything. If you\u2019re packing everyone\u2019s stuff in one bag, make sure everyone has their own cubes and that they\u2019re clearly labelled \u2013 or go for a different colour per family member so you can immediately see what\u2019s what. Don\u2019t go past packing sacks either for bundling chargers, cables and other odds and ends. Trust me, you\u2019ll save so much time and clutter with this method \ud83d\ude0c<\/p>\n
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4. Grab bag<\/h2>\n
In addition to the main suitcases heading into the boot or onto the plane, pack one smaller bag that you can keep on your lap or at your feet with all your essentials (ie: a grab bag). What should go in it? Paperwork, IDs, chargers, medication favourite toys \u2013 you know the drill. Everything you need on-hand and in a jiffy, especially if anything should go awry, should be carried in one backpack that never leaves your side. This\u2019ll help save space in your luggage and make sure you\u2019re never without anything that\u2019s truly essential.<\/p>\n
5. Consider your clothing<\/h2>\n
Get the most out of your suitcases by being smart about the type of clothes you pack. Look for items that are easy to mix and match so you can make multiple outfits out of just a few pieces. And remember that some outfits can do double (or even triple) duty. Activewear (aka: hiking gear, aka: comfy transit clothes, aka: emergency back-up pyjamas), I\u2019m looking at you. You can even aim to share some items between family members. One big beach towel can dry two little ones, while a couple of big, refillable toiletry containers could carry enough shampoo, conditioner, and so on for the whole family.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget that it\u2019s not just the type of clothing that can cut down on luggage weight \u2013 it\u2019s the hue, too! Dark-coloured options hide so many sins (what dirt?), which can minimise the need to wash them after one wear. Not only will it make your bags lighter, it\u2019ll cut down on the laundry pile when you get back home \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n
6. Choose your accommodation carefully<\/h2>\n
Speaking of laundry, it might be the last thing you\u2019d normally think of on holiday, but if you want to cut down on clothing in your suitcase, you might want to consider a hotel room or property that has laundry facilities. A quick wash a couple of times while you\u2019re away won\u2019t feel half as bad as having to wear (and re-wear) the same dusty, dirty, old tee.<\/p>\n
Making a smart accommodation choice could also allow you to cut down on all sorts of kid paraphernalia. Contact your stay before you arrive to ask if they have anything you need (for example, a highchair or a travel cot). If they do, awesome! You\u2019ve just eliminated a couple of seriously bulky items from your packing list \ud83d\udc4a<\/p>\n
Extra credit:<\/strong> A quick wash is one thing, but I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t want to do ironing while you\u2019re on holiday\u00a0 (or ever, really). So get yourself a handheld steamer, stat. They\u2019re only small, so packing one won\u2019t take up much room in your bag and it\u2019ll transform your holiday \u2018fit from \u2018crushed\u2019 to \u2018crushing it\u2019 in about 45 seconds flat.<\/p>\n Skip the hefty plastic bottles and swap your toiletries for the bar version \u2013 you\u2019ll be amazed at how much space this\u2019ll save. Body wash, facial cleansers, shampoo and conditioner bars (yep, they all exist and can be bought from major stores!) stowed in simple Ziploc bags will last longer and take up less room \ud83d\udc85<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re heading to a super remote holiday location, there\u2019s little point carting around things that can easily be purchased at your destination, especially if they\u2019re non-essential. It\u2019s highly unlikely that you\u2019ll find yourself anywhere without access to food, extra nappies, or games and activities for the kids. Plus any leftovers you bring home will just add to your fun souvenir stash \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n Ask yourself of anything you\u2019re packing: is there a smaller or easier version of this that could work just as well? Plastic toys are bulky and awkward, so why not consider an inflatable alternative? Are there mini versions of the family\u2019s most beloved books? (Hot tip: there usually are.) How many movies can you fit onto the tablet of one hard drive? Change your mindset to minimise the items in your suitcase and maximise your holiday fun.<\/p>\n Although it might not always feel like it, packing can be a really exciting part of the pre-travel experience. So don\u2019t sweat the small (or the big, overflowing, have-to-sit-on-it-to-zip-it-up) stuff. It\u2019s all part of the adventure \ud83d\ude017. Bring bars<\/h2>\n
8. Don\u2019t pack what you can buy<\/h2>\n
9. Think small (really,\u00a0really\u00a0<\/em>small)<\/h2>\n
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