Top tips to travelling light

The sunshine is out, bank holidays are on the horizon and quick week-end escapes looming, but you simply can’t decide what clothes to pack and how to keep travelling light. With added fees from airlines and the combined hassle of waiting for luggage to appear on the conveyor belt, the idea of being able to carry-on is more than just appealing – in fact, it’s a necessity! The professional domestic household experts at MOLLY MAID suggest that you might just be able to achieve travelling light by following these handy top 10 tips!

1. Make a list…and check it twice. Using a packing list will make sure you not only cut down on items to bring, but also remember to bring underwear or that vital bikini!
2. Create a colour scheme: It is essential that all your items mix and match for at least 3 different types of outfits (casual, smarter and sporty/ beachwear) depending on the climate. Remember that black is useful in the evenings when more of a ‘smart’ look may be required and also doesn’t show up marks as quickly as white clothing. Neutral colours work well too. A useful place to start with in terms of choosing your colour scheme is, for it to revolve around your shoes since they tend to be the bulkiest and can be the heaviest items. Double up shoes where possible such as flip-flops as slippers for example.
3. Wear layers and bulky items: If you’re going to a cold climate, there’s no need to pack your bulkiest jumper, coat and snow boots for example. Travel wearing silk long underwear under your shirt and a jacket on top of that and consider wearing your snow boots for example. If you’re going to a warmer climate, you should still consider wearing your bulkiest items whether it is the cardigan or jacket you are planning on wearing in the evenings, or your pumps or trainers used for day time exploring and pack those slim flip-flops instead.
4. Hand wash laundry: Soap packets or travel wash will help to give you the flexibility to re-wear items that get dirty (or stinky) and don’t take up much space.
5. Don’t pack things you wouldn’t use at home: First-timers going abroad often make the mistake of thinking they are traveling to another planet and pack far too many items. A good rule of thumb is if you don’t need it at home, you don’t need it while traveling!
6. Buy stuff there: Since you’re not going to be going to another planet, you will be able to find items at your destination such as sun lotion if going to warmer climates.
7. Go miniature: Just like it sounds…don’t bring a full-size hairdryer or torch if you need one. If you can’t do away with these items entirely, buy them in miniature-size.
8. Use Packing Cubes or mesh storage bags: This is helpful if you have multiple destinations on the itinerary and need different types clothes for various climates. Packing cubes are especially useful if you are travelling with children and need to keep things under control and use as dirty laundry bags.
9. Minimise toiletries: Most essential toiletries, whether toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and deodorants are available in travel sizes. This is particularly handy if you are taking hand luggage and have to adhere to airline security measures. If travelling as a family or as a couple, take one shower gel or shampoo for example between you and buy a cheaper version at your destination if necessary.
10. Roll It Up: Instead of folding, start rolling. You’ll be surprised how much room you’ll save if you roll your clothing instead of laying it out flat. Stack the bulkiest items, such as shoes, trousers and jumpers into the corners of your bag to distribute the weight evenly and then continue compiling rolled items at the centre of your bag. Pack everything snugly to conserve as much space as possible. To keep your more formal clothes wrinkle free, place them in a plastic dry cleaner bag and fold the items rather than rolling them. All rolled items should be placed at the bottom of your bag, with smarter items arranged neatly and tightly at the top of your suitcase or bag.

Good luck and enjoy travelling light!

See Full Bio