What is the one thing that most travellers dread? Packing.<\/p>\n
But there is no escaping the torture. Or is there?<\/p>\n
I have lived the nightmare more times than Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day \u2026 and finally woken up.<\/p>\n
I am a reformed packer.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the answer? Don\u2019t think too much about it \u2014 just pack the lot and pay the excess luggage fees at the airport.<\/p>\n
Just kidding. The \u201cold\u201d me would do that. The \u201cnew\u201d me knows the answer is to keep it simple. A bit of angst, just once, will see you on the straight and narrow \u2014 or light and liberating \u2014 luggage track.<\/p>\n
Ugh. The thought makes me break out in a rash. But it works.<\/p>\n
Write down how many days you are away \u2014 this gives you the number of jocks, socks, bras and undies you need.<\/p>\n
Check the weather forecast then write all the activities, meetings, events and parties planned \u2014 and what you need to wear to each.<\/p>\n
There is your starting point.<\/p>\n
ESCAPE: Find more flying hacks and hints, cruising tips and tricks, first person travel experiences, destination reviews and hottest deals here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, it\u2019s awful. There\u2019s casual clobber, smart wear, business suits, formal digs, beach or snow gear. What about nightclubs? And the gym. And we haven\u2019t even started on the shoes and toiletries.<\/p>\n The old me would have thrown my hands up in despair while throwing half my wardrobe into a suitcase. Now I say follow the rules and reap the rewards. \u00a0<\/p>\n Pack three tops for every bottom. Pants and skirts take up more room than shirts and you can get away with wearing \u201cbottoms\u201d more often.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Start with two core neutral colours (think black, white, cafe latte) for the basics and add two or three colours that co-ordinate and add some pizzazz.<\/p>\n Pick non-crinkling clothes and outfits that make you feel confident \u2014 if you find a reason not to wear it at home, don\u2019t pack it.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Think lightweight and layers.<\/p>\n T-shirts, tank tops and cardigans can pile in much easier and are lighter than jumpers and hefty jackets. Pack thermals for colder climates and sarongs for the heat \u2014 they weigh less and do more.<\/p>\n No. Don\u2019t even think about it. One scarf. One- STEP AWAY FROM ALL THE SCARVES RIGHT NOW Picture: Getty Images These weigh next to nothing, add another layer if it gets cold and can change the look of an outfit you\u2019ve already worn.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If the hotel provide toiletries, cross the basics off your list. That leaves more room for makeup, hair products, straighteners, eyelash curlers \u2026 not.<\/p>\n You\u2019re on holiday, leave the gadgets home.<\/p>\n If you want to take toiletries in your carry-on, remember, 100ml bottles have to fit in a 1 litre ziplock bag.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n You only need three pairs (apparently) \u2014 runners, flats (or sandals) and heels.<\/p>\n Sneak in some thongs.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Gather the goods on your list and lay them all out on the bed to see just how ridiculous you have been. Surely you can wear that T-shirt twice! Now cull about a third of those outfits. It will have you reaching for another coffee (or something stronger) but it\u2019s worth it in the end.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This is like a game of Tetris \u2014 fitting lots of different shaped blocks together.<\/p>\n Shoes first \u2014 if they can carry anything, fill them up and then place them on the bottom. Slot in all the random bits and pieces around the shoes. The aim is to create a level layer ready for clothes.<\/p>\n Fold or scrunch? Picture: Getty Images The jury is out on which method is better, but how you pack is not as important as what you take with you.<\/p>\n Once you have the ideal tiny holiday wardrobe, I find a combination works best.<\/p>\n Rolling saves space. It makes sense to roll and pack in a floppy backpack.<\/p>\n Commando rolling is a whole other lesson in packing efficiency. Roll your undies, T-shirt and shorts then slide into socks for an entire outfit ready each day.<\/p>\n Folding is perfect for shirts with collars and those wanting order in their suitcase. Try folding with coathangers in place so you can lift them straight out of the suitcase and into the wardrobe.<\/p>\n Compression bags are for the super organised. They save space and can be used to bring home dirty washing.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Remember to keep a copy of that final list \u2014 once the planning is done, there is no need to re-live the nightmare.<\/p>\n \u2022 Handbags \u2014 you only need one. If you need another, buy it as a souvenir.<\/p>\n \u2022 Carry on anything you cannot afford to lose.<\/p>\n \u2022 Wear the heaviest clothes on the plane.<\/p>\n \u2022 Books \u2014 go digital and save space.<\/p>\n \u2022 Passport and papers \u2014 scan and send yourself (and a friend) a digital copy of your passport and itinerary.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The post 9 rules of packing that changed everything<\/a> appeared first on Stockhead<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n\u00a0<\/p>\nWHAT ARE THE RULES?<\/h2>\n
1. THE WINNING RATIO IS 3:1<\/h2>\n
2. MIX AND MATCH<\/h2>\n
3. LAYERS<\/h2>\n
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n4. SCARVES, TIES AND JEWELLERY<\/h2>\n
5. TOILETRIES<\/h2>\n
6. SHOES<\/h2>\n
7. TIME TO CULL<\/h2>\n
8. HOW TO PACK<\/h2>\n
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n9. ROLL, FOLD OR COMPRESSION BAG IT?<\/h2>\n
TOP TIPS<\/h2>\n