PPPPP - Proper Planning Prevents Poor Packing
PPPPP - Proper Planning Prevents Poor Packing
I LOVE packing. I also love writing lists. And by lists I mean 4 page, colour co-ordinated checklists. Packing for a holiday is not only exciting but in my opinion extremely important. You have to make sure everything you might need fits in to 20kg, without going over the limit and being slapped with a overweight baggage fine. And proper planning prevents this!
Here's how I pack my perfect capsule case.
Colour-Co
In order to make sure all my clothes fit together, I have a colour scheme. This year I choose a mixture of monochrome, golds and pastels, with a few bold and floral prints in the mix.
(L-R) Bikini New Look; Sundress Accessorise; Bikini New Look; Bikini H&M; Sandals New Look,; Flip-flops Accessorise
Evening wear
Several light weight dresses and mix and match skirt/top options. By picking outfits that complement each other these all go with the same two pairs of shoes, minimising the number of pairs of shoes needed that take up precious weight.
Pick an airport outfit
Something comfortable and light.
Black high neck Topshop; Metallic bag Next; Harem pants H&M; Sandals New Look
Playsuits
I think these are the perfect summer outfit; a top and bottom in one! Not only can this half the number of clothes needed, but they can be both dressed up with heels and jewellery and worn with flats over the top of a bikini for casual day look.
(L-R) Grey playsuit H&M; Floral playsuit Forever 21; Stripe playsuit Forever 21; Floral playsuit H&M
Staples
Everyone needs a staple set of shorts, t-shirs and skirts that can be worn casually or dressed up in an evening. Pick items that you can mix and match to create new looks, using the same pieces.
(L-R) Blue South Cal H&M; Black halter neck New Look; Stripe crop Topshop; Floral lace Urban Outfitters; Black shorts Toyshop; Denim skirt Urban Outfitters; Blue shorts Levi
Shoes and Accessories
I take: one pair of flip-flops, one pair of dressy sandals, one pair of trainers and one pair of heels. This means I have a pair for every activity and by colour coordinating my case I minimise space by making sure each pair of shoes goes with all the outfits. Similarly, I take simple jewellery that can be worn with every outfit. I also take 2 sunglasses - one cheap pair you don't mind loosing or getting broken and a more expensive pair for evenings and special occasions.
(Top L-R Accessorise sale; Bottom Tu)
(Top Vans; Bottom ASOS)
Beachwear
Pick swimsuits and beachwear that you can mix and match, it means you save on space but will not be seen in the same swimsuit twice! If you're really pushed for space double up your hand luggage bag as your beach bag.
Toiletries
I always worry that wherever I'm heading may not have the necessary toiletries I need. This means I am always well stocked with an extra month of my prescriptions. I also split them up with half in my hand luggage incase my case gets lost. Apart from the necessary suncream and aftersun, all other bottles can be scrimped on. In most hotels there are small toiletries, however if you prefer your own you could try buying mini size bottles with just enough for the holiday, or decant your products in to small bottles that can be bought from the supermarket.