These little squares of nylon have made me a neater packer. I have several packing cubes in various sizes and different colours. Because I am that person who unpacks the very minute I arrive in my hotel room, I divide my clothes into bottoms and tops etc. If that’s not you, you can use the cubes to house complete outfits, which makes rummaging through your suitcase that much easier. 

- Kirsten Galliott, Head of Content, Travel and Business

I’m someone who has learnt the hard way not to pack for just-in-case. No, I am not all of a sudden going to turn into an avid runner while on holiday. No, I will not need the four-inch heels that have been buried in the depths of my wardrobe since that black-tie wedding two years back. If you’re running low on space, or high on weight, pack just one pair of shoes that can cross over from day to night. Some comfy block-heeled ankle boots, like those by R.M. Williams, should do the trick – just make sure you’ve worn them in well before you step on the plane.

- Genevra Leek, Editor-in-Chief

Hard shell suitcases have their place but when I can, I use a soft duffel bag for my carry-on luggage instead. The chances of being separated from my stuff on-board is minimised because of this choice: it’s much easier to manoeuvre it into an already-crowded overhead locker and, in the event it just won’t fit, I can usually pop it under the seat in front of me.

- Bridget de Maine, Content Editor

Ever since I started doing this, I've stopped having those regrettable “Why did I bring this?” moments mid-trip. I lay out all the clothing I want to take based on my packing list (it varies according to the weather at my destination). Then I do my best to only pack half of everything. Pulled out four jumpers? Take two. Have five pairs of pants? Take three. If you coordinate your holiday capsule wardrobe by colour, everything will go together no matter how little you take.

- Hana Jo, Head of Digital Productions and Operations

Whenever I go on a big trip overseas, I know I’ll come back with a suitcase stuffed to the brim with keepsakes and gifts – usually snacks you can only get locally – that winds up pushing me precariously close to the weight limit. I always pack an extra duffel bag for the overflow and use it as my carry-on bag on the flight home when I’ve gone overboard with the shopping. 

- Christina Rae, Digital Editor

After years of packing “special” pieces I never wore because they didn’t work with any of my other clothes, I now pack by colour. I don’t mean wearing only red for days or weeks on end (though I’m not against it), but instead picking a cohesive palette and only bringing items in those hues. Generally it’s blue, grey and white, with allowances made for black and neutrals. It means one jacket will work with everything and I pack less accessories, too.

- Faith Campbell, Content Director

As a serial overpacker – I’ll often check a suitcase for a one-night work trip – I don’t like worrying about every square centimetre of luggage space. Rather than spending my holiday mourning the things I couldn’t bring or throwing myself on top of a bloated suitcase to get the zipper up, I book extra bags or weight allowance from the outset for each leg of the trip. It’s always better to do it in advance – it’s cheaper than doing it at the airport, you can use points and it saves any delays at the counter. 

- Mark Brandon, Content and Partnerships Director

While I can usually get away with re-wearing clothes between washes on holidays and rotating top and bottom combinations to keep things interesting, the same does not apply to my daughter. Toddlers get messy, so to combat needing at least one outfit for each day of the trip, I’ve started using small drawstring bags saved from online shopping purchases to arrange her suitcase by outfit. It’s particularly handy if we’re moving between multiple hotels and I don’t want to unpack entirely to find what I want to dress her in for the day. 

- Melanie Colwell, Senior Campaigns Editor

If you’re heading off on a long European summer holiday, be sure to check your luggage weight limits for additional flights. While you might start with a larger limit for your international flight, weight limits for internal flights can be significantly less. Prepare ahead of time so you’re not stuck rearranging your suitcase and culling your belongings at the terminal in the middle of your trip.

- Anneliese Beard, Digital and Social Producer

My sister-in-law introduced me to this method, and I've never gone back: roll each individual item of clothing. I’m not sure if this technique drastically saves space but it will significantly minimise wrinkles and creases in your clothes. Plus, it makes it that much easier to find the top or pair of pants you want to wear – no need to rummage through a pile of folded shirts and disrupt your neatly packed suitcase.

- Anna Neville, Content Producer

Before I finish packing my checked luggage, I take one of the outfits I’ve packed and some spare underwear and transfer it to my carry-on (ideally something foldable I can use on my travels) as a just-in-case. This way I have something fresh to change into if my travel plans change. I also use AirTags to track my luggage for peace of mind.

- Hana Jo, Head of Digital Productions and Operations

I might be revealing a slovenly side of myself here but if it helps just one person, I will have done my duty. I don’t pack pyjamas when I go away. Instead, I’ll pack comfortable loungewear, like a soft t-shirt and pants or a lightweight cotton dress. That way, when I’m back at my accommodation, showered and ready to relax, I'm equally ready to pop downstairs to the pool or corner shop if I suddenly change my mind. 

- Natalie Reilly, Contributing Editor

The bigger the void, the greater the urge to fill it. With that in mind, when I’m packing for a trip I opt for a (slightly) smaller bag than what my first thought is. The smaller bag forces me to be more selective, smarter and streamlined with what I pack. It means the cumbersome Gore-Tex puffer jacket or third pair of shoes don’t always make the cut but the truth is, I never end up missing the pieces I leave behind. 

- Terry Christodoulou, Senior Writer

I like to pre-plan my outfits so that I’m organised ahead of time and only what I really need makes it in. In my notes app, I write down what I'm planning on wearing day-by-day to fit in with my schedule. It’s really just an extension of the classic packing list… just a little more fashion-focused! 

- Anneliese Beard, Digital and Social Producer

Sometimes it’s just practical to travel with quick-dry underwear and socks (try ones made from Merino wool), especially if you’re road tripping or planning lots of short stays. Plus, you can pack less and won’t ever be caught out waiting for your hotel laundry service. (If you use liquid castile soap; it doubles as a detergent.)

- Hana Jo, Head of Digital Productions and Operations

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