Rules For Packing
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
OK, OK! I’ll admit it….
…I do slightly overpack, as you never know what might come your way, but I do have a routine I use for every trip I pack, both big and small! I do a lot of travelling - overseas and within Australia, so being organised and planning ahead with the weather is a must. When packing clothes for a European holiday, it's essential to consider the various climates and activities you'll encounter - I wrote a whole post about my packing tips. My basic rule is: bring versatile pieces that can be layered. This approach will prepare you for varying temperatures and weather conditions. Packing comfortable shoes is also a good idea, as I tend to walk a lot when travelling, so my sandal-to-heel ratio is very much skewed towards a comfy sandal! Mix and match outfits that can be dressed up or down to suit different occasions.
Packing tricks I have learnt along the way…
I make sure all bras are packed separately for bathers and gym wear so they are easy to find.
Always pack your first outfit on top. You don’t want to unpack everything. A must-do if your first port of call is only a quick stopover.
Place shoes around the edge of the bag and fill the gaps with things like scarves and socks.
I always roll my clothes as it gives you more room.
I always pack another outfit and toiletries in my carry-on in case my bags go missing or I can’t get straight into our hotel room.
Wear heavier items like jackets and boots.
Use packing pods to separate your clothes; they are a life saver!
Space bags are ideal for transporting bulky coats and maximising space; they are also great for squashing down Ugg boots.
A good jewellery roll is essential if you don’t want your jewels to get tangled and mixed up, and they can wedge in a pair of sneakers at the bottom of your bag.
A sarong is as helpful as a towel, a wrap or a picnic rug!
Dressy sandals can go from day to night, as a killer pair of heels is no good if you walk on the beach.
You may not be able to wash your hair, but a spray bottle with water and conditioner can do the trick - spray and comb, and at least you’ll feel a little less ratty!
Baby wipes can be used as makeup removers, napkins, band-aids, stain blotters and toilet paper.
I have a clothes rack that neatly stores away in my dressing room that I drag out to hang everything I need for my trip. This is an excellent way to ensure I have the right shoes, underwear and jewellery for the travelling outfits. If I have a special event that we are going to while away, I make sure I have everything the outfit needs, plus a wrap or jacket if it gets cold and different shoes just in case my first options get uncomfortable; you have to be prepared! I then look at all my other clothes and see what can be mixed and matched. The items that don’t work so well together get put away, and I start eliminating - tops, pants, bathers - everything! I think you are getting the drift of my routine….If it doesn’t all work together, it doesn’t get packed! Simple. If space is limited, a great pair of jeans, ballet flats, and a blazer look great, as the look can be changed with a different scarf or a pair of heels. I always give myself time to look and re-look at what I have packed so I can add or delete.
