17 Jun 2021

I despise packing. I think it could quite possibly be the most boring task on earth. I could be on a rollercoaster, surfing or watching the best movie ever but add packing to the mix and... boom. Boredom.

Since I hate packing, I would always leave it to the last minute, meaning that I'd forget everything. But I've had to grow and adapt, especially since I've travelled here, there, and everywhere. From plane trips to road trips, here is how to get on top of packing for your text trip. 

1. Organisation station

Time to get organised and do some research. Before you start making a list, it's time to ask yourself some q's.

What activities will you be doing? Going to a bush doof and need a funky outfit? Going camping for a few days and need a sleeping bag? Will you be swimming, snorkelling, snowboarding... or doing anything else that doesn't start with an 's' lmao. 

What is the average weather like where you're going? Packing for winter is a little bit trickier as you'll be packing bulkier items. Maybe suss out compression sacs to compress down chunkier items like sweaters and jackets.

Think about what sort of luggage is best for you as well. I mean, you're not gonna wanna drag a suitcase with you on a hike. No duh. It might also be beneficial to get packing organisers or cubes so your clothing can be arranged, allowing you to fit more in your bag.

2. Make a list

Now it's time to make that list! I normally split my list up into the 6 sections below.

A super small, quick example would be:

Clothes:

- 3 t-shirts                              - 2 pairs of jeans.                           - Puffer jacket

Underwear:

- 7 pairs of undies                 - Swimmers                                    - 7 pairs of socks

Toiletries:

- Body wash                          - Deoderant                                    - Baby wipes

Shoes:

- Joggers                               - Sandals

Technology: 

- Phone & charger                 - Earphones

Misc:

- 2 books                               - Disposable camera                       - Water bottle

Alright, alright, you get the gist!

3. Be savvy

Have you packed too much? We've all been there. I've overpacked carry-on luggage and had to pay a hefty airline fee (or just get to the gate as soon as everyone boards, nobody will know)... or just put on ALL OF MY CLOTHES and sat uncomfortably on the plane too many times. Save yourself the stress and weigh your dang bag.

It'd also suck if you're using a backpack and it's literally breaking your back because you packed so much. 

Here are some savvy tips:

- Wear your heaviest shoes, sweater, and jacket on the plane or on the way there. That way, you don’t have to pack them and carry them.

- Check what your mates are bringing! Chances are you'll only need one set of shampoo and conditioner. 

- Think ahead with outfits. It's all fine and dandy to bring your most wild pair of pants, but if you don't bring a shirt that coordinates with them, then the fashion police are gonna come a-runnin'!! But no, maybe look for neutral tones or have a colour theme so that you can make a tonne of outfits from a few items. 

- A rule of thumb for trips less than one week is to bring one shirt per day, one layering jacket or sweater, one bottom per every two days (but never less than two pairs of pants), no more than two pairs of shoes (one you wear and one you pack), underwear for every day, and seasonal additions, like a bathing suit. If you're going for a longer while, remember that you can pop to the laundromat!

Alright! Enough procrastinating! Start packing!