Travelling light: Packing tricks to aid you

If you’re always paying for excess weight you need to master the art of packing light.

Easier said than done, I know - I can never decide whether to carry my black short dress with a plunging neckline or the black skater dress with pockets.

And since I can’t decide, I opt for both. The logic of having it and not wanting it than wanting it and not having it always influences my choices. And just like that, I carry my whole wardrobe.

I’m always the one with the most luggage. Here is how you can pack light:

Start with a small bag

When packing, go for a small carry on, backpack or suitcase. 

You don’t have to check it in, you don’t have to wait at the luggage carousel like everyone else and the best part is, there’s little risk of losing your luggage.

If you’re not sure of the weather, use the layering tip to ensure you have all grounds covered.

You can layer up a light rain jacket over a sweater, under a short sleeve or vest top. Should it get hot, you can remove what you don’t need and vice versa.

Mix and match

To save space and carry less, pack outfits that are colour coordinated and go well together. Wear black pants for instance when travelling and pack tops you can pair with.

This way you will be able to pull off different outfits with what you have packed and you are guaranteed to wear everything you carried. An extra trouser and a pair of shoes will be more than enough for a week stay.

Another way to simplify this is by carrying matching sets.

And carry light shoes. Shoes take up most of the space in our luggage because they can be quite bulky and heavy. For this reason, it is advisable to wear heavy shoes and pack the light ones that can be compressed to create space.

And remember not to carry more than two pairs unless you have a special event you will be attending.

Skip the towel and toiletries

Towels take up so much unnecessary space, especially if there is one provided where you are going. Unless you are going camping or hiking then you may consider carrying a microfiber towel that is light, dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space.

If you’re going to a destination where you can go for shopping and you will be sleeping in a hotel or hostel, you don’t have to carry toiletries.