Regardless of whether you’re a world nomad travelling regularly from place to place or a weekend wanderer taking short, occasional trips, packing is something we all need to deal with. We all have our own methods and styles but there are a few tips on how to pack that will be handy for every trip you take in the future.

How to Pack Like a Pro

Plan Ahead

The weather is one aspect of travel that cannot always be anticipated, this means that the packing of suitable clothes can be difficult. However, before you start packing you should plan what your going to take.
Make a list of the essentials you need: toiletries, electronics, medications etc. then start thinking about your outfits. Regardless of what some people say you do not need a whole new outfit for each day of your trip:

• Jeans and trousers can be warn multiple times
• Pack a small bottle or tube of detergent so you can do some laundry (underwear and vest tops wash and dry quickly)
• Pack playsuits/jumpsuits to reduce the number of trousers and tops needed
• Wear your thickest clothes whilst travelling to reduce space in your luggage
• Instead of fancy tops, wear a plain top and some statement jewellery

Consider Your Luggage

Once you’ve worked out what and how much you’re packing you can then pick your luggage:

• Weekend Trips – a small backpack, holdall
• Long Weekend/ Week Trip – medium sized backpack, holdall, small suitcase
• Week Trip/ Longer – large backpack, medium sized suitcase

Perfect Your Packing Style

Some people fold, some roll, some stuff their suitcases as though they’re escaping a zombie apocalypse, whatever your packing style you should make sure that it definitely works for you.

You might find that your packing style changes depending on where you’re going, what you’re packing, and even the luggage you’re using. This is fine. However you pack, just make sure that it is space and time efficient.

Use All of the Packing Hacks

You only have to Google the term “packing hacks” and you will find hundreds that various people use, some work wonderfully and some are pretty useless. Again, find the ones that work for your packing situation. These are my favourite:

• Thread thing chains through an unused drinking straw
• Use empty glasses cases for cables, earplugs, eyes masks and travel sickness wristbands
• Pack small breakables in socks and then inside shoes

Regardless of what you pack for your travels, it is always important to make sure you have sufficient Travel Insurance – single trip and annual multi trip cover is available from Unite Travel Insurance

Do you have any tips for how to pack that make your life easier?
Let me know in the comments.