Packing, My Rules...

In just a few hours I'll be 'up up and away' heading to sunnier shores and I gotta' be honest (as the rain trickles down the window), I can.not.wait!

I've been asked a few times about my holiday prep/packing rules (it's clear I'm a little OCD about it, right?!) so, here goes... ;

The Prep...

I'm always looking for outfit inspiration so in my usual organised fashion, I started a board on Pinterest for just this...This coupled with recent purchases are the basis of where I started the prep...

Last weekend (in-between hangover hell and the constant eating), I pulled out the items I wanted to take, piled them all on the bed and started a mass try on sesh! I experimented with mixing up new and old stuff and then added accessories etc...I realise this was a whole week before my travels but, I just can't cope with the thought of last minute panic packing, I will forget stuff and lie on the beach wishing I'd packed something that's now thousands of miles away!

Depending on the type of holiday/break I'm going on does depend how I pack...At least one trip a year is an 'organised' trip with work (I refer you back to Cancun in March). This always has an itinerary/dress codes so I pack to that...Literally writing the outfits of choice next to each event on the list!!! 

That said, whether it's 'the work trip' or 'my' holiday, I still plan every outfit, a different one for each night...This isn't because I can't bare to be seen in the same thing twice, I don't trust myself not to spill a drink or drop food down my front...(maybe a statement bib is more appropriate?!).

The day outfits are easy, lightweight, easy, throw over bikini items that are suitable for pool bar lunches then, a couple of outfits for popping out of the resort to sight see...(SHOP!)...

Obviously, without doubt, I find it easier to pack when you know you're going to good weather, I find it tough packing for unpredictable weather!

The Packing...

I pack in 'outfits' (after I have noted what is going in and being worn with what... I realise how bad this sounds..)...This includes the shoes, the bag and any accessories! Then, in a glass half empty state, I also split my things across the two cases (You.Never.Know) obviously, keeping the 'outfits' together.

I don't over pack, I have just enough and then a couple of 'basics' that mix and match with most things, just in case...

Shoes are kept to a minimum, I try and have no more than 3 pairs for evening outfits which, proves tricky sometimes when one outfit only works with one pair of shoes (middle class problems, I know..)...Needs must! Oh and on top of this, one neutral pair of flip flops that are for the day... That's ONE pair!

Accessories are packed into handbags to save space and all toiletries are treble wrapped in a mass of carrier bags to avoid unfortunate spillages/explosions in the hold.

Lastly, I always leave room for some 'souvenir' shopping...I love shopping (surprise) abroad, you can pick up unique pieces that are usually reasonably priced and if not, not available on our shores so worth picking up anyway!

What are your packing tricks? Are you OCD about packing? Do you prep like me or, are you a last minute 'chuck stuff in a case' kinda' person?

x