Packing for a weekend away is always tricky.
You want to have everything you need, but not be weighed down with too many items that are just going to take up space in your luggage.
This blog post will give you the top tips on what you should pack for your next short break so that you have an enjoyable time without having to worry about all of the stress and anxiety that comes with packing your bags!
Common Mistakes People Make When Packing For A Weekend Away:
When it comes to packing for a weekend trip, many people tend to forget about essentials which can be a real pain when you’re away. Some of the most common mistakes I make when packing are:
– Forgetting to pack something incredibly important
– Packing far too much and having to lug it around with me while travelling
– Leaving no room for souvenirs and bringing things back
Plan What You Need In Advance
The first thing to do is to plan what you need in advance. This will help you to make sure that you don’t forget anything important and also means that you can pack lighter. The best way to do this, of course, is to write a list!
I tend to use my notes app on my phone and then once I’ve packed the item, I pop a little star emoji next to it. It’s simple, but it works.
Check The Weather Before You Travel
When it comes to packing for a weekend away, the weather is always something to consider. If you’re going somewhere warm, then you’re not going to need as many layers, but you’ll definitely want a jacket for cooler evenings. It may be worth checking the weather forecast before you leave so that you can pack appropriately. If it looks like there will still be a few days of warm weather after you arrive, then there’s no harm in wearing the same outfit on consecutive days. Forget what Kate Sanders says in Lizzie Mcquire, we LOVE an outfit repeater.
Lay Everything Out On Your Bed (To Make Sure That It Fits In The Suitcase)
When choosing what to wear for your trip, lay everything out on your bed. This will help you to visualise how much space everything is going to take up in your suitcase and whether it’s all going to fit. If not, then you may need to think about leaving a few things behind. It’s also a great opportunity to see what you may need to pair with certain items.
💡TIP: Catorgising your items as you lay them on your bed is a great way to see what you have and what you still need.
Pack Clothes That Can Be Used Multiple Times
One way to save both space and money when packing for a weekend away is to pack clothes that can be worn multiple times. This might seem like a no-brainer, but I know plenty of people who still take along a whole bunch of new clothes thinking that they will have time to wear it all. If there are certain items that have ‘outfit’ options in terms of being worn with other pieces, then consider packing these so you can easily change up your outfit throughout the day and evening without sacrificing any important space.
Pack a Ready-made Bag of Toiletries
We all know that toiletries can take up a lot of space, so it’s best to have everything ready-made and organised before you go. This way, you can just grab your bag and go without having to worry about packing or unpacking any liquids or gels. Not only that, but you can be sure you’re getting the most out of any toiletries you have, reusing anything you have left the next time you travel.
💡TIP: If you’re using your bag as a carry-on, make sure you’re sticking to the 100ml limit as you don’t want to have to rebuy anything once you arrive.
Invest In Some Decent Packing Cubes
If you want to save even more space in your luggage, then packing cubes are a must. These nifty little things allow you to organise all of your clothes and smaller items into separate compartments, making it easy to find what you need when you need it. Not only does this free up more space in your bag, but it also prevents everything from becoming one big jumbled mess. While I am used to things being a jumbled mess, it doesn’t help when it comes to travel…
💡TIP: Don’t just use any packing cubes, use packing cubes that are clear. Not only does this make it easier for you to see what items are where in your suitcase, but it also helps when it comes to seeing what you may have forgotten.
My Top Recommended Packing Cubes
Choose the Right-Sized Luggage
One of the most important things to consider when packing for a weekend away is the size of your luggage. If you’re travelling by plane, make sure you’re aware of the weight and size restrictions that apply to hand luggage – you don’t want to be stuck at the airport with a bag that’s too heavy or too big to carry on.
When choosing your luggage, opt for something that’s the right size for what you need. If you’re only taking a few items, a small backpack or shoulder bag will do the trick. However, if you’re packing more than a few items, you’ll need something bigger – a suitcase or duffel bag.
💡TIP: Remember to check the airline’s guidelines when it comes to luggage. Everyone is different and you don’t want to be caught by surprise fees.
Perfect Backpack for a Weekend Away
Shop my go-to backpack for a weekend away here – perfect for Ryanair and Easy Jet luggage allowances and has more than enough space to fit everything you need.
It even has a special compartment for you laptop so if you need to work on the go, you can!
Keep Smaller Items Organised
When packing, it’s important to be organised. Keep smaller items together and make sure everything has a place. This will save you time when you’re trying to find something in your bag at the last minute.
The best way to do this is to have different packing organisers that you can easily fill with your smaller belongings (and often your most valuable ones). My favourites are jewellery organisers and cable organisers. I also use a small organiser for my camera memory cards and backups.
Limit the Number of Shoes You Take
When packing shoes, remember that they take up quite a lot of space in your bag – especially if you’re taking multiple pairs! Limit yourself to one pair per day (and perhaps an extra pair for the evening if you’re going to be doing something fancy).
💡TIP: If possible, wear your chunkiest shoes while you’re travelling. This will help you maximise the space in your luggage as much as you possibly can.
Be Strict With Your Choices
When it comes to packing for a weekend away, be strict with yourself and only take the essentials. This means clothes, toiletries and necessary medications. Everything else can stay at home!
More Packing Tips
If you’re looking for some more advice on packing for a weekend away, make sure to check out some of my other packing tips posts and, as always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to help!
