5 Things Friday - Some Handy Tips for Capsule Packing...
Is it even possible to capsule pack and resist throwing in some last minute extras? I think, perhaps not, but I'm always up for the challenge!
Hello, and welcome to a new month! Let’s hope June brings us all some joy and some much needed sunshine. Last week was a tough one for me, with looking after my elderly in-laws and starting to go through my mum’s possessions as we packed up her house. I’m finding nothing prepares you for this middle stage of life. Who thought there would be a harder stage than early parenting, or more draining than the teenage years, but there you go, life is full of surprises! This week however looks decidedly more cheery, and as I write this on a Sunday evening I’m thinking about what to pack for my 4 days away in Porto. I’m so looking forward to a break, but before I can even think about saying '“a sangria please” I’ve got to get the packing sorted - and if I’m honest it can be a bit of a chore. It seems to me that every holiday I need to re-think my packing strategy. It all depends on what we are doing, the weather and the suitcase size (oh for the old days when luggage allowance wasn’t extra!). Add into that my overwhelming desire to wear ALL my summer wardrobe, because summer just ain’t happening in the UK, and I’m starting to think it’s an impossible task.
Over the years I have managed to fine tune my packing (slightly) for a city break and I have learned that there are a few rules that make it less stressful. Here’s what I find helps me…
1. Some Handy Rules To Pack By:
Pack outfits NOT items. Laura Fantacci of Wardrobe Icons fame once said the key secret to capsule packing is to pack outfits not individual pieces. It's a rule I’ve since always kept to and it does make a big difference. A hanging rail is really useful for this, but just lying your outfits out on the bed and working out a whole outfit for each day helps to make sure you're not over packing.
Consider your itinerary, check the forecast and plan what you’ll wear so there is no last minute outfit planning when you arrive.
A mostly neutral wardrobe helps to mix and match pieces. I add personality with accessories like sunglasses and jewellery (which take up less space). If you crave colour, plan a colour palette to help with building outfits and ensure everything goes together.
Try to resist the ‘what if’ scenario. I find this the most difficult, but really most things can be purchased at your destination if there is an emergency.
Always pack a light knit or long sleeve shirt for cooler days or evenings out. There is nothing worse than shivering in your summer dress!
Save space by decanting toiletries into inexpensive plastic bottles. If you’re going with hand luggage only, consider ordering online from the click and collect service Boots offers at many UK airports. It saves having to keep to the current regulations concerning hand luggage limits on liquids, which causes me lots of stress!
Pack like a pro - I’ve done lots of previous edits which give you tips on using packing cubes and packing awkward items.
2. Comfy Shoes - The Heels Can Stay At Home
I mean it goes without saying, but there is nothing worse than a day walking around the cobbled streets of a lovely city being ruined by sore feet. I only pack flats nowadays, and two pairs cover all eventualities for me. I’m not willing to risk my neck wearing a heel for dinner, and I like giving my summer dresses a casual look with a flat strappy sandal. We’ve already booked for a walking tour of Porto, so I'll be taking my Air&Grace Cleo sandals, which are perfect to pair with my neutral linen trousers and maxi skirts. For evenings I’ve splashed out and ordered these St Agni Sandals. They are yet to arrive, so I might be throwing in my old Ancient Greek ones - they also do a comfort sole now and I’m very into a minimal look with these Kansi ones. Last year I walked all round Lisbon in my Birkenstocks, and my favourite all time beach holiday sandals are the Arizona Eva’s - waterproof, comfortable and go with everything, I literally live in them all summer at home. I can also recommend Teva’s if you're looking for a more sporty summer look. They are really comfortable if you like to pound the pavements and they’ve come a long way from the geography teacher vibes (apologies to any geography teachers!). I really like look of these ones.