“What? You’re packing for him?” My mother is outraged. “You packed all your own stuff for a holiday from when you were nine and it was perfect.”
Perfect? Really? I have no recollection of ever packing myself, or being praised for it.
I’m always puzzled when I see people dragging vast suitcases at the airport. What have they got in there? I can’t imagine taking so much stuff for a week on a beach? Skiing, yes. Camping, yes. But a week in Spain? I’m not actually sure I own that much summer clothing. I’ve even packed my espresso machine and my bag is still smaller. Actually I would trade a pile of dresses just to make space for the espresso machine if it came down to it.
I’m a member of a great decluttering group on Facebook who were lamenting the challenges of packing. They were shocked when I said my last trip was ten days and I travelled hand baggage only and that included my horse riding helmet. And a pair of boots. And my espresso machine. So I guess I pack light.
Anyway, it’s all granny’s fault that the kids are packing for themselves this year. I’m off duty.
“Everything’s packed mum.”
DS Trip 1
- One t-shirt
- A quill pen and bottle of ink
- A wooden treasure chest
It’s all very neatly packed in a 5 inch metal dinosaur tin. Even by my standards, that is extremely light packing.
DS Trip 2
- Chopsticks
- Mouse for the home computer
- Pillow. Apparently this is not negotiable, it is coming with us. Does it count as an item of hand baggage itself? Otherwise I’m going to be impersonating a pregnant lady through check-in.
- Flip flops. We’re off on a family trip to the north of Scotland. I add a raincoat.
Niece 1
- Cropped vest top – striped
- Cropped vest top – ribbed
- Cropped vest top – sparkly
- Denim mini skirt
Yup this is for the Scotland trip too. The midges are going to have a field day. I almost comment on the scant size of the clothing but then realise I am turning into my mother, so bite my tongue.
Top tips for light packing
My three top light packing tips would be
- Pick a colour scheme so you can mix and match.
- Throw things out/ give to charity when you finish. I don’t bring flip flops home at the end of summer as they are inevitably on their last legs by then. Ditto t-shirts and sun dresses that I know I will replace next year.
- Accessories allow you to change the look. I love my jewellery pouches. I actually have two – a larger one for city breaks and a smaller one for outdoorsy trips.
Would you trust the kids to pack for themselves?
What’s the strangest thing you (or they) have packed? I once took an anchor instead of a suitcase on a flight. That got strange looks when it arrived on the luggage belt in Turkey.
