Make room for what matters: the art of mindful packing

Preparing for your holiday can be fun, but also challenging—particularly when you’re trying to decide what to bring with you. There are so many factors to consider: luggage allowance, destination and mode of transportation, just to name a few. But don’t sweat what’s going into your suitcase… just follow these guidelines and know you have everything you need.

1. Be handy

Whenever possible, try to limit yourself to hand baggage. If you don’t check your bag, you can’t lose it. And just imagine how much easier it is to carry one small bag than to haul a huge suitcase up and down metro stairs, through swindling alleys or up the narrow steps of your old town hotel. You can take small quantities of liquids, gels and creams in your hand luggage on flights, so swap your usual bottles and jars for some handy minis.

2. Rolling is the new folding

This time-honoured packing technique just makes sense. Fold things in half, then roll them up rather than folding them into quarters, and you’ll notice a lot more room in your carry-on.

3. Wear it out

Leave your house wearing the bulkiest clothing items so they won’t take up valuable space in your baggage. This will also make you think twice about outerwear: do you really need that thick wool coat in case the evenings get chilly in August?

4. You can do laundry in paradise

They’re not some magical device that lives in your home only—you can wash your clothes pretty much anywhere, so there’s no need to pack a different outfit for every day that you’re away. If you need a quick freshen-up during your vacay, just grab your travel-sized Hair & Body Mist and spray it over your body, clothes and hair to lock in the delicate fragrance of Indian rose and Himalaya honey anywhere, anytime.

5. Don’t bring what you can buy

This one will save you lots of space and it’s basically a no-brainer. Hitting the beach in Barcelona? We’re willing to bet they have all your temporarily needed supplies available in stores there, so don’t bother buying them at home and lugging them all the way there. Try to limit the items in your toiletry bag to mini sized products that are crucial to your self care routine, such as your face skincare products.

It’s a good idea to approach packing like you do other aspects of your life. Pause for a moment, be present, and be mindful of wants vs. needs. You’ll find that when you do this, you’ll be relaxed and ready to enjoy a wonderful change of scenery.