'So useful': Kitchen item travellers swear by when packing for a holiday
While packing for holidays, it can be tempting to put your whole life in a suitcase - who knows what you might need?
However, lugging around a heavy bag upon arrival - usually on limited sleep - only makes getting settled and checked in at your destination harder.
By being more strategic and judicious in packing for holidays, you can enjoy your holiday more and stress less about whether you left anything out.
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Lugging around heavy bags makes travelling harder. Getty Images/iStockphoto
A Reddit user asked the Track Hacks thread on Reddit about people's favourite packing tips. Here are some of the best from over 300 responses to help you plan for your next trip.
Have pre-made packing lists for every type of holiday
Half the struggle of packing is compiling a list of everything you will need.
Save the mental energy of formulating a new list for every trip by creating pre-made packing lists.
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"I have packing lists for each "type" of vacation I take (beach, city, ski, etc.) and just modify them for each trip as needed," said one Reddit commenter.
"I also make note of things I brought but never used so that I don't pack unnecessary things in the future."
This can be done in Apple Notes or another digital note-taking software, so you always have a copy accessible.
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They're usually found in your kitchen but zip locks bags can also come in handy on holiday. Getty
Pack spare carry bags and ziplock bags
Packing light-weight, foldable bags that have a range of uses can help organise your luggage at the end of the trip, store dirty clothing, be used for shopping, and even double as an extra carry-on.
"This past year I acquired a nice canvas type laundry bag that all my dirty clothes go in and that just gets dumped out in the laundry when I get home," said one Reddit user.
Reddit users also recommended bringing assorted sizes of zip lock bags.
"They are so useful for so many things, and they take up no room," said a commenter.
"Bring a gallon ziplock bags with snacks for your travels," said another. "I save so much money with energy bars, apples, nuts or trail mix, and a few of my fave candies."
Don't overpack
Almost all of us are culprits of overpacking and its not an easy problem to fix.
One Reddit user suggested packing for only fix or six days at a time to prevent overpacking. After using up your clean clothes, you can find a laundry spot at your destination.
"Don't unzip the suitcase extension when packing," said another Reddit commenter.
"I always need more room on the way back, souvenirs, plus I'm never as organized when it's time to go home and vacation is over."
Not packing too many non-prescription medical items could reduce your luggage load, such as paracetemol and ibuprofen tablets, as most of these things can be purchased at your destination.
Finally, one user recommends a culling approach to packing.
"Pack everything you want to take at least a week in advance of leaving," they said.
"Then walk away and let it sit for a day or two. Then come back and take out half of the stuff you packed. You didn't need it. Trust me."
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Save the mental energy of formulating a new list for every trip by creating pre-made packing lists. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Prioritise items with multiple uses
While this one is technically a tip to avoid overpacking, it deserves its own point.
Items with multiple uses are ideal for travelling as they make more space in your suitcase.
I usually pack or wear a thin waterproof shell when I'm traveling," said one user as an example.
"Packs down very small. It's an extra layer if you're cold, it protects you from the rain (no need for an umbrella) or wind, you can cover up your face from light if you're trying to sleep on a train or bus, you can lay it down to sit somewhere that is wet or dirty and wipe it clean later."
Another user recommended bringing merino wool socks and shirts for cooler trips.
"Hang them up to air out at night and they are fresh to wear again the next day," they said. "Get a good three days wear out of them."
Plainer clothes or 'basics' also, in a way, have multiple uses.
It's important to pack clothes that mix and match with each other, and can be dressed up and down to make a number of different outfits for different occasions.
Bringing lots of items that only match with one other thing is not generally efficient, but sometimes the rules can be bent for a special dress or top.
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Bring laundry detergent and a laundry line
Bringing laundry detergent is an important part of not overpacking, as it makes it easier to re-wear clothes.
Many travellers forget how expensive buying a full packet of laundry tablets can be - especially when you end up using only a handful during your trip.
"Get some laundry detergent sheets (Earth Breeze, for example) and put a few in a ziplock bag," said one user.
"You can use them to wash things in your hotel room sink, or if you have have access to a washing machine you won't have to buy detergent."
"Pack a cord that can be used as a laundry line if you're planning on doing laundry," added another user.
