Packing Tips

When packing my bags for summer holiday, which I tend to do weeks before actually leaving, I always over-pack. This summer, for a change, there is no option for me to over-pack... I will be going on the train from Brussels to Lyon, carrying my own bags, and will be spending my first week camping with my friend and her parents. After camping my friend and I are taking a train to Italy to spent a week there with my parents. After a pizza eating filled week, we will be flying back home, AKA: checking in luggage and all.
As I am starting my vacation solo, there is no possibility for me to over-pack.

SO: Google became my best friend last week and helped me (along with the book 'Style' by Lauren Conrad) to make a check list of the things I would be needing. And most importantly, what not. 

I decided to share my favourite tips with you and add a little bit of my own experiences as we go :)

Tip #1: Roll up your clothing
This will not only save space, it also leaves your clothing less wrinkly. Beware: this tip does take some practice. I have tried rolling my clothes for this summer holiday, but I have found it to be very frustrating because not all clothes are fit for rolling. I recommend trying it a few times before actually having to pack to see if it works for you. Another tip: Roll your clothes separately. (I first rolled up all my tops as one big roll, I found this to be a, let's say, not so useful way to try and keep my bag organized.)

Not this way, but roll up each shirt on it's own. (This will save you more space and will help with keeping your bag organized.)

Tip #2: Create your outfits before leaving.
This way, you will not pack things you will not be able to wear and will show that you can make a lot of different outfits with a few basic pieces. I read that taking pictures of the outfits also helps because you can check if you have used all the items you plan on taking with you. If you didn't, and you are happy with the outfits that you've created, you can leave the other things behind.

Like so. You can also wear the outfit and take a picture of it. 

Tip #3: A zip-lock bag around your washcloth

Putting a zip-lock bag around towels or your washcloth is to protect the other clothes or products that you carry around in the same bag. You might have a afternoon-flight, but want to wash your wash after you wake up. The washcloth takes time to dry, but by putting it in a zip-lock, it keeps the water in there and will not spill on your other clothes. Using a normal plastic bag can lead to leaking. You can also use disposable cloths, but I find my skin getting red and irritated when I do.

The bag prevents leaking water on other clothes you carry in the same compartment.

Tip #4: Hair grips on the package
I never thought off keeping the packaging of new products. Until I needed a box to put my make-up in for when I was travelling, and I had just bought a new cream. I used the box to store my make-up, and still use it today! I keep the 'package' of my hair grips because it prevents me from losing my hair grips (I still lose them, but not in a few weeks time). I find this easy to use to put in my handbag or my make-up bag, because it doesn't take up much space and you still get to take all your hair grips with you. And most importantly: It prevents the grips from getting lost in your bag.


Tip #5: Take a few 'summer' nail polishes with you
I am a big believer of completing an outfit with nail polish. If I have the time, I change my nail polish every day or every other day. This summer, I wanted to get a lot of pastels, but couldn't find the right colours... I did pick up the blue one (pictured below). Other than two pastel colours (purple and blue) I always take one neutral color with me (in this case, white) and a bright one (pink).  For my toes I use a dark blue with a light shimmer. It lasts me all summer, so I put it on the day before I leave and don't take it with me. IF it does chip, I take it off and leave my nails or put on the neutral colour.

Sephora Pink #19 - W.I.C by Herome #149 Rabat - Essie #1 Blanc - Maybelline Color Show #651 Cool Blue

Tip #6: Put big packaged products together. Do the same with small products.
I always lose my mascara when I put it in the same bag as my body lotion. I put my hair products, make-up removers, body lotions and scrubs in a big bag. Then use another, smaller bag for my make-up products like mascara and concealer (I put my hairgrips in this bag as well). I spent less time searching through my bags and more time enjoying the sun!! I also put my bigger bag in my normal bag, and my smaller one in my handbag.

Tip #7: Empty toilet rolls for chargers
My bag has no side pockets, so I have no 'special' place to stall my chargers. I was scrolling trough Pintrest when I saw this as a storage idea. Of course, the rolls on Pintrest were pretty and creative, mine are not. You roll up your charger and pull it trough the roll. Your wire will not knot itself, and you can even use your charger when it's still rolled in the toilet roll.

If you have all black wires, you can use a black water proof maker to write down what the charger is for. 

Tip #8: If you are taking your 'professional' camera with you, pack all belongings together.
I am only taking my Lumix camera with me this year. I also have a smaller Fujifilm camera, but the pictures are becoming blurry and it's running out of battery really fast... As I got this for my birthday/graduation, I got accessories, a second lens and super charger (it charges twice as fast, if we must believe the packaging). I have put all my camera belongings together in my camera bag, honestly, because I am too scared to lose anything! If you do have a special bag, I recommend taking full advantage because you have all your camera-stuff together!

Hope you enjoyed the tips! I found them via Pintrest on 'Her Packing List' the have loads of pins and boards for traveling :)
Credit: http://travelfashiongirl.com/60-travel-packing-tips-from-the-experts/

Love, Danielle