With the long weekend coming up, I thought I would share some packing tips for a weekend getaway.

Some of you may have this down pat, but I know a few people who still seem to take an endless amount of clothing for a short trip and still feel pretty disorganised. Part of the enjoyment of a quick trip away is having everything you need without bringing everything you own.

My first suggestion would be to be realistic about what size bag you’ll need, whether it’s a rolling suitcase or a backpack. I think you’re far better to take one organised bag than several smaller bags filled with this and that. To me, this screams disorganisation and confusion. Taking lots of smaller bags could lead to leaving one behind, and constantly looking in the wrong bag all weekend. A few weeks ago, I went on my very own trip away. My sister lent me her packing cubes as she thought they were fantastic, and I’d have to agree with her! These are so ideal for organisation within your travel bag, separating clothing and other belongings into their own compartments, keeping things tidy and manageable. If you’re planning to iron or steam a garment, using a packing cube to keep it neat and free of creases throughout your trip is very handy! Some packing cubes have special features that help condense your items further while keeping them neatly folded and ready to wear, which is useful if you're trying to pack a lot into a small bag. This is also ideal if you’re flying and want to keep your luggage as carry-on rather than the hassle of taking a checked-in bag.

The advantage of long weekends is that most of us know where we’re heading, what our plans might be and the sort of temperature we can expect, making packing a little easier. If you want a stress-free weekend, avoid aimlessly filling your suitcase ‘just in case’. For most of us, this upcoming long weekend might involve spending time with family or friends and going out for a meal or a coffee. If you’re going to a special event, start your packing by planning your attire for this occasion, starting with the garment itself, then your shoes, bag, and any jewellery or makeup you might want to wear. Once you have the star of your weekend organised, you can build the rest of your packing around it.

Basics for a holiday weekend, depending on your itinerary, would be comfortable pants, whether that’s a pair of jeans, sweats, cord or ponti pants. Your general packing objective is for your items to be suitable for your plans. Your basic items are pieces you’d be able to wear casually while also having the option to elevate them a little by adding a nice jacket or shirt. For example, a pair of jeans paired with a basic jersey, coat and trainers might suit your day activities, whereas your evening wear could simply be changing the jersey out for a pretty blouse, your trainers for a pair of boots and keeping the coat the same. Choosing your outerwear depends on your plans and personal style. You might like to bring a gorgeous coat that layers well with your outfit, perhaps a trench, or a puffer works well too. Denim jackets and blazers are great options too, but these tend to be pretty bulky, so choose the most versatile one that suits your weekend plans the best.

The idea is to try to get your limited items to work together and have the ability to change them up without too much fuss, adapting them for different occasions. Whether that’s for a casual outing or a slightly more polished dinner look. Generally, keeping away from items that need that bit of extra care, like an iron or steam, is recommended, so try to take easy-care fabrics for a more stressless weekend. I often lean into linens for the summer months, and for winter, I gravitate towards knitwear as they’re warm, comfortable and easy to keep tidy.

Holiday weekends are where we can relax, unwind and have some fun. It’s also where we can have a bit of fun adding in some colour or print, perhaps wearing something different to your Monday to Friday wardrobe. Add that gorgeous scarf or hat that you’ve been waiting for the right moment to wear! Accessories are a must too, as they help change up an outfit. A good pair of sunglasses, some jewellery or a belt are some good examples, plus they don’t take up a lot of room.

Laying out your clothing, essential items, and toiletries before assembling them in your bag can also help eliminate items that might end up not being used or needed. It helps to consider your needs from your wants and prevent any impulse packing. Pack efficiently and don’t be burdened with extra things that you don’t need, which is very easy to do! I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful weekend and a little planning goes a long way. When you’re feeling warm and comfortable and have everything you need, your getaway will be that much more enjoyable.

Remember, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to mix and match your favourite pieces to create different ensembles.

Let’s get packing!