Packing an Overnight Bag

Recently, I stayed one night at a hotel (kids-free!!!), and again, another night away for a friend's wedding.

Both trips, only one night.

Packing the overnight bag was a breeze because....(here's the trick), I only took 2 outfits! I know this is absurd for some, some even may consider the practice "unhygienic" (what, you wear something twice without washing?? YES).

Do you know how light my bag was? On the way home, I could even squeeze in my husband's work jacket as there was plenty of room.

2 outfits
1 pair of shoes
2 undies
1 pjs
toiletries
book

I dream of travelling with just two outfits.
One day...

Packing the Day Bag

Packing the day bag for your kids involve a lot fo "Just In Case" things. I get paranoid thinking that one day I forget something, is the day I really need it.

Packing the Day Bag has become much easier now that the kids are out of nappies. Also, the eldest (6 yrs) doesn't need a change of clothes every time we go out.

I still need:
change of clothes for daughter (3 yrs)
food
water bottles x 3
baby wipes & hankies
band-aids & Paw Paw cream
treats*

So, as you can see, it's fairly compact, and can all fit in a small bag. I am, however, going back to packing for a baby as well in February. This means...8-10 nappies a day, as well all the other paraphernalia e.g. spare clothes x4, burp towels, nappy cream, bibs, wraps, toys, sling, pram, Moses basket...

I am looking forward to going out with just a small handbag when the kids are all "growed-up". I've seen older mums do this on their way to the city or something. I've admired them in the distance. :)

*for emergencies only: long car trips, long waits in a queue etc.

Minimising your Toiletry Bag

Image from styleceo.com

The best thing I have bought to take on holidays and weekend aways is a Nalgene travel kit. I think I got the tip from onebag.com (see my post here).

You squeeze small amounts of shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen into these little travel bottles, drastically reducing the size of your toiletry bag. Sure it's a little bit of a hassle doing this, and labelling the different bottles (actually I enjoy this), but it's more of a hassle lugging around a giant toiletries bag that is the size of a small suitcase.

You can purchase these travel kits from camping stores. I got mine for about $12.

OneBag.com

This is one of all-time my favourite sites.

Since uni days I have pored over the pages, memorising the packing list, and drawing up a "wish list". I've always wanted a silk inner liner sheet!

It advocates Light Travel - which means travelling with one bag; one carry-on bag.

I love this idea. I've done it ONCE. When I travelled to Korea by myself back in 2004. It was a pretty good feeling. So light and free. While everybody is queuing up to pick up their luggage, you are on your way, hopping into a taxi, with just one small backpack on your back.

The list is pretty minimal. The best tip is minimising clothing. What is the saying? "Lay out everything you are going to take on your trip. Then half the clothing. Double the Money".

For me, three outfits is plenty. Plus you can wash as you go. Coordinating colours is the key, so everything goes with everything. I've pretty much stuck to black, grey and dark green.

Here is the list: One bag packing list