Simplifying Summer Travel Packing
Whether you’re heading off on a long holiday or just a weekend getaway, packing should be simple — not stressful. But for many people, it turns into a chaotic last-minute rush involving too many shoes, forgotten chargers, and a suitcase that won’t close.
Over the years, I’ve found that decluttering your travel essentials before summer hits makes packing faster, lighter, and less of a faff.
Review Your Travel Stash
Start by pulling out your usual travel bits: suitcases, pouches, toiletry bags, travel adapters, travel-size bottles, eye masks, all of it. If you haven’t looked in that drawer or cupboard since last summer, now’s the time.
Ask yourself:
Is anything broken, expired, or leaking?
Do I have duplicates I never use?
Have I actually used this on a trip in the last year?
Be ruthless. You don’t need six neck pillows or half-used mini bottles of shampoo from five hotels ago.
Create a Travel Kit
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, gather your essentials into one dedicated travel kit. I like using a small pouch or zip-up bag for each category:
Toiletries: only the basics you know you use
Tech: chargers, adapters, headphones
Comfort: travel pillow, face mist, hand sanitiser, tissues
Documents: passports, health insurance info, copies of bookings
Keep your kit in one place — a designated drawer or shelf — so you’re not hunting around the house when it’s time to pack.
Refill the Minis Now
Don’t wait until the night before your trip to discover your tiny toothpaste is empty. Now is the time to refill or replace your travel-size items. If you regularly decant products into smaller bottles, give them a wash and refill with your current skincare, shampoo, etc.
It saves you from grabbing overpriced travel items at the airport.
Slim Down Your Wardrobe Choices
This is the one that causes the most drama. Packing too many outfits “just in case” leads to heavy bags and loads of unworn clothes.
Instead:
Pick a neutral base (white, beige, navy, black)
Add 2–3 pops of colour or statement pieces
Choose shoes that match everything
Pack clothes that work together and can be mixed and matched
A simple travel wardrobe = less decision-making and more space for souvenirs.
Keep It Ready to Go
If you travel often, keep your travel kit semi-packed and ready. After each trip, restock and tidy it so it’s always prepped for the next one. You’ll thank yourself when you’re packing for that impromptu weekend in London or a last-minute Eid getaway.
Packing doesn’t need to be a drama. With a little pre-summer travel decluttering, you’ll be able to pack quickly, lightly, and with zero stress. And that means more time to focus on the fun bits of your holiday.
In the next post, I’ll guide you through giving your home office a summer-ready refresh. It’s all about staying cool, productive, and clutter-free.