Essential packing and organisation tips for your summer holiday

By taking the time to plan ahead and streamline your holiday packing process, you can ensure you’ll be stress-free once the time comes to fill your suitcase.

Below we’ve put together some essential tips and tricks to simplify your holiday packing and organisation process. From smart packing strategies to useful packing lists, we hope these insights will help you to stay organised, maximise your luggage space, and focus on what truly matters - making the most of your well-deserved summer break.

1. Keep your clothes neat and compact

One of the most challenging aspects of packing is managing suitcase space efficiently while still keeping your clothes organised. Packing cubes are a game-changer in this regard. They’re designed to help you easily split and categorise your clothing and accessories. Packing cubes often come in various sizes, allowing you to separate your clothing items into size order. For instance, larger packing cubes can be used for trousers and t shirts, while smaller packing cubes can be used for underwear and swimwear. Packing cubes not only help to maximise suitcase space but they also make it easier to find what you need without having to rummage through your entire suitcase.

Packing tip: roll your clothes
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is an effective way to save space and minimise wrinkles. By rolling your clothes and placing them in packing cubes, you can fit more items into your suitcase and keep them organised. This technique works particularly well for t-shirts, jeans, and larger clothing items.

2. Secure Your Travel Documents

Travel documents such as passports, boarding passes, and visas are crucial for international travel. Misplacing these documents can cause unnecessary stress and delays, which is not what you want before heading on holiday. Travel wallets and passport cases offer a practical solution by providing designated slots for all your important documents.

Travel wallets are designed to keep everything in one place, making it easy to access your documents when needed. Often travel wallets, such as our multi-compartment Slim Passport Case, come with different compartments for your passport, boarding passes, credit cards, and even a pen, so they help to keep paperwork organised and easy to find.

Travel tip: make copies of important documents
Before you leave, make photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Store these copies in a separate location from the originals. In case your documents are lost or stolen, having copies will make it easier to get replacements.

3. Manage Your Toiletries and Medications

Spills and leaks can be a common problem when packing toiletries. To avoid this, you should use special travel bottles and containers that are designed with secure lids to prevent leaks. Compact travel containers are perfect for storing your liquids, creams, and medications in manageable amounts that comply with airline regulations. Travel toiletry bottles often come in smaller sizes too, so you can decant your shower gel, shampoo and conditioner into these to keep your luggage weight down.

Investing in a waterproof wash bag will also help to keep your hygiene products organised and separate from your clothing when packing. Often, toiletry wash bags come with multiple compartments and can be hung on the back of a door, making it easier to find and locate the products you need when you’ve arrived at your destination. Our Hanging Case with Detachable Pouch is perfect for this.

Toiletry tip: use solid toiletries
If you’re unsure whether using travel bottles is for you, consider using solid toiletries such as shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and solid lotions. These products are spill-proof, come in compact packaging, and are often more environmentally friendly. Plus, they don’t count towards your liquid limit in your carry-on.

4. Choose the Right Luggage

Your suitcase is the most important piece of travel equipment you’ll use. Investing in high-quality luggage can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. Durable materials and thoughtful design features can enhance convenience and protect your items when travelling. Hard shell suitcases are highly durable, offer heightened protection, and are water resistant.

Getting the right suitcase size for your holiday is also important. There’s no point in taking an extra large suitcase with you if you’re only going away for 2 days and have only paid for hand luggage. At MUJI, we offer small carry-on suitcases as well as extra large suitcases that have a capacity of 105 litres. All our hard shell suitcases are designed for durability and ease of use, featuring smooth-rolling wheels, sturdy telescopic handles, and ample storage space.

Luggage tip: use a luggage scale
Overpacking can lead to excess baggage fees and inconvenience at the airport. Use a luggage scale to weigh your suitcase before you leave home. This will help you stay within airline weight limits and avoid any last-minute surprises.

5. Enhance Your Travel Experience with Accessories

Small travel accessories can make a big difference in your comfort and convenience while travelling. Here are a few must-have travel accessories we’d recommend investing in:

Neck pillows and eye masks

Long flights and car rides can be uncomfortable, especially when trying to sleep. Comfort items such as neck pillows and eye masks provide support and block out light, helping you rest more comfortably during your journey.

Travel adapters and chargers

Different countries have different power outlets, making a universal travel adapter essential. We recommend keeping this in your hand luggage in case you need to charge your phone in a hurry.

Foldable shopping bag

A foldable bag is a versatile item that could come in handy during any trip. Use it as a day bag for excursions, as a beach bag for carrying towels, or as a shopping bag for souvenirs. Our Nylon Wide Gusset Bag is ideal for this.

Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated while travelling is crucial. Take a reusable water bottle to refill throughout your journey so you can stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste.

Handheld portable fan

A rechargeable handheld fan is a must-have if you’re visiting a hot climate. Even if you don’t plan on taking part in any strenuous exercise while you’re away, a portable fan will provide relief from the sun while you relax on a sun lounger.

6. Plan and prepare in advance

Packing and organising are much easier when you plan ahead. Start by making a checklist of everything you need to take with you. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Consider the weather and activities you plan on taking part in at your destination so that you can pack appropriately.

Planning tip: pack light
One of the best packing tips is to pack light. Take versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that are easy to pack and care for. By packing light, you’ll have more room for souvenirs and less weight to carry around.

7. Stay organised during your trip

Once you’ve packed your bags, staying organised throughout your trip is essential. Use the compartments in your suitcase and packing cubes to keep items in their designated places. Unpack your clothes and toiletries when you arrive at your destination to keep your space tidy and ensure your clothes don’t become creased.

Organisation tip: take a laundry bag
Take a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to do laundry during or after your trip.

Stress-free summer holiday packing