Packing Light without Compromising

Event season has arrived, and there's a good chance you'll be living out of a suitcase for the rest of the year. So what's the trick to taking everything you need but still being able to manage your luggage through the mazes of public transport and hotel lobbies?



Let's first have a look at what you absolutely must have when visiting an event.

• laptop and/or tablet (including chargers and cables)
• internet dongle
• phone (including chargers and cables)
• camera (and video camera)
• business cards and brochures/fliers
• book to read
• notebook (the paper kind)
• Casual Evening outfit
• Dressy Evening outfit
• Event outfit
• Casual outfits
• Sleepwear
• Toiletries
• clutch purse
• handbag

So that covers the basics for every event. Some of these items you can combine or delete altogether. But you get the general idea.

Before you start

If you leave your packing to the last minute, you're more likely to take more than you need. Lay out your items in a spare room ahead of time, and take your time to change or remove items.

1 - Minimizing

• Work out what you will be doing each day and see if you can combine any of your outfits. For example, a nice pair of trousers can be worn for dressy and casual depending on the shirt.
• Your phone may be fine for taking photos and video if it's just for personal use.
• Your phone can be used as your internet dongle
• And if it's a Poken event you're attending you won't need as many business cards.

2 - Multi Tasking

• If your event goes over several days, why not consider washing your shirt the night before, allowing you to wear it again. Think about this when choosing your shirts also, as wrinkle free will allow more flexibility like this.

3 - Wear it

• Wear your bulky items instead of packing them. If you have to take an overcoat or large jacket, then try to wear it instead. Also wear your big but comfy shoes while travelling.

4 - Use Theirs

• All hotels provide the basic toiletries, so there's no need to pack shampoos or soaps. Also check with the hotel before you leave as they may also provide hair driers, irons and the like.
• Your own toiletries should be in resealable plastic bags to avoid leaks.

5 - Let's Pack

• Roll up all your clothing tightly and set it aside
• underwear and socks can be rolled and put inside your shoes.
• Pack your shoes around the sides of the suitcase
• Stack the harder rolled up clothing on the bottom
• Stack the softer rolled up clothing on top
• Anything you must fold you can then lay over the top.
• Put toiletries and anything that may be questioned by security on top

Happy Travelling