Why is it that every time you try and go away for the weekend you end up schlepping a wheelie case, a holdall, a handbag, a bumbag and several of those canvas totes along with you as you leg it to catch the train/plane/your lift outta there?
That's all about to change, though. Years and years of weekends away means that we here at Refinery29 have managed to get packing down to a fine art. You're currently in the presence of a woman who has done month-long travels on hand luggage alone, who once took just a handbag on a three-day excursion to the country and, most impressive of all, bought three super-heavy winter coats in an LA thrift store and managed to make it back home to London without coughing up for excess baggage*.
So from us to you, here are some tips for how to maximise packing space.
*Wearing two winter coats on an 11-hour plane journey in July: not recommended.
Go solid
Not being able to take liquids on a plane has made the women of Britain think long and hard about what is and what is not a luxury when it comes to beauty products. Even after careful consideration, though, those plastic bags they give you at Stansted are just about big enough for a deodorant and a lip gloss.
The answer? Give solid toiletries a go. Head to Lush (where else) to pick up solid shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste. For perfumes, check out Diptyque's range of premium solids here.
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Fully embrace #athleisure
The word might have been floating around for a few years now but have you ever actually stopped to realise what it truly means? It is literally society telling you it's acceptable to wear stretchy, comfy, cosy clothes out of the house and to work, to your job, on a night out. Never again do you need to be confined by denim, or cord.
These nifty new graphic tights from PUMA are a great shout when it comes to straddling fashion and comfort. They take up very little room in your bag, can be worn during the day, out at night, if you decide to go for a run (lol) and even (if you're being really space-thrifty) to bed.
PUMA Graphic Tights, £55, available at PUMA
Vacuum pack
If your mum used to put her winter clothes away for the season (really, who's got the time), then you're probably well-versed in the art of vacuum packing to save space in your wardrobe.
Now, though, they make "vacuum" packs for suitcases – and they don't require a vacuum, thank goodness. Just put your clothes in these seemingly normal plastic bags and roll to get all the air out. The packs ensure the air stays out, giving you double or even triple the space in some cases.
Compactor Compression bags, £6.90, available at Compactor
Use clips to make more room
Just because your suitcase or backpack is full doesn't mean it can't hold more stuff. You just need to get creative.
Invest in some carabiner clips which are excellent for attaching bigger items like shoes, sleeping bags, extra pouches of stuff and more to the outside of your already-full luggage.
This probably isn't advisable if you're flying but if all you're doing is chucking your bag in the boot of a car for your journey then go right ahead and clip as much darn stuff to it as you can.
Furado Carabiner hooks (10), £8.99, available at Amazon
Cut down on packaging
Obviously don't not pack your makeup. You're on hols and you want to look your best, and if that means wearing all the makeup you'd normally wear then go right ahead.
There is a way to cut down on the amount you take, though. Big pots of powder and conditioner can really add bulk to your packing so instead, decant mineral powders and foundation, cream blushers and the like into contact lens pots. Much more space to devote to other stuff that's much more fun.
Sports Vision Macaron shaped(!) contact lens pots, £4.99, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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