What to Pack for a one-night weekend Getaway
What to Pack for a One-Night Weekend Getaway: Essentials and Tips
Struggling to pack light for a short trip? This guide will help you pack the perfect bag for a weekend getaway without taking half your house.
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Packing the Perfect Bag for a Weekend Getaway
Do you tend to overpack, bringing as much for a weekend getaway as you would for a week-long trip? The key is knowing what to pack and leaving out everything you don’t need. This guide will help you choose wisely and avoid unnecessary stress.
My Packing Journey
I used to overpack: large, heavy suitcases filled with random items, making every trip chaotic. Now, I’ve mastered how to pack efficiently. With the right folding techniques and lists, I’ve reduced the size of my bag and made my weekend getaways more enjoyable.
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How to Pack the Right Bag
The first step for a stress-free weekend getaway is choosing the perfect bag. A medium-sized one, around 24 x 45 x 15 cm, works best. For example, the Flintronic model is ideal and very cheap.
It’s expandable (35L to 50L), compact, and versatile. It even folds away neatly when not in use.
This bag has well-organized compartments and a “hidden pocket” that attaches to a trolley handle, making it functional for both short and long trips. It’s the perfect solution when you need to pack smartly.
Click on the image to buy it on Amazon
What to Pack: Clothes
This is the hardest part: deciding your outfits in advance. You need to pack only the essentials and make your choices wisely.
This is not the time to bring that sweater you might wear or the face mask you’ve been meaning to try. Pack only what you really need. No “maybes” allowed!
Check the weather first.
Look up the temperature and forecast for your destination. While weather predictions aren’t always accurate, an extra check won’t hurt!
- Plan your travel outfit in advance.
If you’re leaving on a Saturday, wear one outfit and pack a change of clothes for the next day. Personally, for road trips, I prefer pants, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt. - Pack the essentials.
Include your pajamas, a clean outfit for the next day, fresh underwear, and, if possible, an evening outfit. - Not sure what to wear at night?
If you know you’ll be heading somewhere specific, like a fancy restaurant or cocktail bar, check their Instagram page. It’s a great way to understand the vibe and choose an outfit that fits the occasion.
Tip: Dresses are an excellent choice—they’re a complete outfit and take up very little space, making them a great option for both day and night!
How to Pack Clothes Efficiently
Once you’ve chosen the clothes you’re bringing, it’s time to pack them into your bag or travel luggage.
To save space and keep everything organized, I recommend folding your clothes using the KonMari method (by Marie Kondo).
This method involves folding clothes into compact “packages” so they take up minimal space. It’s incredibly effective for saving room, keeping things tidy, and ensuring everything is visible at a glance. I’ve been using this technique for years—whether for weekend getaways, longer trips, or even just to keep my drawers at home more organized!
I suggest watching a tutorial video to learn this method, which is perfect for both home organization and travel packing.
What to Pack: Toiletries
When deciding what to pack for a short trip, stick to the essentials. Bring travel-sized versions of your daily products like deodorant, cream, and makeup remover. Use small containers to decant your favorites if travel sizes aren’t available.
Avoid packing a full perfume bottle—it’s heavy and could break. Instead, bring a few sample-sized perfumes.
What to Pack: Medications
For any getaway, don’t forget to bring with you basic medications. A few tablets and sachets for common symptoms should suffice. For prescription meds, bring a doctor’s note and keep it handy.
Tech Gear
I wouldn’t recommend bringing your laptop—you’re only going away for a couple of days, after all!
…But if you really can’t do without your tech, take a tablet or iPad instead; they take up much less space. Don’t forget your smartphone charger (I always tend to forget mine) and make sure to pack a compact power bank in your bag.
The same goes for books. As much as I love flipping through the pages of a good book, smelling the paper, and having the satisfaction of placing it on my bookshelf when I’m done… when it’s time to pack, optimizing space is my top priority. For some books, I simply get the e-book version and only bring my Kindle. This way, I don’t have to decide which books to bring—I can bring them all in digital format!
Clicca sull’immagine per acquistarlo su Amazon
Accessories
Limit the accessories you bring for your weekend getaway. Wear your favorite jewelry and leave the rest at home.
When it comes to shoes, wear the bulkiest pair (like sneakers) and pack lighter options, such as sandals or evening shoes.
I also recommend bringing a stylish hat. Personally, I never leave for a getaway without my favorite fedora hat!
Everyday Handbag
Your overnight bag is ready, but now is the perfect time to tidy up your everyday handbag.
In the bag you’ll carry while exploring your destination, remove anything you don’t need: office keys, hand cream, and old receipts cluttering your wallet—get rid of anything unnecessary.
You’ll probably already have the essentials inside: house keys, wallet, smartphone, earbuds, sunglasses, lip balm, power bank (as mentioned earlier), ID, driver’s license, and other personal items.
Click on the image to buy it on Amazon
Get Organized with Packr App
To make your weekend getaway even easier, try the Packr app. It creates customized packing lists based on your trip’s length, destination, and activities. You can check off items, add your own, or remove unnecessary ones.
This app ensures you never forget what to take, whether it’s for a short weekend or a longer trip. Available for iPhone and iPad, it’s free, with a Premium version offering extra features like sharing your list.
I hope this guide helps you decide what to pack and what to leave behind for your next weekend getaway.
Have I missed anything? Let me know!
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