Lydia Mansel ofJust Packedon stress-free trip prep and how to always arrive prepared.
(And yes, she did pack everything she needed in just two suitcases.)
Here, she lets T+L in on her best packing secrets.
Professional packer, Lydia Mansel, packs a suitcase and carry-on in a room at Post House inn.Credit: Lindsey Shorter
Travel + Leisure:Why do you think packing is such a struggle for people?
Those are the overpackers.
What can travelers do to stop packing from putting a damper on their trips?
Professional packer, Lydia Mansel, packs a suitcase and carry-on in a room at Post House inn.Lindsey Shorter
How do you pack differently for travel since covid?
What is a packing hack you swear by?
“I’m a recentpacking cubeconvert.
Professional packer, Lydia Mansel, packs a suitcase and carry-on in a room at Post House inn.Lindsey Shorter
Since investing in a set of packing cubes, my entire packing process has become more organized.
What’s one trick you use to save space?
Do I really need two sweaters?
Will one do the trick?
Same thing for toiletries.
I can usually survive a five-day trip without both face moisturizers.”
This pop in of clothing inhibits the efficiency of packing, especially for a long trip.
Instead, invest in classic, versatile separates that can be mixed and matched.
What about for a short trip?
“The worst packing mistake for a short trip is definitely packing too many shoes.
What is the worst packing mistake you yourself have ever made, and what did you learn from it?
“I was 20, traveling to London for a long weekend in October.
I assumed that 60 degrees Fahrenheit meant warm…
If you’ve ever experienced heels on 1800s cobblestones, you know this was a terrible idea.
One more, because I’ve found myself in this predicament a few times.
Always have a pen in your personal item or carry-on.
What is your go-to carry-on suitcase?
It’s spacious, lightweight, and hasn’t let me down yet.
Plus, I can confirm it holds at least one or two outfits more than my other carry-on bags.
No one wants to wear jeans, but leggings and sweatpants usually don’t give off a professional vibe.
