It’s the holiday season again. If you’re lucky enough to be flying to your holiday destination this summer, you may have started to think about what you’re packing. I hate packing. I also hate travelling light, which means I agonise over what goes into my suitcase. Do you remember back when you didn’t have to pay to put luggage in the hold? Did I dream that?

After years and years of getting it wrong, I think I’m finally learning from my mistakes. I can’t prepare a list for every type of holiday, but I can give you some generic top tips, based on years of getting it wrong:

Tip 1 – Start with a list

Think about how long you’re going for, and work out what you’ll be doing (and if it requires specific gear). Double-check what the weather is going to be like and pack appropriately. Odds on there is a washing machine you’ll be able to use too, so you can wash stuff while you’re there.

I always bring back unworn clothes too. Always. But I wash it all anyway when you get back because I feel it has been ‘contaminated’ by the dirty clothes. Just me?

One final point on this bit – is it just me or do you pack enough undies for 3 months even if you’re only going for 2 weeks? What is that?

Tip 2 – Tonal wardrobe.

Choose one or two base colours to start with, to have your basic items in, and make sure everything else you pack works with those items. If something doesn’t work and means you’ll need to pack an additional bottom or top to make it work, leave it out. Yes really.

Tip 3 – A word about shoes/accessories

If you’re like Imelda Marcos you’re not going to want to hear this, but if you keep your wardrobe tonal, you won’t need as many shoes, bags etc – which is the stuff that takes up all of the room. Also, make sure you pack shoes that are fit for purpose. If you’re doing lots of walking, make sure you have at least one pair that doesn’t hurt. I’m particularly bad at this.

Tip 4 – Packing techniques

This will set the cat amongst the pigeons, I know a lot of people roll their clothes, but I am very firmly in the flat lay pack technique, bigger stuff on the bottom, working up to smaller items then shoes and toiletries on top. Or better yet, use packing cubes (more of which later).

Useful tools

Apple AirTag £29

If you’ve ever suffered the loss of lost luggage (my suitcase was lost on my honeymoon) then this little device is a game changer. It’s a tracking device so you can see wherever your suitcase is in the world. You can hang it off your keyring when you’re not on holiday and never lose your keys again either.

Large Capacity Cosmetics Bag £15.99

Apparently, they are lifting the 100ml ban for liquids on some airlines in the coming months, until then (and indeed after), this tardis-like cosmetics case has 6 storage compartments so it can store loads of make-up and toiletries. It’s waterproof too, so if something breaks, it won’t end up all over your clothes.

9 Piece Packing Cubes from Amazon £14.99

I was a non-believer, but sisters I have now seen the light. Packing cubes are the future. It means you can squish loads more in your case and you can just take the whole cube out of your case, et voila, you’ve unpacked too. Game changer. They also make a nice gift.

Away Carry-On Luggage £245

I’ve been a fan of this luggage brand for a while. It looks very much like the uber-pricey Rimowa brand, but at a cheaper price point, and still doesn’t skimp on quality features. This carry-on suitcase will last forever, has a laundry bag, compression straps (to fit even more in) and the piece de resistance – you can add a USB charger by the handle so you can charge your phone while you sit at the gate. Comes in loads of really high-end looking colours too.

Are you a folder or a roller? Do you also pack loads of undies? Wash unworn clothes because you feel they have been contaminated? Packing tips are welcome.