Whether you’re jetting off to Europe, heading to the lake for a long weekend, or planning a summer road trip, packing can quickly become the most stressful part of travel—especially if you’re the type who brings three outfits for every occasion. Enter Meg Broadbent, founder and CEO of luxury organization company FERN, who believes smarter systems lead to smoother trips. From the biggest overpacking mistakes to the travel essentials (like Monos’ check-in luggage for longer trips and weekender bags for quick getaways) actually worth bringing, we caught up with Broadbent to learn how to maximize suitcase space, stay organized on the go, and pack with intention this summer. —Noa Nichol
What’s the biggest packing mistake you see people make before a summer vacation?
Planning to dress like a completely different person on vacation. If you never wear dresses at home, you’re probably not going to feel comfortable or excited to wear dresses on your trip. Don’t pack a wardrobe full of pieces you never normally reach for. Instead, 75% of what you bring should be your favourite, tried and true pieces, and 25% can be for new or different items.
For chronic over-packers, what’s your number-one rule for deciding what deserves a spot in the suitcase—and what needs to stay home?
You need to be able to wear every single piece of clothing at least twice, ideally in a different way. A pair of linen shorts can be casual with a white T-shirt and jelly flats, and then dressed up with a black camisole and heels. That same white T-shirt can be paired with a long silk skirt for a chic daytime look, and the black camisole can be dressed down with denim shorts. If you can’t figure out how to wear an item more than once, leave it in your closet.
If you could recommend just three packing essentials that instantly make travel more organized and stress-free, what would they be?
A crossbody bag for the airport or for walking around at your destination. It holds all of your essentials while allowing you to be hands-free. A small laundry bag that folds or crumples into nothing, that you can fill with dirty clothes over the course of your trip to keep used items separate and out of the way. Finally, packing cubes; they’re the new darling of the organization world and have multiple uses for travel.
Packing cubes have developed something of a cult following. What makes them such a game-changer, and how do you use them most effectively?
Packing cubes are your secret weapon when it comes to saving space and staying organized on your trip. They come in different shapes and sizes, and once zipped up, they compress your clothes to minimize their footprint. Use each cube for a different category (tops, bottoms, dresses, etc), and when you arrive at your destination, simply unzip the cubes and place them on a shelf, in a drawer, or leave them in your suitcase. Use Mari Kondo’s famous file folding method so that you can see each item once you’ve opened the cube. You can also use one of them for laundry during your trip and on the way home. So versatile!
How do you build a vacation wardrobe that feels stylish and versatile without packing an entirely different outfit for every day of the trip?
Accessories. Sporty shorts and a white tank top may sound like a boring outfit, but the minute you add accessories, you’re a whole new person. Pair them with colourful flats, a silk scarf, and a woven bag for a casual daytime look. Throw on some kitten heels, statement earrings, and a clutch for a completely different nighttime look. Because accessories tend to take up much less room than clothing, you can mix things up without sacrificing carry-on real estate.
What’s your best advice for maximizing space in a carry-on while still leaving room for souvenirs and vacation shopping?
A: Leaving extra room in a carry-on only works if you’re very intentional about what you pack. It takes a mindset shift from bringing tons of different pieces for “options” when you’re there, to actually planning your outfits in advance and committing to repeating items (wearing individual pieces or entire outfits more than once). If you can streamline your wardrobe in advance, you’ll feel lighter, more organized, and more confident on your trip. A “less is more” mentality is the best way to free up space for some inevitable (and well deserved) vacation shopping.
Toiletries are often the culprit behind travel disasters. What are your favourite strategies for keeping beauty products, skincare, and cosmetics organized—and spill-free?
It’s true: all it takes is one tinted sunscreen explosion to ruin your vacation. Anything that’s a liquid, gel, mousse, or containing any pigment should be packed separately from your clothing. I always recommend people scale back from their regular 9-step skincare routine when travelling. It’s ok to turn it into a 3-step routine on vacation – this is the time to simplify. Pick only your absolute must have products, and either decant them into travel sized containers, or bring minis or samples instead. I always store my products in a large ziplock bag inside of my toiletry case for extra protection.
Whether you’re heading to Europe, the cottage, or a quick long-weekend getaway, what’s your go-to packing formula for travelling lighter while still feeling prepared for anything?
I have so many clients who want to hold onto things for those “just in case” future moments that may never actually materialize. All this does is take up tons of extra room in your house, your suitcase, and your mind. Unless you’re travelling to the most remote place on earth, you don’t need to be over prepared. Anything you think you might need or forgot to pack can likely be found at your destination. Don’t weigh yourself down with things you might need; just bring the things you do need.
What’s one item people insist on packing that almost never gets used—and one item they always forget that can completely change the travel experience?
Workout attire! This is your vacation – you’re not here to exercise. Unless fitness is the reason for your trip (a marathon, a hiking destination, etc), give yourself the week off instead of packing three gym outfits and bulky sneakers that you’ll realistically never use. Your vacation is a break from your regular routine – lean in (and lay down)! One item I always recommend people do bring is ear plugs. They take up no space at all, and they can save you from losing sleep thanks to a snoring travel partner, birds chirping at 5 am, unexpected construction sounds, crying babies on a plane, etc. I never travel without them.
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