A frequent traveller reveals her ultimate packing hacks (including the ‘333 method’ that simplifies everything)

Spring is in the air and we’re finally coming out of hibernation after the long, cold winter. As well as ditching the full-length puffer coats and massive scarves, we’re also looking ahead to the warmer months ahead – and if you’re lucky, the prospect of jetting off on holiday.

Whether you’ve got a mega long haul trip planned this year, or a short city break, one thing you can’t avoid tackling is the packing. Given the extortionate prices some airlines charge for baggage these days, that could well mean trying to crush a huge amount of clothes into a tiny backpack, or packing for a family of four in a single suitcase.

With this in mind, we’re always keen to learn smart packing tips from people who travel frequently – for example, Kirsty Glenne, who as managing director of luggage brand Antler is often travelling for work and also knows a thing or two about maximising your luggage allowance. Here are her top packing hacks…

The mirror selfie hack

You magazine’s fashion director Sophie Dearden-Howell says she always tries on every item she packs, and likewise Glenne says a photo gallery of her planned outfits is a non-negotiable.

‘Before packing, take a quick mirror photo of each outfit so you can scroll through your looks like a mini digital lookbook while you’re away. It’s a simple but effective way to avoid overpacking and ensures you’re fully prepared for a busy schedule,’ she says.

‘I recently travelled to Australia for business with a tightly planned itinerary, so I photographed each outfit in advance to make sure I had enough chic, summer-ready workwear options.

‘Once finalised, I packed each look into designated packing cubes by day, making everything easy to locate and grab straight from my suitcase. It’s especially helpful if you’re landing and heading straight into meetings or constantly on the move.’

Choose your colour palette carefully

As well as finding individual outfits that work well for your holiday, choosing key pieces that can be mixed and matched in different ways is a great way to cut down on luggage. ‘I like to build a capsule wardrobe where colours and separates work seamlessly together for maximum versatility,’ says Glenne.

You’s lifestyle director Sophie Hines agrees: ‘Whenever I’m going away, I pick three colours – two more neutral shades and one bright – and only pack pieces within this palette. So, for example I could choose black, beige and red, or navy, white and orange, and use this as a guideline to choose what I’m going to take,’ she says.

The 333 packing method

‘The 333 method is all about packing smart and travelling light, making it ideal for short trips or smaller bags,’ says Glenne. ‘The formula is simple: choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes, then create as many outfit combinations as possible from those pieces. Focus on versatile, mix and match staples, ideally in neutral tones for easy coordination.’

Don’t waste space on toiletries

‘If you’re travelling with hand luggage for a longer trip, one of my top tips is to pre-order toiletries via airport click and collect,’ says Glenne.

‘For shorter trips, I decant products into mini liquid bottles to avoid unnecessary purchases. For frequent work travellers, it’s worth investing in travel size minis that live permanently in a ready packed wash bag.’