THE LIST: What I packed for a 5-week holiday with a 7kg carry-on only limit

~ a step-by-step guide to packing as a competitive sport

1 bag, 5 weeks, 7kgs. Welcome to hell week. Or hell month, as it turned out to be. Because that’s almost how long it took me to perfect the art of packing for our 36-day Eur-Oh-My-God holiday. And if I’m honest? The process was more heavenly than hellish, because this little duck gets off on ridiculous, self-imposed Marie-Condo-esque manic minimalist challenges. I can clear a kitchen drawer of 23 spatulas in under 10 seconds - wanna time me?

So, here’s a blow-by-blow of how on earth I tackled this test. The starting point? A tip I came across on social media that truly set me on the path to glory:

Five weeks away = pack for five days away.

This turned out to be BIBLICALLY ACCURATE. Apply it how you see fit. If you’re heading away on a 2-day trip, I’d be packing for 2-mins away. Wear what’s on your back and suck it up, sunshine. But I’m an extremist now, so feel free to disregard.

Righto, let’s get stuck in, shall we? First up - WHAT YOU’LL NEED: