Gaff Goddess author Laura De Barra joined Ray D'Arcy on RTÉ Radio 1 to share her tips for packing this summer. Listen back above.
"I think people tend to overpack," Laura tells Ray, "so I never think you can overplan when it comes to packing."
The first thing, she says, is to pull out everything you want to bring and edit it down from there.
Once you begin to try on each outfit or pair items together, you'll realise that you really only need the one pair of shorts, or the two maxi dresses, as opposed to the 10 you originally planned.
Packing tips
The 5,4,3,2,1 rule is a handy way to stick to the essentials. For example, depending on your style, you might opt for: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 2 shoes, 1 jacket. Then do your best to mix and match everything throughout the holiday.
For a weekend away, Aoife implements the 3, 3, 2 method whereby she brings 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes, and 2 jackets (this may include a cardigan or a blazer).
These methods will help you edit down your choices to the absolute essentials, highlighting the outfits you know you couldn't live without.
What not to do
Don't buy packing cubes. De Barra has no interest in packing cubes or vacuum bags, especially when it comes to protecting your lovely linen clothes: "Sometimes packing cubes are just enticing us to buy more and wear more, whereas we should just be wearing things often and loving what we're wearing."
Don't pack synthetics. Aoife recommends opting for natural fibres like cotton and linen because if you're bringing synthetics on a hot summer holiday, you're likely going to sweat.
Don't pack your suitcase flat. An unusual trick that Aoife implements for packing is putting her clothes in her suitcase while it is standing up rather than lying flat: "When it's down flat, you fit less in," she insists, pulling on her experience working with a clothing supplier.
Prepping the house
Stay off socials. Another top tip that Aoife shares is to stay away from social media. The reason being that you don't want to advertise when your home is sitting empty to your many followers. Be sure that no deliveries are due during this time, too.
Take out the bins. When you are away, be sure to give your home a chance to breathe. She recommends letting your kitchen bin sit out in the open without a lid on. Plastic holds on to smell so this is a great time to allow it to air out.
Make your bed. Coming home from a long day of travel means that coming home to a nicely made bed is a gorgeous treat. If you're only away for a short trip, however, this could be a great time to strip the bed and let it air out. Just be sure to give it a good hoover when you get home before putting on new sheets.
Check your appliances. Make sure your fridge is empty, the boiler is turned down in winter, and turn off your stopcock if you're in an older house that is prone to leaks.
Power down. Switch everything but the fridge off when you go away. You can also opt for timers to make it seem like you're at home.
