Does that extra swimsuit spark joy?
Mark our words: Thanks to tidying expert Marie Kondo, instead of "Do you say 'yes' to the dress?" brides everywhere will now be asked, "Does this wedding dress spark joy?" Well, maybe not, but there's no doubt that Marie Kondo has schooled the world on the art of tidying up, inspiring everyone to ask themselves if the items in their homes spark the joy that they should.
With a #1 New York Times best-selling book and the Tidying Up With Marie Kondo Netflix series under her belt, Marie Kondo is a bonafide decluttering guru, helping the world organise their messes into spaces even your mother-in-law would approve of. And now she's tackling one of the biggest challenges for a bride: Packing the perfect honeymoon suitcase.
With an entire wedding to plan, packing a suitcase for your honeymoon might get pushed to the very end of your to-do list. But the task is easier said than done! With airline luggage weight limits to consider and the need to be prepared (you don't want to get to the beach and realise you forgot your swimsuit), there's plenty of packing faux pas's you can make. Plus, who wants their first argument as a married couple to be about the number of shoes you packed taking up all the room in your single suitcase?
Fear not— Marie Kondo has shared how to pack the perfect suitcase for your honeymoon. With these space-saving tips, packing for your post-"I do" getaway will be like a day at the beach.
Give a method to the madness...the KonMari Method!
Packing a suitcase is all in the folding, according to Kondo, who utilises a specific folding method that helps to conserve space in your suitcase. Pack your clothes vertically in your luggage, Kondo instructs. Placing pieces of clothing next to one another instead of laying things flat and on top of each other creates a ton of extra space. Plus, this method allows you to see your clothes clearly (so you won't have to aimlessly dig through your luggage each day) and keeps outfits wrinkle-free. You don't want to be covered in creases for all those honeymoon Instagrams, do you?
Separate the smaller items
Sure, your wedding ring will be safely on your finger, but what about your other jewellery? Kondo says to invest in a compact case made specifically for packing jewellery. Stash your rings, earrings, and necklaces in the case and then simply slip it into your luggage to keep your precious pieces from damage or tangling. You should also snag a set of reusable, carry-on size bottles for your liquid toiletries. To protect your clothes from potential spills, store the bottles in a waterproof pouch. "Although a zippered plastic bag works, it’s better to use a reusable pouch with a design that sparks joy!" says Kondo.
Seclude those shoes
Who wants the soles of their shoes touching their cocktail dress? No one, that's who! To avoid that dress disaster, Kondo suggests stashing your shoes in a dust bag before packing them. Your suitcase will look super tidy when you unzip at the hotel, and your clothes won't be at risk for stains or picking up any nasty germs from your shoes.
Save space for spark-joy souvenirs
Section off your suitcase and leave about 10 to 20 percent of the bag empty, advises Kondo. (You can leave that fifth pair of shoes at home!) This way, you'll still have room at the end of your trip for some souvenirs—only ones that spark joy, of course!
Look after your lingerie
Raise your hand if you're buying a special set of honeymoon lingerie to surprise your spouse! You'll want to be extra careful packing these delicate items, urges Kondo. Evening-wear and lingerie should be packed inside a separate bag within your luggage. "If the fabric is very thin and silky, try rolling it instead of folding to prevent wrinkling," Kondo suggests.