Janet Taylor

How many of you have stayed overnight for a meeting, visiting friends or family, or for work purposes and lugged everything but the kitchen sink with you because you are frightened you will forget something important? Then you find it a struggle to keep up with your friends and family while you battle with an enormous holdall with all your worldly possessions in it. Or are you at the other extreme where you forget to pack clean undies, socks/tights or a change of clothes?

I used to stay overnight regularly for DANDA committee meetings and now travel all over the UK for my business  Dyspraxia Inclusive tTraining, so I  have picked up a few tips.

Depending on whether a trip is for business or social reasons will determine whether you have to pack smart or casual wear.  Women are lucky at the moment as there are lots of wrinkly creased clothes in fashion which look better if they are crumpled or twisted. It is also easy to roll clothes into a sausage shape.  NDs often overlook packing belts, ties, jewellery and feminine protection.
You may need a fold up raincoat jumper/cardigan or fleece in case the weather gets colder at your destination on the next day unless good weather is guaranteed. Often in the UK it still gets cold at night even in warm weather.
If you regularly have to stay overnight, it may be helpful to keep a bag specifically for this purpose with nightwear, a jumper, clean undies, tie, belt socks/tights and miniature toiletries such as deodorant shampoo, shower gel, perfume/ aftershave, razor, shaving foam, a folding toothbrush, toothpaste and make up ready for your next overnight stay. You can also buy lightweight towels from places like the Home Bargain store and Quality Save, which are as absorbent as a large towel. A plastic bag for your dirty washing is also useful. You may also need your mobile phone charger, if you have a spare one, keep this permanently in the pocket of your overnight bag.