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Summer is here and it is officially cottage season!
Are you ready to pack your bags and head north for the ultimate weekend getaway? We know we are.
With days spent lounging by the lake, evening campfires and the sweet smell of the great outdoors (we’re big nature fans over here), cottage weekends are the perfect time to rest and recharge. While the weekend itself may be relaxing, packing is another story. Everything but the kitchen sink gets added to the weekend packing list ‘just in case’ but your SPF and hiking shoes are somehow still forgotten.
To ease your stress - and save you time, we want to help you pack faster and lighter. Just because you're driving not flying, doesn't mean you get a free pass on overpacking. Traveling lighter should always be the goal! Packing less means more room for stuff like food and drinks (hello!), lighter weight in the car (which means better gas mileage), and the unintended benefit of looking like a super savvy traveler.
We’re here to show you how to pack lighter for a weekend getaway with a cottage packing list and share our favourite tips to get the most out of your summer clothes with a sustainable clothing summer style guide.
How to Pack Lighter
The key to packing lighter is to be efficient with the items that make it into your bag. As you begin to pack for your weekend getaway follow these tips to avoid overpacking.
Pack versatile summer clothes. You know those items in your capsule wardrobe that go with everything? Pack those! The same pair of leggings can be worn for a morning run, reading a book on a rainy day or sitting by the campfire and the same goes for basics like t-shirts and sweaters. By packing versatile summer clothes you’re giving yourself flexibility to mix and match.
Picture the activities that you'll be doing when you get there. Look at the weather, visualize which summer clothes can be worn for which activities and remember - you don’t need to have completely separate outfits for each activity! Outfit repeating is encouraged for a sustainable girl summer.
Avoid using a suitcase to pack. This tip is key if you’re wondering how to not overpack. Suitcases can be bulky, are difficult to wheel through rocks, grass and up stairs. Instead, opt for a duffle bag and a travel or ‘car’ bag to hold your chargers, wallet and book.
Roll your clothes. While you’re already traveling light with your versatile summer clothes, rolling them when you pack maximizes the space in your bag, leaves your clothes less wrinkled and makes it easier to see what you’ve packed. Wondering how to roll your clothes? Click here to learn more and watch a tutorial.
Use laundry baskets to pack your car. Loading food, drinks, towels and board games is a lot easier when packed into laundry baskets. You can stack items, putting the heaviest at the bottom and easily transport everything from the car to the cottage. Coolers are also a great staple for a weekend getaway and can be kept cooler with ice packs.
Don’t pack what’s already up there. While this may vary whether you’re renting, heading to a friend’s cottage or staying somewhere that feels like a second home, most of the time that extra set of extra kitchen supplies is not used. (How many zip lock baggies are really needed for a weekend getaway!?)
If you’re unsure of what to pack, check with the host to see what items you should add to your cottage weekend packing list. To make life easier, we’ve started a packing list for you.
Cottage Weekend Packing List for Women
Sitting down to make a list of all the things you need to pack can feel overwhelming so we’ve created a cottage weekend packing list that covers everything from summer clothes, toiletries, reusable water bottles and even a first aid kit.
Click here to download our Cottage Weekend Packing List for Women.
It's in PDF format, so you can easily save + print.
Cottage Weekend Style Guide
We've compiled several classic cottaging outfits below to help you style your cottage clothing. With just a few core items from your summer capsule wardrobe, all of this can fit into a solid duffle bag.
With just two pairs of shoes, a versatile pair of shorts, your favourite comfy t-shirt and that bathing suit you’ve been waiting all spring to wear, you’re halfway there to traveling light with this cottage clothing style guide.
Three items and over 10 styling options? Yes please! From a morning walk and lounging by the lake to happy hour, this versatile kit has you covered for traveling light. Perfect for the cottage, The Chrysalis Cardi can be dressed up or down allowing for endless travel opportunities while The Evolve Top and The Dressy Sweatpant are basic pieces that can be used towards your capsule wardrobe.
Relax on the dock in your favourite swimsuit and try styling The Chrysalis Cardi as a summer cover up that can take you from lakeside lounging to a comfy evening cardigan.
Find your next summer staple with The Evolve Top and classic denim shorts. With eight completely different styling options you’ll become a proud outfit repeater.
Look sleek and stylish on the hiking trails with The Dressy Sweatpant and The Evolve Top. With breathable material, this comfortable set will be your go-to cottage outfit.
Evenings by the fire require comfort and layers. Style your favourite t-shirt with The DressySweatpant and stay cozy with The Fair Cabin Socks. With thick socks and a sweater you’re ready to face any pesky mosquitoes.
Have packing tips to travel light or a few ideas as to how to style your summer clothes? Let us know in the comments below!
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