Everything I Wore Last Week: Four Nights in Amsterdam

Plus a 5,4,3,2,1 packing method debrief

We’re back from our Monday to Friday trip to Amsterdam - our first overseas holiday as a family of three. I feel like the key with little ones is to keep the expectations real low, so we didn’t plan much and just wanted some quality time together as our main priority. And you know what? We had a great time. Did Ralph set a world record for the most times the word ‘no’ was used in a single day? Absolutely. But overall, we made some core memories together and returned with somewhat recharged batteries.

I filmed my whole packing process above, and I have to say there are two things I would absolutely do again. Firstly, packing a few days in advance. It was so nice to have a pre-packed bag basically ready to go, and I didn’t end up in a last-minute panic packing tizz. I also trialled my own 5,4,3,2,1 method. That included packing:

• 5 TOPS (1 x vest top, 2 x t-shirts, 1 x linen tunic and 1 x linen shirt)

• 4 BOTTOMS (1 x silk wide leg trousers, 1 x oversized jeans, 1 x linen trousers and 1 x denim shorts)

• 3 LAYERING PIECES (1 x denim shirt, 1 x cashmere jumper and I included a dress in this category too, so 1 x linen dress)

• 2 x SHOES (1 x leather sandals and 1 x flip-flops)

• 1 x SWIMSUIT, BAG & SUNGLASSES (one thing I did add before we left was a raincoat which was a good call!)

All you need to add in then is ‘JUPE’:

JEWELLERY

UNDERWEAR

PYJAMAS

EXERCISE GEAR

…and you’re good to go. I wore 90% of what I took - only the denim shorts, linen dress, and linen shirt were unworn, mostly due to the weather and not feeling confident getting my legs out. I felt like I had just enough options, and upon our return, the washing was manageable. I’d recommend giving it a go if you’re trying to keep packing minimal - it would work well if you were only doing carry-on. So here’s how it all paired together and what we got up to…