If you are planning a trip in the coming months, you will undoubtedly be faced with the prospect of packing a suitcase or some other kind of luggage. Perhaps you are dreading it and if you are you should remember you are not alone.
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Most of us at one point have struggled with trying to fit all we need (or think we need) into smaller luggage space than we thought we had.
How do you become a pro at packing?
Before you even start packing you need to check out the weather forecast for your destination at the time of year you are travelling there, as this will give you a good indication of what kind of clothes you will need to take.
If you are heading somewhere tropical, for instance, you will obviously want to take clothes suitable for sunny days and balmy nights, but will also want to be prepared for the unexpected overcast and cooler days.
You should also consider the layers approach,that way you can take off a layer or two if it gets too warm or put more on if it gets too cold. To help you become a pro at packing though, we have put together a few hints and tips below.
Make A List
Try and plan out what you are going to wear each day you are away, remembering that the clothes you wear on the day you travel count as one of your outfits. It is smart to choose clothes that can mix and match. Once you have figured out exactly what clothes you are going to take, make a list. When you start packing, cross each item off the list as you put it in your case or bag. This will ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Heavier Items First
The first items you need to pack away first are the bulkier/heavier things such as your hair-dryer and shoes. If you are carrying your bag, the heavier items should be next to the hinged attached to the lid, but if it’s a suitcase or bag on wheels, the bulkiest items should be just above the wheels at the bottom.
Fold Everything
Although many people will argue, rolling clothes before packing them away is not the best way to pack. Clothes rolled up wastes space whereas clothes that have been folded lay flat. After your shoes and heavier items, the first layer of clothes should be all the the items with thick fabrics, such as sweaters, jackets, skirts and jeans. While packing these, keep a small gap in the centre of the suitcase, for your toiletry bag. Any gaps you have around the edges can be filled with small items such as books and hairbrushes etc.
Toiletries And Personal Care Products
All personal care products and fragile items should be kept in a padded fabric case and placed in the centre of your luggage so it’s protected by all your clothes. Bottles of cologne and perfume should be kept in zip-able freezer bags to prevent any leakages causing your entire holiday wardrobe to smell. It is also wise to pack any creams into those kind of bags too, just to be safe. Remember that any gels or liquids should be packed into travel-sized containers and kept in a clear plastic bag in your checked luggage, if you are flying.
The Top Layer
The very top and final layer of luggage should feature any delicate, lightweight fabrics that can wrinkle such as silk, satin, linen and thin cotton. If you want to be extra cautious, you can wrap silk blouses and shirts etc. in tissue paper for protection and store them in-between sturdier items in your luggage. This is also the layer you would use to pack a suit, unless your suitcase has a garment bag.
Remember to take the same packing list with you, so you can easily and methodically repack things before you head home, as you don’t want to leave anything important in your hotel room. When you go away on holiday, whether it is somewhere far flung and exotic or the next city along, it is recommended that you leave the most valuable of your items at home, such as watches, jewellery etc.
However, if you do want to take any of these items, either wear them at all times, keep them in a travel belt attached to your own body at all times, or if possible, store them inside your hotel room safe, when you are not wearing or using them.
