Whether you’re preparing for a much-needed holiday, or have a slew of business trips coming up, you probably have a lot of packing in your future. For many, packing is just the worst, so we’ve come up with a few packing tips to make it a little easier.
Start with a list: This may be stating the obvious, but especially in the stressful few days before a trip, it’s all too easy to forget items you need. Make a list of all your travel essentials and clothing items you will need for the duration of your trip.
Get a handle on your airline’s baggage policy: Be sure not to go over your weight limits. Avoid surprises at the airport by knowing what you’re working with right from the start. A quick Google before you pack can help save you loads of stress and potential overweight fees. And don’t forget to leave some space if you plan on doing some shopping while you’re away!
Roll and vacuum pack: Don’t arrive at your holiday destination and be faced with a pile of ironing. To save space and stop creasing, roll your clothes instead of folding them, then place them in vacuum compression bags. To use these bags, put your clothes in, seal the bag, then squeeze the air out. This will leave you with lots more space in your suitcase and will prevent creases. Consider choosing knits, wools, and cottons. These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile
Cube your clothes: Another good packing solution is packing cubes – these help separate your items and you’ll be able to find things more quickly once you get there.
Pack like a cake: Arrange all of your rolled items in the bottom of the bag. Think of your suitcase as a three-layer cake. The suitcase is the icing; the rolled items make up the first layer. Place folded garments next. For your (cream filling) middle layer, start with the longest items, like skirts and slacks. Top the pile with the clothes you’ll need first. Snake belts around the perimeter of the bag.
Finally, always pack one outfit change in your carry on – for extra peace of mind if things go missing or you need to change your top.
