Packing tips please.

tightgit_2

Have you got any packing tips? I have heard that it is better to roll clothes rather than fold, to help prevent creasing and take up less room, is this correct ?
I normally take two cases with clothes/towels etc. and split the clothes evenly thus making sure that if one gets lost we still all have some clothes to wear. I then take another with bulky things and toiletries so that if anything leaks it does not go over the clothes.

Has anyone got any other tips ?

se999

Hi,

We always take a large holdall that packs flat out with us. We use it as a laundry bag whilst away.

If we do shopping it goes safely in the hard cases on the way back, the soft clothes have no problems in a holdall in the hold. If we don't have holiday shopping we have one suitcase of clean and one of dirty.

This speeds up the dreaded laundry on return, and makes sure the clean clothes we bring back still stay fresh.

As much as possible, I try to pack things flat, on their hangers, speeds up unpacking at both ends, and hotels never have enough hangers.

Also take a few plastic shopping bags for 'sealing' in trainers or bottles or containers that could leak.

I've still not solved the problem of taking too much, but working on it!!

blindman

Packing Tips might help.


Best advise I have is to pack what you think you need, then take 1/2 of it out.

rubia1409_2

If you have a suitcase the best way to pack clothes is as follows; Put any trousers flat in the bottom of the case with the waist bands meeting in the middle and the legs hanging over the edge of the case. Next, lay any folded skirts or dresses on top. Then put in underwear and swimming stuff, then put in folded tops/shirts. When you have everything you want in fold the legs of the trousers over all the clothes. This will keep everything together and ensure it doesn't get creased by moving around your suitcase. This definatly works! I'm cabin crew and pack every time I go to work and use this method every time.

If you have a case with two compartments try to put all your clothes in one side and everything else in the other. anything I think might leak I wrap in carrier bags before packing. Once you get there the carrier bags can be used for dirty laundry. I also decant things like face cream and shampoo into smaller bottles so they don't take up as much room. Don't put anything valuable into your suitcase like cameras etc and remember to pack anything like scissors or anything sharp into your checked in luggage as you can't take it on the plane anymore. One last tip, if you're going to the USA and you smoke, you can now no longer take cigarette lighters out of the USA either in checked in luggage or hand luggage. Hope that helps!

Eliza252

I make a pile of the stuff that I am going to take - An essential pile, A non-essential pile and a pile of stuff that I'd like to take but suspect it wont fit!
I usually end up with just the essentials but at least I dont leave anything important behind and it makes me feel better about leaving my extra pair of shoes at home!
I also obsessively divide everything up and pack it in to carrier bags, before its put in the suitcase - it makes it SO much easier to find everything, eg. I put tops in one bag, bottoms in another - sometimes I even divide it up into 'weather' bags (clothes for sunny days/cool days/rainy days) - ok now I sound like a psycho!
You can buy vacuum bags from traval stores that reduce the size of your clothing - they really do work but they are not particularly thrifty!
- make sure you put important things near the top
- Leave space for souveniers and to allow for the fact that you will definately not be bothered to pack it as carefully when leaving!
nb. as mentioned above carrier bags are ever useful when away..

Lucie_2

Put your clothes flat in the bottom then put heavier stuff like books, shoes (in carrier bags) and toiletries on top so that the weight of them effectively "presses" your clothes flat. They shouldn't be too creased when you come to unpack them.

I try to keep a fully stocked "going away" wash bag with extra toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant etc in it so that i'm not rushing around at the last minute trying to cram my toothbrush in before shutting the case & running out of the door. Stock up on BOGOFs at Boots

Trollydolly_2

Im cabin crew too and would agree with everything thats been said!

Just to add wrapping special clothes "cocktail dresses" or "posh shirts" in tissue paper also helps stop them crease.

I have developed a set of clothes specifically for holidays, 3 different coloured bikinis, 3 pairs of trousers or shorts (white, denim, black), 2 skirts (denim, black), 7 vest type tops (white, black, blue, red, khaki, cream, pink), 1 jumper or cardi and i buy a packet of 7 knickers from Asda or Ethels before i go.
Its all mix and match colours, i once saw a programme where the lady packed only things that were white and navy, she only took a handluggage bag, but looked really stylish. Ive been aiming to do that for ages but havnt been that organised yet!

This does me for 2 weeks and would do for 3 week trips (take travel wash!). When i get home from a trip i do all the washing and repack the suitcase including refilling my shampoo etc. Then it is all ready for next time you go. No stress. I used to find packing the most stressful thing but not anymore!

Enjoy
TD x

tightgit_2

Thanks for all your tips. I think I take far too many clothes. We only end up wearing half of them, but it is dificult to know what you might want to wear. I like to have a selection. Once I went on hols and only took one pair of trousers and the rest were skirts and shorts. We had freak weather and it was too cold to wear them and the few shops there were only sold summer clothes, so I was a bit stuck.

Sarahsaver

I would reiterate getting ready what you think you need, then cutting that down by half.
Lots of magazines this time of year do features on 'capsule' wardrobes for holidays, maybe one of those would give you some ideas.
Also rolling clothes helps them not to get too creased.
i'm going away in the summer and will be taking 1 pair of jeans, 1 jacket, 1 jumper or sweatshirt, 1 swimsuit, 1 pair sandals, 1 pair trainers, 1 dress, 1 skirt, and the rest will be vest tops or sleeveless tops, about 4 or 5 of those. I travel in a tracksuit which i wear on the way there and back. the entire holiday is 10 days with 7 days actually in the resort.

vansboy

Write your name & address & flight/hotel details on a LARGE piece of card & stick firmly INSIDE the lid of each case. Then if it goes walkies, it might even come back!

Don't lock the cases - security can check them easier & any light fingered airport staff won't Stanley knife it open, to steal your gifts & cigarettes & stuff!

VB

Nile

tightgit wrote:

Have you got any packing tips? I have heard that it is better to roll clothes rather than fold, to help prevent creasing and take up less room, is this correct ?
I normally take two cases with clothes/towels etc. and split the clothes evenly thus making sure that if one gets lost we still all have some clothes to wear. I then take another with bulky things and toiletries so that if anything leaks it does not go over the clothes.

Has anyone got any other tips ?

Hello tightgit

The earlier 'packing tips' thread has lots of pages of information. I've just bumped it up to the front page to help you.;)