Packing tips please.

Pennywise

To make sure that I don't take too much or too little in the way of toiletries etc.,

I have a "trial" 7/14 days a few weeks beforehand, where I start new bottles/tins of soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc., and then mark how much has been used at the end of the trial period, and how long the entire bottle lasted once empty.

By doing this, I can accurately estimate how much of each item I need to take. This reduces the weight and bulk of the suitcase, should prevent me running out of anything (avoiding expensive overseas purchases) and prevents wastage at the end of the holiday - I can throw the empties away - no weight to bring it back nor guilty feelings about throwing anything away.

My other half always laughs at me, but it really isn't that much of a hassle if you plan properly.

(Oh yes, and I am the sort of person who pre-plans every meal and only buys "exactly" what I need in my weekly shop - my other half laughs about that too!!!).

Smiley_Mum

I had a book called "The packing book", got it in Waterstones ages ago, Think it was ten speed press but can't be certain. Can't remember who published it. I'll look it out and post back later. It has really good tips on how to pack and make the most use of the space in your suitcase. Ziplock bags are good for puting things in that you fear might leak etc. I usually take shampoo/toothpaste etc that are half full so I can chuck away after a fortnight hols. I'll post back later ok about the book. Really good book though, you pack your clothes like a parcel and layer everything and then fold it all up in the centre so that when you get to the other end nothing has moved and everything is crease free. You can just pull out your shirts or whatever and put them on, no creases or anything. Also you may get on with just carry on luggage if you did things this way as you can pack far more in your bag than if you folded everything "Benetton" style and put in the case.

Came across this link also

http://www.magellans.com/store/article/359?Args=

And this one regarding The Packing Book by Ten Speed Press

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1580080219/102-2389488-0859359?v=glance


Oh, and depending on where I'm going I sometimes pack a universal sink plug.

Galtizz

I split the clothes between 2 cases and I always carry a spare change of underwear in my hand luggage and my toothbrush and a small toothpaste in my hand luggage.
That way if both the cases go missing or I get delayed I've got a clean change of underwear and I can clean my teeth. A bit embarrasing if I ever got pulled over for a check on the x-ray security but luckily it hasn't happened..... yet.