Packing for a holiday can be a bit of nightmare, especially when left to the last minute. And then there can be few surprises when unpacking after arriving at your destination. From realising that you’ve left your bikini at home to leaks and damaged clothes.
To help you avoid all of this, we’ve teamed up with travel expert, Nicky Cox, from HolidayGems.co.uk, to offer you the best possible advice. Nicky shares her tips for packing like a pro.
First step – The List. You can do this on the go! Grab your phone or a pen and paper and write a list.
Write down all the things you think you will need and then go through the list again. Be super strict and ask yourself whether you really will actually use everything on the list while you’re away
Top tip: Plan your outfits in advance based on what you plan to do while you’re there. Try to pack everything you’ve got on your list in your luggage. If you’re tight for space, revisit that list and start cutting things out.
Shoes always go to the bottom of the suitcase. Try to pack heavy items at the base of your luggage, especially if you’re taking a trolley style suitcase. Placing shoes at the bottom of your suitcase will help to ensure your case doesn’t topple over as soon as you let go of the handle! Put your shoes into plastic bags to stop them getting your clothes and other luggage mucky!
Top tip: Be frugal with your footwear. One pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach is probably enough for a week away in the sun. A pair of trainers or ballerina pumps for walking around during the day and one pair of heels for any nights out on the tiles should have you covered.
Don’t forget to use the space inside your shoes to store small items that could easily get lost in transit.
Don’t pack unnecessary items! Bear in mind that hotel will be stocked up with a shower gel, shampoo or conditioner. Don’t waste your limited space with bulky bottles!
Top tip: Use a bulldog clip to protect your razor to avoid accidents when rummaging through your case.
Secure your personal items. Empty opaque sun cream bottles are a great hiding place for money and other valuables to keep them away from prying eyes and sticky fingers.
Chargers, headphones and other loose cables. Wear your sunglasses and use the case for storing all loose cables. It’ll be easy to find them, and you won’t end up with a damaged charger.
Rolling vs. folding. Rolling clothes, rather than folding them, is the top tip! Rolling clothes saves space and avoids creases. Tuck swimwear and underwear into the corners of your luggage then roll up your clothes and pack one next to the other like sardines!
Inside out. Pack light coloured clothes inside out to avoid anything getting dirty while inside your case. And make sure you take a spare bag for your laundry so you don’t mix your clean and dirty clothes up.
Top Tip. Keep bras in shape by storing socks and other undergarments in the cup space or stacking one bra onto the other. But don’t over-estimate how many bras and pants you will need – one pair of pants for each day and three or four bras should have you covered.
Top jewellery tip – threading a necklace through a drinking straw will protect it and keep tangle-free in your luggage.
Cheeky but clever. Don’t be afraid to ask for free samples when you are buying full-size bottles of an essential beauty product or toiletry. This is particularly good for perfume or aftershave. That way, you can take the small sample sized bottle rather than a big bulky one.
Main image above credit: pixabay.com/Unsplash
