Part One: 14 Tips for Packing your Suitcase
We have all suffered from luggage nightmares that could have easily been avoided had we packed our suitcases more efficiently. For a stress-free packing experience, the professional residential cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID suggest these simple tips for packing your suitcase with ease.
- Spruce up your Suitcase
Finding your suitcase at the baggage claim in the airport, can often be a difficult and frustrating task. Alleviate the stress of locating your bag by labelling your suitcase with luggage tags or decorating it with ribbons, colourful tape or even decorative patches. This will help you easily identify your suitcase amongst the rest.
- Utilize Freezer or Sandwich bags to Separate Different Items in your Suitcase
Phone and camera chargers, adaptors and headphones often get lost in your suitcase. To better organize your gadgets, place them in a plastic sandwich or freezer bag. This way you won’t have to rummage through your suitcase for each individual item as all of your electronics will be in one place. Take some extra plastic bags as well just in case – you may want to use them to store souvenirs for your flight home!
- Pack Light Coloured Clothes Inside out and Place Disposable Show Caps over your Shoes to Avoid Getting your Clothes Dirty
Ever packed light clothes for your vacation, only to find them dirty when you arrive at your hotel? If so, this simple trick will help you avoid this pesky problem! Pack your light coloured clothes inside out. If you are packing your shoes inside of your suitcase, use a disposable shower cap to cover the base of your shoes. This will prevent any dirt from getting on your clothing and keep your clothes looking fresh for your vacation!
- Roll your Clothing and use Vacuum Compression Bags to Maximize Space and Prevent Wrinkles.
Having a hard time fitting that last dress in your suitcase? Are the wrinkles in your clothing getting you down? These stresses can easily be avoidable by rolling your clothes and packing them into vacuum compression bags. Simply put your clothes into the bag, seal it, and squeeze the air out. This will leave you with more space in your suitcase and prevent creases more effectively than folding.
- Purchase a Luggage Scale
This is your secret weapon to help you avoid being charged unnecessary fees at the airport. Invest in a portable luggage scale and weigh your bags on both legs of your journey. This will allow you to see how close you are to reaching the weight limit. Consider wearing some of your heavier items and shoes or pack them in your carry-on bag. You can also replace heavier toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner bottles with travel size bottles or reduce the amount of items you are bringing all together.
- Use Plastic Wrap and Tape to Prevent your Liquids from Leaking
We’ve all suffered from the disastrous liquid spills in our luggage when we arrive at our destination. To prevent this, take the lids off liquid bottles such as shampoo, conditioner and even sunscreen and add a layer of plastic wrap before re-attaching the lid. Use clear tape to seal the gap where the lid joins the container. For added protection, place all of your liquids inside plastic freezer bags. That way if your liquids do spill in your suitcase, the spill will be contained inside the plastic bag.
- Prevent your Eye Shadow, Blush or Foundation from Cracking in your Suitcase
There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find that your cosmetics are no longer intact. To prevent the powder of your cosmetics from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton facial pad in between the powder and the lid. This will provide your cosmetics with extra protection.
- Put Dryer Sheets in your Suitcase to keep it Smelling Fresh
It’s important to keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially if you’re on a long trip. Place a couple of scented dryer sheets inside your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh throughout your vacation.
- Make a Packing List
Use a notebook specifically for your travels and create a packing list for your vacation. Spend some time brainstorming the various items you would like to bring with you. Remember to accessorise and always pack versatile clothes that make up several outfits. Utilize your packing list to check and recheck that all of your items have been placed in your suitcase. This will help you stay organized and pack efficiently.
- What to Pack in your Carry-On Bag
Make sure to pack all of your valuables, such as your wallet, in your carry-on bag. Be sure to always pack a spare change of clothes in your carry-on bag too, just in case your luggage gets lost. If you are travelling with smaller children, consider packing snack foods, games and books in your carry-on as well.
- Utilize Every Space in your Suitcase
Make sure to use all the space available in your suitcase. Roll your socks and place them into your shoes to free up space in your luggage. Make sure to pack heavier items, such as your shoes, at the bottom of your suitcase.
- Photocopy Important Documentation and Invest in an e-book
It is very important to photocopy any important documentation such as your passport, driver’s license and health card especially if you are going on a backpacking trip. This will provide you with an alternate copy of your identification in case you lose the originals. If you are an avid reader, rather than bringing heavy books, invest in an e-reader instead. This will reduce the amount of weight in your suitcase and provide you with more room to pack other essentials.
- Buy a Light Suitcase
Buying the most expensive designer suitcase is more likely to draw attention to your belongings. It’s better to be inconspicuous and go for a lightweight option.
- Make sure to Pack These Items
It’s a good idea to pack the following items when traveling: a travel sewing kit; in case or rips or tears in your clothing, spare luggage tags; to replace missing or damaged tags on your suitcase, luggage locks; to secure your luggage, pens; for filling out custom cards or important documentation, tissues and gum; for take-off and landing.
Stay tuned for the second installment of Preparing for Summer Holiday’s on July 22, 2015 and learn how to keep your family occupied while travelling!
Happy packing!
