9 EASY PACKING TIPS FOR TRAVEL

I love going on holiday!

The anticipation of time away relaxing or visiting friends along with the planning makes me super happy.

A friend of mine however once told me it took her a day to pack - A WHOLE DAY!

I asked her what on earth she did for the day - apparently planning 20 outfits even down to matching accessories. We are friends but I questioned it at that moment. I wear the same jewellery, take mix and match clothes and have it down to about 30 minutes!

I also know that however light I think I have packed - I will probably still only wear half of it or buy something when I arrive and live in that the whole trip!

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Whether long or short haul - here are my most efficient packing methods

1. Ensure you measure and weigh your suitcase to comply with the airline's rules. People like Easyjet and Ryanair are very strict so don't get caught out. Check online the measurements for each airline and remember it includes handles and wheels.

   
   

2. To help items fit in, I always use  compression packing cubes. Either roll or put clothes in flat, zip up and then do the extra zip to compress down. Then when you arrive at your destination, either unpack or leave in the cubes but unzipped - this keeps things ordered if you have packed all underwear together in one, t-shirts in another etc.

   
   

   A quick tip is when you are arrive, if something is creased like a dress or shirt then hang in the bathroom and a steamy shower will soon have all the creases out.

   
   

3. Use travel bottles to decant toiletries into smaller containers - especially if going hand luggage only so you don't go over the 100ml rule. You can label them or use a sharpie if not obvious what you have put inside.

4. I always put an AirTag inside my luggage, especially if it is going in the hold. Still traumatised from watching my parents stress when I was 11 and we flew to California - only to learn our luggage went to New Zealand. It took 48 hours to learn that whereas an AirTag or Tile would certainly help locate bags quicker.

5. Take an empty water bottle through security and then fill up once you are airside. I love to use hydrate sachets in the water to stop feeling dehydrated on long haul flights - also helps if you have too much champagne!

6. Put shoes in plastic shower caps to keep your other items clean - I always keep a stash from hotels for this very purpose.

7. Take a portable power bank for the plane. Imagine landing and needing to find your hotel or call someone and you have run out of power. Not all seats have charging points so by taking your own you ensure you will have enough battery.

8. Take a clean ziploc bag and silica gel sachets in your suitcase - the ones that come with deliveries. These are designed to absorb moisture so if travelling back home after a day by the pool or beach, you can drop your damp swimsuit in, zip up and not come home with a wet and soggy suitcase.

9. Don't forget your adaptor! Worldwide ones that also have USB ports are fantastic and mean you won't get caught not being able to charge up your kindle, iPad or phone.

   
   

By using these packing tips, you will save space and money leaving you free to enjoy your trip.

Use my FREE travel checklist to help get organised. https://www.benella.co.uk/useful-info

Thanks for reading, I'm Jo, a Professional Organiser for 20 years and your new partner in creating an organised home. 

Based in Petersfield, Hampshire but covering Surrey, West Sussex and London (upon individual request basis).

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I help busy professionals, families and home movers, organise and declutter their homes, paperwork and photographs.

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