Travel Packing Tips & Tricks

Su PaverMay 6, '21

Staycation or travelling abroad, going on holiday or an overnight stay away from home is the absolute best, right? But what’s not so fun is trying to stuff all your clothes and items into a suitcase. Packing a suitcase for some, really seems like an art form. Figuring out what to pack and how to fit it all (plus the kitchen sink) into what seems like a tiny space, can put a dampener on your exciting plans.

Whether you’re a planner and start packing a week ahead or chuck items in a bag hours before, these savvy packing tips and hacks will ensure stress free packing, and help you pack faster, smarter and travel like a pro.

Open Suitcase, Half Packed For Holiday

1. Make a packing list

Don’t be a packing procrastinator! Toothbrush? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Hand sanitizer and mask (COVID essentials)? Check. Pull together a list of things you need to pack at least a week ahead, this will help keep you organised and give you plenty of time to purchase any additional items you may need. Rather than having to rush around at the last minute, this is fail-safe way to ensure that you never forget to bring something important. Take a look at our Holiday Checklist of travel essentials and tick off as you go. 

Make a list of travel essentials

2. Choose travel-friendly fabrics

Where possible try to pack more lightweight fabrics which take up less space. Woven fabrics like cotton or linen are much more prone to creasing and can be heavier so try to avoid packing these items where possible. Fabrics with a level of stretch in them tend to wrinkle less so are best for crease free packing.

3. Roll, don’t fold!

Maximise your space and prevent creasing by rolling your clothes instead of folding. Lay tops face down, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up.  Put trouser legs together and roll from the waist down. Once rolled, place clothes in your suitcase before shoes, accessories and toiletries. Fit in oddly shaped tools, like hair dryers last!

Rolled Clothes in a Pile

4. Pack dual-purpose items

Think if it’s a 2-in-1 item, then it’s one less thing to pack. A dress which can be dressed up or down for day or night, a nice pair of sandals which will go with everything or even trousers which turn into shorts. This is a good rule to follow to ensure you are packing wisely.

5. Place heavy items at the base of your suitcase

We’ve all been there, when your suitcase keeps toppling over as soon as you let it go! Keep heavier items like shoes, books (if you must) and gadgets towards the wheeled end of your suitcase. Doing so will help your suitcase remain stable and stay upright.

6. Cube your clothes

This tip may seem unnecessary but once you’ve tried it you won’t look back. Packing cubes help keep your belongings neat and organised. They stack together easily, so no more trying to fit oddly shaped items in like a jigsaw puzzle. Best of all, the fabric containers protect clothes against wrinkles, reducing the need to iron once you arrive at your final destination. Plus these cubes are lightweight and thin so you won’t lose any precious suitcase space.

Packing Cubes

 7. Fill dead space

Seems easy right? If you have space in your suitcase, this leaves room for items to shift about and crumple up. Try filling the empty space with plastic shopping bags, which you can then use for dirty laundry. It’s equally important to avoid over-packing which makes it extra tricky to re-pack when you’re coming home. Pick an outfit per day, and before packing have a look to see which items are dual use and can be mixed and matched to create a new outfit. This will help you eliminate those extra items that are a nice to have but not necessary. 

Packing

8. Pack the first outfit you want to wear on top

If you know you’ll be heading straight out to dinner or to the pool, plan your outfit and put it into your suitcase last. That way, when you arrive, you won’t have to dig through everything else to find it and can head straight out and relax. No fuss, no mess and stress free!

9. Pack gadgets in zip lock bags

You may, like the rest of us stuff cables, electronics, chargers and those pesky fiddly bits in any corner of your suitcase you can find. To keep things organised try clear food bags or zip lock bags to store electrical items that can be hard to find and keep together in one place.

10. Organise your liquids bag

Everyone knows the routine if travelling abroad. Stash any liquids you want to take in a clear carry-on bag. Try to do this ahead of getting to the airport to get through security quicker and avoid having to un-pack and re-pack. Pack only thing’s you’ll need rather than extras and opt for travel miniatures. For instance, take a 2-in-1 cleanser and toner instead of separates or opt for all-in-one wipes. 

Clarins Head To Toe Moisturising Essentials Set

We’re loving this Clarins head to toe moisturizing essentials travel set, for only £45 or the Clarins 3 piece make-up remover set, for only £20. Take a look at our Molton Brown bath and body sets which come complete with a clear travel bag.

Check out our range of suitcases, swimwear, kids summer clothing and our new spring summer womenswear range in-store. Choose from a variety of sizes and styles to suit your travel needs, all with up to 70% off vs. the RRP! Find store.

In-store pictures

For more summer holiday inspiration take a look at our Top Staycation Destinations and Must See Attractions & Places to Visit in the UK

Must See Attractions & Places to Visit in the UK