PACK IT IN
Get organised for your summer escape with these pro tips. By KATIE WRIGHT
NO matter how diligent you are, there’s a lot that can go wrong when it comes to packing for your holidays.
Crushed clothes, shampoo explosions, forgotten items you can’t find at the airport... not to mention luggage that goes missing.
But with a bit of know-how, you can prevent a lot of disasters and arrive at your destination ready to unpack with ease and enjoy your well-earned break.
Here are some key packing mistakes to avoid this summer...
PUTTING VALUABLES IN A CHECKED BAG
Chances are your luggage won’t get lost en route, but just in case it does, it’s important that you don’t pack anything in your checked bag that you couldn’t bear to lose.
That means important documents, medications, electronics and other valuable items should always go in your cabin bag.
CHUCKING EVERYTHING IN TOGETHER
Every organising guru starts with a stack of packing cubes (also called travel dividers), using one for each type of garment – think tops, bottoms, underwear, dresses, swimwear.
“These handy organisers also maximise space,” says James Brockbank, founder of The
Family Vacation Guide. “Additionally, packing cubes help prevent the dreaded ‘suitcase explosion’ when searching for a specific item.”
FOLDING BIG ITEMS INCORRECTLY
“The most common error when folding items is not following the natural creases of the garment,” says Sophie Liard, aka The Folding Lady. “If you don’t fold clothes along their creases, you’ll find that your clothes look crumpled and like they need an iron.”
LEAKY TOILETRIES
Nobody wants to open their suitcase and find that a bottle of shampoo or sunscreen has leaked all over the place.
Decant essential toiletries into travel-sized bottles, check all the lids are secure, and store in a leak-proof wash bag or zip-lock bag.
FORGETTING A FIRST AID KIT
You may rarely be far from a pharmacy on holiday, but it’s still sensible to take a first aid kit in your cabin bag. “Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, especially with active kids,” says James. “Include essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
“Being prepared for minor mishaps will give you peace of mind.”
PUTTING DELICATE FABRICS IN DANGER
If your summer holiday wardrobe includes fabrics like crochet, mesh or lace, make sure to stow these items separately.
“The open-weave design of crochet is highly delicate and prone to fabric pulling and bobbling,” says Sophie O’Neil, senior stylist at fashion label PrettyLittleThing.
“Never pack a crochet item directly alongside your jewellery or hair accessories, and be sure to keep these pieces far away from your Velcro rollers
or chain belts.”
NOT SEPARATING YOUR LAUNDRY
A portable laundry bag is essential, especially for families. “Many parents overlook the importance of having a designated bag for dirty laundry,” says James. “Instead of mixing clean and soiled clothes together, pack a lightweight, collapsible laundry bag.”
Don’t pack anything in your checked bag that you couldn’t bear to lose