How to Pack a Suitcase Properly

You’ve arrived at your luxury villa ready for a well earned holiday… now, there’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to find a load of creased clothes. This article will give you the secrets to packing a suitcase, minimising creasing and getting more in a tight space.

Step 1 – Be realistic about what to take on your holiday. You’re not going to need those flip flops on the slopes of the Alps! Check out the weather forecast before you go and plan from there. If you’re the outdoors type then you’re going to need some activity gear and comfy shoes for walking, climbing etc. Research what there is to do in and around where you are going and then prepare those staple items.

Step 2 – If you’re packing toiletries try to get travel size products that will last the duration of your stay. Big, bulky tubes of toothpaste and shampoo will only take up too much room. Many beauty product brands have jumped on this bandwagon and are producing travel sized products. Also, always pack liquids in a waterproof bag so as to minimise the damage if they should leak.

Step 3 – Once you’ve planned the likely activities you’ll be participating in on holiday lay out all your items on the bed and then look to eliminate tertiary items that you are unlikely to need. Seeing all your items spread out is a useful way of determining if you are taking too much or doubling up on items.

Step 4 – You’re ready to pack! To eliminate the chances of creasing we suggest you use the ‘rolling’ method. This is as it sounds… rolling your clothes up rather than folding them. Here’s our key tips to rolling:

1. Lay each item out flat and partially fold bigger items such as shirts (e.g. sleeves folded to the back of the shirt).
2. Start rolling from the bottom of the item of clothing and roll as tightly as possible until you reach the end. This will become a neat cylinder that will fit neatly into your suitcase.
3. Always place bigger items such as coats and jackets at the bottom of your suitcase with lighter items on the top. This also minimises crease.
4. Underwear and socks should also be roller nd placed inside shoes where possible to minimise the room they take up. Shoes should ideally go at the bottom of your case.
5. Items that can’t be rolled particularly well such as blazers should be the last thing that goes into the case – lay them flat if possible with minimal folding.

Happy holidays!