Packing expert reveals the clever ways to fit even more in your suitcase this summer
ONE in three travellers admit they have no idea how to pack a suitcase efficiently.
A poll, of 2,000 people, found 26 per cent have resorted to sitting on their suitcase to close it and 11 per cent have faced baggage weight penalties.
More than half (56 per cent) have suffered a packing disaster as a result, such as broken zips (21 per cent) and toiletries leaking (20 per cent).
Another packing frustration is crumpled clothes, with 64 per cent willing to do anything to avoid clothes getting creased while travelling.
And 76 per cent would ‘love it’ if they could unpack a suitcase to find nothing needed ironing.
In response to the findings, Lenor Crease Releaser, which commissioned the survey, worked with former A Place in the Sun presenter and expert packer, Danni Menzies, to share her top tips for savvy packing.
Danni said: “As you prepare for your summer holiday, packing effectively can make all the difference and make everything run much smoother.
“After years of travelling, I’ve picked up many packing hacks along the way.
“My top tips include packing a capsule wardrobe so certain items can be re-worn and using vacuum-packed bags to create more room.
“Rolling clothes can also be a great way to save space and avoid crumpled clothes.”
The study also found 37 per cent actively avoid packing certain clothes because they may crease.
For 61 per cent of these, simply not wanting to iron on their holiday is the most common reason (61 per cent).
Followed by wanting to look good during their travels (38 per cent) and having too many bad experiences with clothes creasing in the past (26 per cent).
It also emerged half of adults are an ‘as long as it’s in there’ type of packer – who doesn’t have much order, but will at least try and fold or roll their clothes before stuffing them in.
While nine per cent describe their packing personality as a ‘panic thrower’ – someone who leaves it until the last minute, launching everything into their case without paying attention.
Conducted via OnePoll, the study also found 13 per cent spend longer than an hour finding items and filling their case before they go away.
Of those who do try and keep their clothes somewhat presentable when packing, 52 per cent opt to roll, not fold their items.
While 11 per cent even go as far as to vacuum pack things in specific divider bags within their cases.
The research also found 31 per cent consider packing their case to be more stressful when going away than remembering to lock up the house (28 per cent) or catch a transfer on time (24 per cent).
But 56 per cent always seem to overpack, with 36 per cent only likely to wear up to 69 per cent of what they’ve brought.
And 45 per cent always pack their bags much more neatly on the way to their vacation – with 26 per cent simply stuffing everything in without a care, on the return journey.
DANNI MENZIES’ TOP TIPS FOR SAVVY SUMMER HOLIDAY PACKING
- Decide on a capsule wardrobe – make your clothes work for you
- Decide your make-up looks in advance to streamline your make-up bag
- Wearing multiple layers and/or your bulkiest clothes so you don’t need to pack as much
- Buy vacuum-packed bags to create more room
- Use packing cubes for effective packing
- Stuff socks in shoes so they don’t get squashed
- Put toiletries in socks so they don’t leak onto clothes
- Put shoes in shower caps so dirty soles don’t cause a mess
- Pack from the corner inwards
- Put heaviest items by the wheels
- Line the suitcase with water-resistant items
- Decant full-sized toiletries into small things
- Keep your essentials in a carry-on tote
Nina Lumsden, from Lenor Crease Releaser, which has more tips and tricks on @the.laundry.hub, Instagram and TikTok channels, added: “Even if you’re the most experienced packer, often when you take your clothes out on the other side they’re creased beyond recognition.
“When we’re enjoying our holiday, no one wants to be doing chores, such as ironing.”