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Clever tape trick that will make packing SO much easier – and keeps everything in one place

A TRAVEL expert has revealed a clever trick using tape that makes packing so much easier and keeps everything in one place.

Packing for a holiday can be a stressful time, sorting out what to take and getting it all to fit in your bags or suitcases.

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A packing expert has revealed her top tips[/caption]

But help is at hand from travel editor Caroline Morse Teel at Smarter Travel who has put together her top tips to ensure people “pack smarter and travel lighter”.

Packing cubes

Caroline advises to use packing cubes, especially if you are travelling with a duffle bag or rucksack.

It’s easy to become annoyed and frustrated if you’re rummaging around trying to find that one item you need – which will invariably be at the bottom of the bag.

In particular she recommends Eagle Creek’s Pack-Its, which she says also compress your clothes so you can squeeze even more in.

Caroline adds that she uses her packing cubes in one of two ways, depending on what is appropriate for the trip.

Either she will pack a cube for a particular day and have one outfit all together, or, pack a cube comprising of the same item, so all t-shirts, say, are together.

Then she uses tape to label each cube with what’s inside so you can find what you are looking for quickly and easily.

However, she says she doesn’t use this system if she is using a wheeled suitcase, then, she prefers to roll her clothes up to keep them wrinkle free – and to get more items in.

Prepare a travel go-bag

Caroline admits that packing can be the worst part of preparing for any trip but to avoid some of the hassle she always has two bags ready.

One is a toiletries bag which she restocks after every trip.

The other is her in-flight bag which she keeps stocked with things she’ll need during the flight, such as headphones, hand sanitiser, tissues and charging cable.

That way, when it is time to jet off she has already got a large chunk of her packing done.

Rolling and folding

The timeless debate of whether it is better to roll or fold your clothes when packing may never be fully answered – and Caroline stands in the middle of the debate.

She says the best strategy for packing a suitcase is to use both.

Thicker items such as jeans and jumpers should be folded, she says, and put at the bottom of the case.

Lighter items such as t-shirts should be rolled and put on top.

Then, any small miscellaneous items like socks and swimming gear and be squeezed into the spaces.

How to fit more into your suitcase

Former A Place in the Sun presenter and expert packer, Danni Menzies, has shared her top tips for savvy packing.

  1. Decide on a capsule wardrobe – make your clothes work for you
  2. Decide your make-up looks in advance to streamline your make-up bag
  3. Wearing multiple layers and/or your bulkiest clothes so you don’t need to pack as much
  4. Buy vacuum-packed bags to create more room
  5. Use packing cubes for effective packing
  6. Stuff socks in shoes so they don’t get squashed
  7. Put toiletries in socks so they don’t leak onto clothes
  8. Put shoes in shower caps so dirty soles don’t cause a mess
  9. Pack from the corner inwards
  10. Put heaviest items by the wheels
  11. Line the suitcase with water-resistant items
  12. Decant full-sized toiletries into small things
  13. Keep your essentials in a carry-on tote

Packing planner

Caroline also advises using a packing list based on your plans for each day of your trip as this can help prevent overpacking.

She recommends using SmarterTravel’s Packing Planner which is a free PDF where you can fill in the weather forecast and any daily activities which can help you decide what to wear.

By planning each day’s outfit you can beat any urge to throw in any extra items ‘just in case’ they’re needed.

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Caroline recommends using a packing planner to prevent taking items you won’t use on your trip[/caption]

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