1. Pack outfits chronologically
Think about your itinerary, with your first day’s clothes placed at the top and your last day’s at the bottom to save disturbing your folding.
2. Use packing cubes
The best way to organise outfits or separate types of clothing is by using zip-up packing cubes – they come in varying dimensions and will help you find what you are looking for, especially if you are on a long-haul trip with a larger case.
3. Be strict, and realistic
Pack only what you really need. While the notion of having different outfits for each day may seem appealing, they will weigh you down. Every gram counts, especially when airlines charge for what you take on board. Don’t forget cufflinks, a universal adaptor, sunglasses and ties.
4. Fold (properly)
You’d be surprised at how many ways there are to fold a shirt. Learn to fold like a pro and your clothes with thank you. Rolling jeans, for example, can also be effective. Travel with clothes that made of crease-free fabric to minimise ironing. Louis Vuitton’s Art of Packing video series provides several helpful tutorials.
5. Keep cables neat
Save yourself the trouble of untangling wires by securing them individually with cable ties, and packing them in an easy-to-spot pouch. If checking in a suitcase, keep your laptop and smartphone charger with you in your hand-baggage to avoid losing them.
6. Use shoe bags
Never allow your shoes to have direct contact with your clothes, they’re just not clean.
Use lightweight, nylon shoe bags to keep them separate – insert socks to avoid them being crushed.
7. Organise toiletries
If travelling with hand-luggage only, place you washbag at the top or in an outer compartment so you can easily access it at security. Stocking up on clear plastic bags for your liquids in advance of arriving at the airport will save you having to do it under pressure. Make sure bottle tops are tightly screwed – spillages could ruin your trip.
8. Use a travel wallet for documents
Although many airlines now offer mobile boarding passes, it is important to have all your paperwork, emergency credit card, passport, itinerary and other print-outs in a place where they will not get crumpled or lost.
9. Employ a professional
If you have a big trip coming up, use a professional. London-based luxury dry-cleaning service Blossom and Browne’s Sycamore offers a jet-set travel service. Provide them with your clothes in the case you want to take, and they return it to you fully dry-cleaned and folded to perfection.
10. Outsource laundry
On return home, doing your washing and ironing can be the last thing you want to deal with. Even taking your suits to the dry cleaners can be a pain. Download the Laundrapp application to your phone, they will pick up washing and dry-cleaning from your home, returning it to you pressed and on hangars.
These are just a few of our ideas, we’re sure you have plenty more – feel free to share them below.
Ben Allen
