PACKING TIPS

Now that you’ve done everything you can to cut down on what you’re taking it’s finally time to pack. Squeezing all those items into a tiny suitcase may seem impossible, but if you follow our simple advice you’ll find that your tiny suitcase will shortly resemble the Tardis.

·         Roll up your clothes. This helps to save space (since the air is squeezed out) and means that they won't get as creased as if they were packed normally.

·         Stuff socks inside of shoes or handbags to help them retain their shape.

·         Place heavy items on the bottom on the case.

·         Always pack the corners (it’s best to squeeze underwear into these gaps as they are more likely to become creased) – you’ll be surprise how much space is available here.

·         As soon as you possibly can, unpack your case and hang everything up.

·         Place any liquids (contact lens fluid, hair gel etc.) in plastic bags, ideally two to prevent spillages.

·         Don’t waste valuable space rolling up belts and placing them in a corner, instead unroll them and wrap them around the inside of the case.

·         Invest in a ‘compression bag’ for storing clothes you don’t mind getting creased (underwear on the way out or any dirty clothes on the way back) – the clothes can be effectively ‘shrink-wrapped’ in the bag by using pressure to remove up to 75% of the air saving valuable space in turn.

·         Use tissue paper to help prevent creasing – it won’t solve all your wrinkle problems, but it does help.

·         Don’t pack too much! Zips can burst, clothes will become more creased and there will be little space to bring anything extra home – is it really worth taking 5 pairs of jeans for all this hassle?

Now that you know how to pack, what are you waiting for? Get to it!