With Christmas fast approaching, many of us are preparing to travel for the festive season.
However, packing for a winter holiday can be a challenge, especially when trying to fit bulky items like coats and jumpers into a small carry-on bag.
Thankfully, experts have shared some handy tips to help you pack more efficiently this Christmas.
Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International removals, has shared his top packing hacks and one of his best tips is to use vacuum seal bags for larger items.
This trick was a lifesaver when I moved from New Zealand to England and had to fit all my belongings into one suitcase.
I managed to squeeze in three large winter coats, several pairs of trousers, jumpers, scarves and all my summer clothes. However, it’s important to remember that while vacuum sealing allows you to fit more in, weight limits still apply.
So, always weigh your bag before travelling. If you’re using this hack for a carry-on bag, which is less likely to be weighed, you could avoid extra charges..
Just make sure the vacuum seal bags you buy come with a hand pump so you can easily repack them at the end of your trip
Harvey also has a few other tricks up his sleeve, including a packing method inspired by organisation guru Marie Kondo.
The KonMari method involves folding clothes into compact rectangles that can stand upright in your suitcase, which is particularly beneficial for bulky jumpers and layers.
Fold each jumper by bringing one side toward the centre, folding the sleeve in and repeating on the other side to create a compact rectangle. Then fold it in half or thirds and stand it upright.
This method saves space, keeps items accessible and prevents your suitcase from becoming disorganised.
When it comes to keeping things tidy, it’s worth investing in accessory organisers for your jewellery and electronics to avoid things getting tangled or misplaced.