Dragging your summer suitcase out of the loft is exciting business, until you’re hit with the sudden realisation that you have to, in fact, pack it! Scribbled checklists, squashed shoes and a fair share of sweating later, you’re left with a suitcase that’s swimming with so-called ‘necessities’, right? It’s all too tempting to treat your summer holiday suitcase like a temporary cupboard, our list of the top travel hacks will help show you the best way to pack a suitcase.

To best prepare before you fly, take a look at our pre-holiday cleaning hacks too! 

Double Up

Who says you need a separate bag for both housing your toiletries and hitting the town? Search for a plain-coloured, metallic or embellished bag when buying this summer’s staples and use it to pack your toiletries in when you travel. When evening rolls around, toss the toiletries to one side and re-use it as a chic clutch bag!

Last Minute Luggage

If last minute holidays leave you packing in a panic, don’t worry, as we’ve got you’re hurried holiday checklist covered. Easy packing is essential when you don’t have much turnaround time, so think irreversible swimsuits (whip it off, wash, wear again), beach towel bags (a beach towel and tote all in one), tinted moisturiser (no need to bring mountains of make up) and wedged heels (perfect for daytime wear and dressing up in the evening)!  

Sensible Suitcase Swaps

An easy way of packing light is to ensure you weigh up your options (pardon the pun) by thinking of clever alternatives. Look out for reversible swimsuits, take two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, try towelling dresses instead of bulky beach towels and buy an after sun that moisturises too when you're doing that all important holiday shop. Breeze through baggage control and enjoy an all inclusive holiday with extra suitcase room for souvenirs!

Fill Your Boots (Literally)

Take advice from those savvy travel bloggers and maximize luggage space by stuffing your shoes with smaller essentials such as creams, socks, and underwear, and if you have one to hand, pop a shower hat over the top to protect your clothes from the soles!

How To Pack A Shirt 

When it comes to packing everyone has their own method, from folding, layering, rolling, and for those in a rush, throwing! We believe that rolling is the way forward, eliminating creases and saving space. For more delicate materials, you might want to purchase a wrinkle-free spray for getting rid of any unwanted creases upon arrival.

Top Ways To Transport Toiletries

Protect your new holiday wardrobe by placing a bag (or saran wrap) over the top of any bottles before placing the lid back on. This makes the closure tighter and will lead to less mucky spills. To be extra safe, place inside another plastic bag. Packing a toothbrush case is also a great idea, so you don’t end up brushing with bristles that taste of your favourite perfume!

It's In The Bag

If you’re after an all-rounder, a tote is best for travelling. There’s enough room to store your essentials and the soft fabric can be flattened in your suitcase once you’ve unpacked. It could also double up as a beach, poolside or even a laundry bag. This is a great option for when you're travelling on short haul beach holidays, ensuring you have enough space for your essentials without lugging around extra baggage.

Share Your Suitcase

If you’re holidaying as a family or with friends, there’s no need to keep your clothes in separate cases. Spreading your items between cases will help over packers control what they’re shovelling into their luggage and if a suitcase goes missing or gets damaged, no one is left without anything to wear – sharing is caring after all!

Wash While You're Away

Nothing’s more miserable than facing a mountain of dirty clothes once your holiday is over, so it’s worth checking out whether your accommodation has laundry facilities. Washing as you wear will also save on suitcase space, preventing you from packing enough clothes to last you the whole holiday!

Make Up On The Move

As a Mary Poppins-inspired make up bag is yet to be invented (hint, hint) we have to make do with a limited collection of concealers when travelling. If you're whisking off on a weekend city break or you're heading for a short haul stay, you can afford to banish the bulky make up bottles and tip the contents into smaller containers, such as clean contact lens cases or empty Vaseline pots instead – these are also great for any liquids you may want to take in your hand luggage.

Don’t let your packing worries weigh heavy, lighten the load by following our suitcase-happy steps and you’ll be set to fly!