Perfect packing: Five luggage tips to remember before you travel

Pack a suitcase like a pro. Photo: Vlada / pexels

Packing a suitcase is all part of the joy and excitement of going on holiday. Whether its just for a short trip or a lengthy, lazy vacation, we’ve got five tips to make your packing perfect!

Make a list, check it twice

We’ve probably heard this one from some of our more “organised” friends, right? Turns out, making a list is an excellent way to get everything and more into your suitcase. Writing down items on a list and then checking them off will guarantee that you pack all your essentials. Another great idea is pre-printing your boarding pass or using a downloaded version on your phone – one less thing to remember to bring to the airport.

Packing lists really help you stay organised. Liza Summer / pexels

Roll your clothing

This is a well-known tip and is definitely worth its salt. Rolling clothing not only saves your luggage space, it also prevents pesky wrinkles from setting in. No ironing on vacation please!

Roll clothes to save space. Photo: Vlada / pexels

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Packing hand luggage

So you get to your destination and your checked luggage is nowhere to be found! Lost bags happen, and it can be a nightmare but if you make proper use of your hand luggage, you might just get away with a few things while your bags are hopefully found. Make sure all your valuables are packed into your hand luggage. Also always add a spare change of clothes and any makeup or toiletries that are essential.

Carry valuables in hand luggage. Photo: Dids / pexels

Packing makeup in cotton wool

Broken compacts and pressed powdery products are not something you want to deal with while on holiday. A great tip is to place a flat cotton wool pad or a few tissues in between the product and the lid, then press shut. You’re welcome!

Broken makeup can be a nightmare on holiday. Photo: MART PRODUCTION / pexels

Make your suitcase your own

Whether you’re packing luxury luggage or a department store suitcase, chances are your bag isn’t the only one of its kind. To save yourself the mishap of taking someone else’s luggage, make your suitcase stand out! Use luggage tags or decorate it with ribbons and stickers so that it’s instantly recognisable.

Use a ribbon to make your suitcase stand out. Becky Lai / flickr

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.