How to … Pack your suitcase and get everything you need into it without sitting on it

Samsonite have worked with ITV presenter and stylist Helen Boyle, to show you some really effective ways of getting everything into your suitcase without the stress. More than just an opportunity to push Samsonite products, this video is really useful for helping parents pack and fit in everything they need.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXoSsmYFrzc&feature=related

Samsonite’s Golden Rules to Packing

1. Weight Check – Always check your airline’s weight restrictions and the luggage allowance before you leave to avoid hefty baggage fees. Once packed, weigh your case before flying to check it’s within your allowance.

2. Research your destination before you go – the temperature, facilities, and your plans all affect what you will pack.

3. Avoid last minute panics – make a pile of what to pack a few days before. Make time to do any laundry or dry cleaning, charge items up or buy batteries.

4. Make a list – perfect as a checklist for repeat trips and also handy for coming home to make sure nothing is left behind. It also makes life a lot easier if your case goes missing in transit and you need to make a claim. Email it to yourself along with a scan of your passport and travel insurance documents – this way you will always have access to a copy.

5. Basic Packing Rules – There are two basic rules to adhere to regardless to whether you opt for the rolling or folding packing technique. These are:

1. Place heavy items at the bottom of your bag. This helps stability and avoids the heavy items crushing your clothes.

2. Always pack items maintaining a flat layer, use underwear, shoes and socks etc to level out. This is also a great place to put chargers and electrical items as they get some protection from the clothing on top. By keeping the packing surface flat, creasing is less likely.

6. Clothing – Consider packing clothing suitable for both the day and evening to minimise items or concentrate on one or two main colour palettes, so you can create a variety of outfits from few items and save vital space.

7. Entertainment – Pop toys and books in a carry on kids case which fits airline size regulations to keep children entertained. They will love being grown up with their own case!

8. Frequent Traveller – If you’re a frequent business or weekend traveller, keep a part packed case with basic essentials in eg. toiletries, chargers, underwear so you’re ready to go.

9. Security – Always lock your bag – it could invalidate your insurance if you don’t. If you’re flying to America you will need a case with a TSA (Transport Security Administration) lock so the security staff can check your case if they need to without breaking open your lock. Note down your lock code. A case is easily parted from a luggage label – always put a second one inside the case.

10. Crease free – Hang your shirts up in the bathroom when you arrive – the steam from the shower will remove any wrinkles.

This Funny Face Panda Upright from Samsonite will let children feel part of the travel experience. It doubles up as a ruck sack and a carry-on suitcase for the plane. 50cm high.

£75
www.samsonite.co.uk/funny-face-upright-50cm-18inch/product-en.htm