Are You Good At Suitcase Packing?

Are you planning a business trip or vacation? Do you dread the late night of ironing before your early morning meeting or trip into town? Are you frustrated when you can't fit that extra pair of shoes or your necklaces arrive in a knot? Taking a few extra moments packing your suitcase using some of the following simple tips can easily cut down on the time and effort of sorting and pressing your wardrobe when you arrive. PACK TIGHTLY Did you know that packing your suitcase snuggly (not TOO tight) can actually help prevent your clothes from wrinkling? Too much empty space in your luggage can allow for clothes to get jostled about inside your suitcase, undoing all your efforts to fold and organize. FIND THAT EXTRA SPACE Don't pack shoes without filling them with socks, underwear or hosiery. Empty shoes take up valuable space, and with this strategy you might even be able to pack an extra pair. Just make sure to wrap them in plastic to avoid getting dirt on your clothes. Are you packing sweaters or other bulky articles? Consider using space saver bags that are designed to remove excess air from your clothing. The bags are created with a vent or other device that allows you to manually squeeze the air out or use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. The special vents prevent the air from coming back in. If you're packing belts, be sure to wrap them around the inside of the suitcase instead of rolling them up. They will take up less space and stay in better condition. PREVENT CREASES Don't you hate it when your efforts to fold and pack neatly still result in creases that need ironing or steaming to remove? Try these suggestions to reduce creasing: Fold shirts once lengthwise and then fold the sleeves back over the shirt. Stack shirts and lay them as a flat pile in your suitcase. Fold pants once lengthwise and place them across your suitcase with the lower leg of the pants remaining outside of the packing area. Place remaining items on top of the pants and then fold the lower leg over the packed items. This will prevent creasing across the knee. Another method for packing without creasing is to fold pants and shirts lengthwise and then roll them from the bottom up. Be certain to pack the items snuggly into place. If you must pack items that wrinkle very easily cover them with dry cleaner bags before rolling. This will also help prevent wrinkles and creasing. TIPS FOR TANGLED JEWLERY Do you despise the tangled mess of necklaces tossed about in a box? First of all, a box takes up too much needed space. Use a soft pouch to hold your jewelry. Prevent tangles by cutting a drinking straw to half the length of your necklace or chain bracelet. String one end through the straw and fasten the clasp. Now that you will arrive with organized and wrinkle-free attire you have more time to enjoy yourself! Kazuyuki Omino http://www.japantraveltips.com