The Sacred Art of Packing - Top 10 Tips

It doesn’t matter why you’re doing it, whether it's for a holiday, a family visit or for business purposes, most of us find packing more stressful than the actual flight. 

Some people like to make lists, some obsessives like to start packing a week before, while other more zen like creatures just chuck it all in at the last minute. All types of packer generally agonising over the endless possibilities of doom and disaster that could occur should they forget that one vital item. 

I have become quite blase over the years. I came to realise at some point on my travels, that unless I suddenly get the inexplicable urge to trek through the Amazon Rainforest, chances are I'll be able to buy a replacement of the forgotten item quite easily. Once you get this into your head, the pressure's off, and you are free to pack in peace and harmony. 

So I tend to chuck it in at the last minute with nothing more than a mental checklist. There are a few points that do make it easier though:

1. Pack shoes first, then fill in the gaps. Your goal: create a level surface.

2. Rolling clothes, dresses, sweaters, and even jeans — maximizes space in the suitcase. Sounds a bit mad but it really does work, lessens the crease factor too.

3. Bag It Up, ‘Air Compression packing bags’ are miraculous, squeezing air out of clothes, giving you more room in the suitcase. Giant Ziploc bags work, too. Just roll them tight. I use Ziplocs in various sizes for everything from toiletries to wet swimming gear and always pack a few extras. 

4. Head to Toe, check that you've packed everything you need by mentally dressing yourself from shoes and socks up to goggles and hats.

5. Outfits, think about the number of outfits you need and subtract one. You still won't wear everything you pack, nobody ever does! Unless your travelling with kids, then the rule is to plus two outfits at least.

6. Adapters, carry the adapter for your destination (duh) — a multi-plug version is the best, so you can plug all your gadgets in at the same time. 

7. Liquids, Gels, creams, pastes in your hand luggage must still be in containers of no more than 100ml and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cmx20cm. 

8. Add a tie/belt/strap/scarf to your suitcase/backpack so you can easily identify it at the luggage carousel. The brighter and funkier the better.

9. If two or more people are travelling, split belongings between checked luggage so if one case goes missing, each of you will still have a change of clothes. You'd be amazed how many people do not do this.

10. Airlines mislaid 42.4 million suitcases last year, reason enough never to put anything you would hate to lose in your checked luggage. But take heart, 85 per cent of all lost luggage is found within 48 hours.  

Intrestingly, in Britain, luggage not reunited with its owner within 100 days is auctioned for charity. You can attend the auctions at Greasbys in Tooting, London (020 8672 2972; www.greasbys.co.uk).

Mr Bean has a rather unique way of doing things, let us know your packing tricks!