Guest Post: Packing Tips with Magi

Today I've got a guest post for you from a friend, Magi, who worked for John Lewis & Partners all her working life - she's got some great tips for holidays - do read on!

Hi, I’m Magi (Spratt) and I've been a friend of Sandra’s for a number of years. I worked in John Lewis as a selling Partner all my working life and loved it.  Now retired I bake, cook, container garden, read and pander to 4 cats.

I’ve always been able to pack, frequently packing for friends and family. Only problem is I’m not there for the homeward voyage. I gave a talk at work once on holiday packing and had to repeat it to other departments so it must have worked!

Before you go Photocopy all passports, travel documents, insurance, phone numbers along with home address, copy of any meds taken, keep in case in case... Have it all copied on your phone too. Mark outside of your case, obvious I know, both sides, great idea I once saw was wheelie bin sticky numbers. Get ziplock bags, one for earphones, chargers etc, your meds and copy of prescription, mini first aid kit, plasters, wipes, diarrhoea pills (saves doing the embarrassing actions in a foreign pharmacy). You’ll know exactly where everything is and no loose objects to hide in the bottom of the case.

Use things like shampoo, shower gel and skincare for a fortnight or so before you go, you’ll not feel so bad about leaving them nearer empty and more space for coming home cause you always bring more back! You know you do! (I love this idea of taking half full bottles and either finishing them or leaving them behind nearly empty!)

Here's Alfie helping out

Packing: Line cases with towels leaving 3/4 over the edges, when packed fold in and should your case open in transit at least everything will stay in. Mix contents of case, a little of everyone’s in each case, heaven forbid a case goes missing but at least all your butts are covered. Pop socks, underwear, make up into shoes and trainers, in a food bag is good as you can then reuse them bring wet swimwear from the beach. Pop in some empty carriers to separate dirty clothes from clean on way home. Disposable shower caps make great covers for shoes, protecting clothes from marking, pick them up on hotel visits.

Now a contentious one. It does make sense. We all like new clothes for our holidays but ...... take old underwear, teeshirt, night wear, towels, things the kids have almost grown out of and leave them. Less washing on return, more space. Roll all the clothes, roll them round the toiletries that are wrapped in a food bag, less chance of leakage. Pack shoes round edge and work from one end to other.

Hand luggage: Change of underwear, wipes, toothbrush and paste just in case. Wee snacks that won’t melt or mush. A days worth of any meds you may take. Card game for the kids at the Airport.

Self Catering: Have a coffee and stock up on salt, pepper, sugar sachets. Cheeky but useful. Keep passports and travel documents in one place. No getting to desk and having a panic. 

Resort: At last Keep all Sun products in the fridge. Cold after sun is just amazing, trust me. Empty lip balm tube could be used for rolled up money as an empty wipe tube would hide valuables, wee bit extra security. Have a fab-u-lous holiday and don’t be good!

Huge thanks to Magi for all her helpful hints and tips!