The excitement that comes when the days draw closer to you heading off on holiday is an incredible feeling. However, the dreaded task of packing can sometimes get in the way of that. Now one expert has revealed his hacks on how to perfectly pack for a road trip, making the chore less stressful than it needs to be. Iwan Carrington from BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out is known for his incredible organisation skills, and has revealed how to make the most out of the space you have when packing your car for a trip.
He said: “When it comes to taking your vehicle with you on holiday, there is no need to adhere to strict luggage restrictions. We’re swapping no-frills for full-frills holidays, which are all about comfort and enjoyment. They start with packing everything you want and need.”
The first thing to do is to “ditch the suitcase” and get your hands on some packing cubes instead.
He said: “Packing cubes make packing, unpacking and managing holiday laundry a breeze but they’re also remarkable space savers.
“Swap rigid suitcases for soft canvas bags and flexible packing cubes, these can be squeezed into the tightest spots, leaving more room for other items.”
This tip will most certainly come in handy as Discover Ferries, which represents 13 ferry operators across the nation, uncovered that UK hoildaymakers spend up to a huge £1,500 purchasing items that actually could have been brought from home.
This is why the industry body “teamed up” with Iwan Carrington to ensure Brits save their money and use every single space in their vehicles when travelling, no matter how small it might be.
Additionally, to take things a step further, the expert highlights the importance of packing in “the right order”. He recommends colour coding or labelling bags to make it “easy to find the things you need quickly”.
Travellers are also advised to “reconfigure the back seat” by hanging a shoe storage system. The hack works great as an “activity station”. Those with little ones can fill it with snacks, games, and crayons, or it can be used to store important travel documents, charging cables, water bottles and even a first aid kit.
For those “stashing buggies and bulky items”, Iwan has another tip.
He said: “If pushchairs won’t fit in the boot, consider using the passenger footwell and use softer objects like blankets or towels to fill in gaps around them. One of the most overlooked storage spots is underneath seats, this is a great place for stowing footwear. Planning to cycle? Investing in a good bike carrier could save costs on expensive bike hire at your destination.”
Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries said: “Mr Carrington’s tips make preparing for your next trip even easier. From bikes and camping gear to art supplies and a different pair of shoes for every outfit, you can take everything you want to create unforgettable memories and ultimately, pack more in.”