Packing heavy clothes for winter getaways can feel like a logistical nightmare with bulky coats, jumpers, and boots taking up precious suitcase space and leaving little room for anything else.
However, overpacking can land you with unexpected and hefty fees at the airport.
Excess baggage charges typically range from £11 to £13 per kilogram, leaving passengers to grapple with the decision between paying or abandoning their belongings.
To make packing for cold weather trips easier and help travellers avoid hidden costs, travel experts at Club Med shared some smart strategies for fitting thick, heavy clothing into limited luggage space without compromising when travelling this winter.
And there’s one trick that has gone viral on social media that has people realise they’ve been packing their cases wrong all these years.
The experts have highlighted the benefits of vertical packing, after one TikTok showcasing the trick racked up more than four million views.
Aline Lowry demonstrated the game-changing hack of standing her suitcase up and packing it vertically, instead of the traditional flat fold.
And for travellers struggling with the seasonal dilemma of cramming coats and boots into limited luggage space, this trend couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
People have taken to the comments in support of the method, saying: “I do this. Start with heavier items. I put shoes closest to wheels then toiletry bag, underwear, socks because they won’t show wrinkles, pants, blouses on top.”
Another said: “That’s how I always pack. I am able to do two weeks in Europe with a carry-on only packing this way.”
And a third echoed: “No way I have been doing this for five years. You get 50% more stuff in there than packing the normal way.”
With that in mind, here are five more simple packing hacks that the experts at Club Med have recommended.
Roll, don’t fold
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also helps minimise wrinkles, keeping your clothes looking fresh even after a long journey. It’s a space-saving trick that allows you to pack more – but be careful not to be caught out by the weight of your luggage.
Stuff your shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of valuable space, but you can make them work harder by filling them with small items like thermals, socks, or accessories. This trick maximises every inch of your suitcase.
Wear bulky items to the airport
Wearing your heaviest or bulkiest clothes, like jackets, boots, and sweaters, while you travel helps save suitcase space for other essentials.
Use vacuum bags
Vacuum bags are perfect for bulky items like coats, scarves, and jumpers. By squeezing out excess air, they shrink down the volume of your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase without worrying about the extra bulk.
Maximise every corner
Packing smart means using every available space in your luggage. Fill the gaps between packed items, stuff hats with underwear, or slip belts through the collar of shirts to make the most of every bit of space. This ensures you’ve got room for everything you need without overpacking.
