A TRAVEL expert has revealed the clever packing hack that stops your clean clothes getting dirty on holiday.
Travellers are always eager to find new hacks that allow them to pack their luggage more efficiently before jetting off on holiday.
One of the biggest annoyances for those heading abroad is keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones while on holiday.
It goes without saying that our bags often become a jumbled mess by the end of the trip.
However, a well-seasoned flyer has shared one method which could help stop this headache for holidaygoers.
According to Samantha Hamilton, an expert traveller who runs the New England Wanderlust blog, there is a correct way to pack your dirty laundry when traveling.
Hamilton, who has been travelling for over 10 years, told holidaygoers: “Keep your dirty laundry in a separate packing cube.”
The travel whizz says that packing cubes have been the most effective way to contain the smell.
She also says they are especially handy as they maintain an element of the compression to save space.
A specific compression packing cube will help you save space and keep the smells away from clean clothes.
Compression packing cubes are great at creating more space in your suitcase as they reduce the room taken up by clothes and other items.
Hamilton also advises travellers to “throw a dryer sheet into your dirty laundry cube” to help with bad smells.
You might not use a lot of dryer sheets in your normal laundry routine, but pack a few to keep your suitcase from permanently absorbing the scent of every adventure.
There is no harm in putting them in your suitcase and also in the packing cube with your dirty laundry.
Hamilton says they are her “last line of defence” to stop odours from seeping into the rest of her suitcase.
And for longer trips they come in handy even more thanks to taking up no room at all.
Hamilton added: “I also no longer mix my dirty laundry with my shoe bags, and keep them separate.
“I noticed that, especially with shoes like canvas sneakers, they would start to absorb odours from the dirty laundry.”
It follows this travel expert’s clever trick using tape that makes packing so much easier and keeps everything in one place.
And this packing expert has revealed how to pack enough luggage that is still under 7kg.
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
