If you're lucky enough to be heading on holiday this summer [1], it might feel like you have a bit of a mountain to climb before you get to your destination. Chaotic stories of airport delays and cancellations have been dominating the news, as industry experts have been advising travellers to only take hand luggage [2] to reduce delays and minimise the chance of baggage going missing.
Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the GMB union, told The Daily Telegraph [3]: "If people can check in online and do not take [large] bags, that limits the disruption. It's not a magic bullet but it does reduce the chance of there being problems." But it's not always that easy to get all your essentials into a carry-on bag [4].
According to Stitch Fix [5], a third of Brits admit they find packing stressful and half leave it to the last minute. We spend an average of one hour and 40 minutes per trip deciding what to take, and this is made even more difficult when trying to squeeze things into a smaller bag.
While you might have been searching for a case that fits the airline's strict baggage measurements, there has been an Amazon find going viral on TikTok. One user, @franchescarosee [6], posted a video of her packing in a Kono under-the-seat holdall that fits perfectly under the chair in front on a flight. She managed to fill it to the brim with clothes, shoes, and toiletries while still meeting the hand-luggage requirements.
TikTok users flocked to get their hands on the roomy holdall, so the exact one is typically sold out. However, we have alternative options as well as tips from organisational expert Sophie Liard, also known as @thefoldinglady [7], who is working with Stitch Fix, and Frej Lewenhaupt, cofounder and CEO at Steamery [8].
While we all know curating a capsule wardrobe and packing with clothes that can be styled in multiple ways is a great start, it can still be stressful trying to squeeze, repack, and move things around in your bag. From wearing key pieces to the airport to always packing a steamer, allow the experts to help start your holiday off in the most stress-free way possible.
Get the Right Carry-On Bag
While the Amazon Koko holdall has been gaining notoriety on social media, there is another similar style that does the same job. The Aerolite Under Seat Cabin Holdall [9] (£25.88) fits the Ryanair hand-luggage measurements, often the smallest of the airlines, so it will sit neatly under the seat in front of you and will fit loads in. What's not to love?
Use Packing Cubes
If you haven't heard of packing cubes, it's time you got on board. Zip-up bags like the Away Insider Packing Cubes [10] (£45 for four) are ideal for keeping organised in a small space. Liard says they are "perfect for packing in tidy and organised categories, whatever your preference. You can access your clothes easily and use these in the drawers of your accommodation, too — so anything you don't end up using is packed and ready to go."
Include a Steamer
If you're concerned about creases or you're heading away for a special occasion, a handheld steamer will be your saviour. Think you don't have space in your bags? Then you haven't seen the Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer [11] (£150). "A steamer is a great alternative for washing when you don't have access to a washing machine. The hot steam smooths out creases, kills bacteria, and makes your clothes feel fresh between washes," says Lewenhaupt. "Our Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer is also smaller than most handheld steamers, which makes it ideal to bring while travelling."
Do the Scrunch Test
Alternatively, limit the items that are prone to creasing. "Grab a bunch of the garment and scrunch, hold for a few seconds, then release," Liard advises. "My advice is to stay away from materials that do not pass the scrunch test, unless it's linen of course, as everyone expects this to come complete with a crease or two. Also, consider packing travel hangers so you can hang things up on arrival. They are lightweight and fold small, so will take up minimal room in your suitcase."
Roll or Fold?
To maximise the space in your luggage, a combination of the two can actually work best. "I personally like to do a mixture of the two techniques, depending on the material. Some materials just pack better with a roll, but for the majority, it's a fold into my packing cubes," Liard explains. "We tested the space saving of rolling and folding at the Folding Lady HQ and it was the difference of two items — not enough to declare one technique saving more space over the other!"
She reveals the items that fold better are blazers, jackets, and anything delicate or with embellishment. Rolling works best for dresses, tights, and knits.
Go Easy on Shoes
Shoes take up the most space in your luggage, so really think about how many pairs you need. "My general rule is one pair of trainers, one pair of flats, and one pair of wedges [or heels] per holiday," says Liard. "Remember to use shoe bags – these will keep any buckles or laces tidy and keep the soles away from your clothes. Make the most of the space inside your shoes, too — use it to pack socks and even jewellery."
Think about the colours, too. Tans, blacks, and whites tend to be the most versatile, so think about keeping shoes neutral.
Add a Fabric Spray
Whether you're heading to a festival abroad or packing clothes you'd like to rewear while away, you might not have thought of how handy a fabric spray can be. The Steamery Fabric Spray [12] (£10) is ideal when laundry isn't an option. "It will quickly freshen up your clothes and give them a pleasant and lasting scent of rose and musk" says Lewenhaupt. "The travel-friendly 100ml bottle is ideal to bring in your carry-on and use whenever you need a quick touch-up."
Decant Your Toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, don't waste money buying travel-size liquids. Instead, look for bottles that you can decant into. Try the Amazon Clear Plastic Bottles [13] (£9). Refill them time and time again for any trip away.
Be Smart With Your Airport Outfit
"When it comes to flying, we all tend to lean more towards comfort over style — cue the trackies! That said, precious luggage space can be preserved if you're savvy with what you wear to the airport," says Liard. " A pair of trackies won't take priority in your holiday wardrobe, so leave them at home and instead opt for a pair of linen trousers. Not only a holiday staple, but they offer comfort too, perfect for wearing aboard the plane and when you touch down. By doing so, you'll create space for another item you perhaps wouldn't wear to the airport, like an evening dress."
Think about your shoes and accessories, too. Consider taking a beach bag over a handbag and filling that instead. And wear your chunkiest sandals on the flight to make space for more in your luggage.