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I always loathe packing and I’m one of those people that leaves everything till the last minute. The night before a trip I’m usually dashing around trying to put my laundry on, figure out what outfits I’ll want to wear and make sure it all actually fits in my suitcase. It’s not uncommon for me to pack, then re-pack, simply because I can’t fit everything in. And I’m sure most of us at some point have done the whole ‘sitting on the suitcase in the hope it will close’ thing. If I’m packing for a road trip then I know I have more space in the car than I would on a flight, but that often leads me to throw everything in but the kitchen sink. Not very smart.
Well if – like me – you’re always struggling to pack, help is at hand. To celebrate the launch of the new Ford S-MAX, Ford have put together 10 travel tips to make packing easier for your next road trip:
1. Only pack what you need
A ski jacket doesn’t belong on Brighton beach and neither do stilettos at the top of Ben Nevis
2. Clear the car boot
Assess how many empty suitcases you can fit in, whilst still being able to see out of the back windscreen. Identify the vacant space around the cases, which can now be used for additional holdalls, duffles and backpacks.
3. Lay everything on the bed
Lay all proposed items per family member out on your bed to create a capsule collection for each person and to avoid double-packing any items.
4. Pack main clothing items into a hard-shell suitcase
Pack main clothing items into a hard-shell suitcase to avoid creases. Layering garments flat and folding the arms will also help fit more items into the suitcase.
5. Maximise on space
Pack extra items into your holdalls. Don’t overdo the cosmetics and invest in travel sized toiletries where possible. Pack wellington boots one inside the other and stuff your socks into your shoes to maximize the space available.
6. Deflate inflatable toys
Make sure to deflate and flat pack any inflatable toys to save on space. Put a small pump underneath the seat to inflate toys on arrival.
7. Keep things handy in the glove compartment
The glove compartment provides a vital support for any family road trip. Baby wipes and a few empty plastic bags go a long way – for sickness as well as rubbish.
8. Pack entertainment for the kids
Provide children with a small-sized travel bag containing toys, entertainment and snacks to keep them occupied on your journey.
9. Play Tetris with the suitcases
When packing the boot, put the biggest suitcase at the bottom of the boot, second biggest on top of that and then build a pyramid around this. This may take a couple of attempts to ensure you fit your suitcases in the most efficient way possible.
10. Utilise your car’s storage space
Finally, utilize your cars additional storage units, such as door pockets, under seats, underfloor storage areas and spare foot well space. Secure luggage with a cargo net where possible to avoid cases moving around.
The post 10 tips to help you pack for a road trip appeared first on Pommie Travels.
Source: pommietravels.com