pack a suitcase

Can you close your suitcase after it's packed? Packing a suitcase is a strategic exercise in maximising space and minimising wrinkles. You might already have a favorite packing system, but here are a few more tips and tricks to get the best out of those limited kgs.

MATERIALS
Plastic Storage Bags
Toiletry Bags
Garment Bags
Carry-on Bags
Luggage Sets

DIRECTIONS
Remember this order: shirts on the bottom, then dresses (if applicable), then pants.
Stack tops, unfolded, by placing wrinkle-prone tops toward the bottom of a pile and less easily wrinkled ones toward the top.
Fold the sleeves in toward the shirts' torsos.
Fold the shirts in half from the bottom. You now have a rectangular bundle of shirts; place it in your suitcase.
Drape long dresses in the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides.
Place pants and skirts on a flat surface; fold each in half lengthwise.
Stack pants and skirts on top of one another, with easily wrinkled ones on the bottom and sturdier ones, such as jeans, on top. Fold the stack over, so that its length is halved.
Place your stack of pants and skirts on top of the dresses, then fold the ends of the dresses over the pants and skirts.
Pack Accessories
Roll ties loosely.
Stuff socks in shoes. Pack underwear in mesh laundry bags (see our lingerie bag article just for this) or side pockets to save space.
Arrange each pair of shoes so that the heel of one aligns with the toe of the other.
Wrap pairs of shoes in separate plastic bags, and place them along the border of your suitcase.
Protect clothes from leaks by placing toiletries in a plastic bag.
Pack essential toiletries in a carry-on bag. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, medication and other important items, but remember to take note of the new TSA guidelines if you are flying - see alongside for details.

HOLIDAY TIPS
Information to help you get through the security checkpoints smoothly.

The TSA programme means:
Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers 100ml or less, and not more than 1000ml in total.
Items must be put in a clear plastic zip-top bag.
Only one zip-top bag per passenger.
Do not wrap gifts.
Apply rules to gifts.
Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers 100ml or less and in the passengers one zip-top bag. Any of these items WILL be allowed on the plane IF you purchase them after the security checkpoint. TSA allows liquid items purchased after the checkpoint onto planes because these items have been previously screened.
Know what items are prohibited on planes.
Arrive on time.
Dress the part.
Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening.
Be considerate and save jokes for after the checkpoint.