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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Julie Delahaye

Flight attendants share top holiday packing tips - and why you shouldn't fold clothes

Packing for holidays can be a stressful affair. In fact, recent research found that the whole process can actually put people off going on holiday!

However, for flight attendants it's all part of the job; after all, when you're travelling around the world you'll be constantly packing and unpacking a suitcase, so there's an incentive to learn how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Luckily for those of us who aren't regularly jet-setting, a number of Emirates cabin crew have shared some of the best hacks and secrets they've learned along the way.

Check out their top suitcase packing tips below...

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Make a list

Make a checklist of everything you need. Not only will this help you save time packing, but it can also reduce the risk of forgetting essentials you need for your travels.

Roll your clothes rather than folding

Try tightly rolling your clothes. Not only does this mean they'll be more compact and leave you with extra space, but this method can also help to cut down on creases!

Pack versatile items

Make a checklist to avoid forgetting essentials (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Opt for clothes that are flexible enough to cover a variety of situations, such as jeans or plain T-shirts. This is a simple yet effective way to reduce the amount you're taking, and leave yourself plenty of room for all of the other essentials you need. (Or even for a holiday souvenir or two!).

Always leave extra space

You may not plan to pick up any souvenirs, but you never know; if something catches your eye or you find yourself doing some unexpected shopping, you won't need to worry about fitting everything in a suitcase that was already full.

Use packing cubes

These can be a brilliant way to compress your clothes and accessories, maximising the space in your suitcase and also ensuring that items don't move around as much. You can also use them to organise your outfits, to make unpacking a quick and easy process.

Wear your heaviest items

Need to take a coat or jacket? Wear it for your travels rather than packing it into your suitcase. This can help save some crucial space (and help with your bag's weight limit!).

Opt for refillable travel bottles

They're good for the environment and they stop you taking more product than you need. Just make sure to label them clearly - and use a smudge-proof pen!

Avoid overpacking

Start by packing only what you intend to use, and stick to your checklist. After all, if you need any extra items or have forgotten something, most of the time these can be purchased at your destination of travel anyway.

Have you got any handy packing tips? Let us know in the comments below.

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