Packing a suitcase

Packing a suitcase for any type of travel can be a nightmare. It requires very good organizational skills and patience. Packing for air travel can be one of the most stressful things about your travel outside of going through security. Not only do you have to pack a big suitcase full of things you will need for your general stay, you will also need to pack some items into a separate baggage to entertain yourself on the flight as well as on a layover. The biggest inconvenience is after all that packing; the airline company has misplaced or lost your suitcase. You can be forced to wear the clothes on your back for the rest of your stay, or wait until your luggage is delivered - hopefully.

Packing a suitcase successfully for air travel requires you to know the rules and regulations of the Transport Security Administration (TSA). TSA has a standard set of rules and regulations list of items that are not permitted on board any flight as well as items that are accepted to carry into the flight. This list is available on the TSA website. You should also check your airline regulations concerning the size and the weight of the suitcase as well as items you can transport to Australia. Following these rules will make your travel less time consuming and will hopefully prevent you from being selected for the dreaded random search.

Here are some things to consider, when packing your suitcase - both carry on and checked in shipping baggage.

Grooming items

Depending on where you are going on holiday you will need accessories and items to assist you in looking your best. These items are:

• Travel Hair-dryer
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Brushes
• Combs

These can be grouped together preferably in a case or toiletry bag.

Baby items and needs

This section is primarily if you are traveling as a family or with your little one (moving with children). Forgetting a single item on this list can possibly ruin your entire trip especially if your child is used to that specific product and brand item that will not be available where you will be traveling to. Try to pack all your baby items 24 hours in advance, to avoid time delays. Your baby items should be packed separately in a sizable diaper bag.

Clothing and shoes

Packing your clothes into a suitcase for a trip overseas must be in accordance with where you are going. The occasion you may be attending as well as the climate. There are different climate zones in Australia. Have spare clothing available for any accidental mishaps that could occur. You may not have the luxury or the money to go and find another item of clothing to replace the one you were previously wearing. Your clothes that are for in case of an emergency should be packed in your carry on suitcase as you may have an accidental mishap while you are traveling. Be sure to include all your accessories to complete your outfits. Some accessories are:

• Sunglasses
• Earrings
• Hair accessories
• Hats
• Jewellery items

Your accessories should be wrapped together and paired so you do not misplace any items. Shoes must be selected according to all the activities you will be doing. All the shoes must appropriately match all the outfits you have selected to wear on your trip. All your clothes, shoes and accessories must be packed together in your checked in suitcases with the exception of your “just in case of an emergency” clothes.

Toiletries, cosmetics and medications

According to TSA rules and regulations all your cosmetics and all your toiletries must be placed in 3 ounce containers that are clear and approved by the TSA. You can carry the rest of your cosmetics and toiletries such as lotions and toothpaste in you’re checked in suitcase. Some toiletries you will need for your flight if you have an international flight or an overnight flight with a long layover:

• Travel size body lotion
• Travel size toothpaste
• Travel size under arm deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Travel size shampoo and conditioner
• Travel size cosmetics and facial creams

All your travel size items can be carried in your hand suitcase.  Any medications that you will be traveling with must be labelled and place in one 1- quart zipper bag like Ziploc. Make sure you have enough medication for you entire stay and during your travels. Any aerosols must be packed in your checked in luggage as those are prohibited by TSA law.

Check our UK to Sunshine Coast shipping services !