Packing checked and carry-on luggage is nothing if not a fine art. Here, we unpack the basics with two women in the know.
Whether you're headed on a quick weekend getaway or a journey lasting several weeks, packing can incite the same amount of stress. From choosing the right luggage to organising all your items, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Below, we speak to Kirsty Glenne of Antler and Elizabeth Scarlett Petrides of Elizabeth Scarlett, to get their expert insight on nailing the basics.
From luggage tags to packing cubes and organisation pouches, your next packing session will be running with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.
Kirsty Glenne, Managing Director of Antler
How do you decide between hard shell and soft shell? Do they have different benefits/purposes?
Deciding between hard shell and soft shell is definitely a personal decision. If you want to prioritise durability, then hard-shell is for you. Our Icon Stripe is made from a water-resistant polycarbonate shell and has built-in flex to absorb impact if it’s dropped or thrown! If style is a priority, stick with hard-shell luggage for chicness that’s sure to stand the test of time.
If you are keen for your case to fit all of your shopping treasures and tend to be an overpacker, I’d opt for a soft-shell suitcase instead. Our Soft Stripe cases have more flexability meaning if you go a bit overboard in the shops abroad you have more give to get your new purchases in!
What organisation tips do you have?
I find packing cubes are an essential to maintain some form of order inside the case. Not only are you more organised because everything has its dedicated space/ compartment, you get so much more in your case because of the compression functionality. I truly believe once you’ve tried packing cubes, you’ll never look back. I thoroughly recommend our Antler packing cubes for this!
I also organise my packing through different colour packing cubes. This is particularly useful when travelling as a family with kids and sharing a large suitcase– each member of my family will have a different colour which is revolutionary when we get to our destination for finding something quickly or unpacking. For myself, the colours help me organise different categories – tops, trousers etc.
How do you decide what to pack, do you work with a specific formula?
When choosing what to pack I consider three main factors: weather, material and full outfit planning. It's key to pack your clothes as full outfits for each day to avoid overpacking. I also always travel with a few additional outfits in my Icon Stripe Cabin along with any valuable items and tech.
How do we best keep valuables/breakables safe and secure in checked bags?
I take all my favourite things with me whenever I travel so I need peace of mind that they are safe and protected, which means I look for a lifetime warranty - usually a good badge for durability. New and unproven brands can’t qualify for a lifetime warranty for example as they have only been around a few years, so it’s important to research before buying. By contrast, Antler has 110 years of experience making luggage so quality and durability are more easily validated.
What are the benefits of luggage straps and tags?
Luggage straps may look decorative but they were traditionally designed to secure your case in case a zip or closure doesn’t hold when it's checked in. At Antler, we like to use them for dual purpose, reinforcing your case and creating an individual look for your luggage. Luggage tags also help your case stand out on the carousel and are an easy way to put your address on your case to help identify it if it's lost!
Is there a particular colour of suitcase that is less likely to look scratched and damaged over time?
Traditionally darker shades are less likely to look scratched and marked like our Antler Green or opt for Soft Shell.
Shop Antler here.
Elizabeth Scarlett Petrides, founder of Elizabeth Scarlett
Nailing your carry on starts with the right bag, so what type of bag would you recommend using?
Comfort and practicality are of course key - especially when juggling check-in and security with impatient little ones - but I also think it’s important to travel in style, my perfect carry-on is one that fits everything in ‘Mary Poppins-style’ and our Tote ticks all the boxes, with padded handles for extra comfort and space for keeping tickets, passports and plane essentials to hand. Best of all, it doubles as a beach bag, making extra space in your suitcase for summer dresses!
What are your tips for keeping your delicate items (makeup etc) safe in carry-on?
A waterproof lining is a must - there’s nothing worse than unpacking your suitcase to discover your favourite product has leaked… To keep more fragile pieces protected, I look for structured fabrics, quality stiffened velvets, thicker materials and padding. A well-made washbag is a really worthwhile investment if you’re a frequent traveller (and also make for great gifts!)
How can you keep your carry-on bag organised? Especially if it’s a big tote
Dividing travel essentials into pouches and organisers is my top time-saving hack for the airport - especially if you need to keep things like wipes, snacks and entertainment on hand for children. I like to keep passports, tickets and airport necessities in one pouch, travel minis and beauty bits in another, and then I have one each for my children, Meiri and Orlando (our Alphabet designs with initials are ideal for family travels and make it a lot easier when quickly rifling through to find what you need). If your carry-on is doubling as your main suitcase, a laundry bag is something which often gets overlooked but it’s one of my all-time essentials to keep everything fresh and well-organised.
What pouches/holders would you recommend for maximum organisation?
I don’t go anywhere without a collection of our Everyday Pouches - whether it’s a trip to the country or beach holiday at least three or four go in my bag for every trip! They are so versatile, from storing beauty essentials to keeping delicates or swimwear separate, it’s one of those pieces that really maximises suitcase space and can even be doubled up as a clutch for dinner. The Sun Goddess motif, with golden threads, is my favourite for this Summer to elevate a beach dress or linen separates in the evening. Our Washbag is also an organisational must, with more than enough room for SPF (my current go-to is Pai), shampoo and summer spritzes. And the waterproof lining is perfect for storing wet swimwear on beach trips or pool days!
Shop Elizabeth Scarlett here.
