I'm a TUI travel agent – the clever sticky note hack I use when packing that's a gamechanger

The Sun

2 hours ago

A TRAVEL agent has revealed her genius sticky note hack, that will help you to have a stress-free holiday.
With just a few weeks left of the school summer holidays, many families are likely making plans to jet off and make the most of the summer sun.
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And while holidays can give us some of our most treasured memories, getting everything organised for the trip can be incredibly stressful.
Claire Le Moigne has been working for TUI for 35 years, and in that time has booked over 6,000 holidays for loyal customers.
During her long career, the travel agent has picked up countless helpful tips, and swears by her simple sticky note hack.
Sticky note hack
Ever got to your hotel and realised you've forgotten your travel adaptor, toothbrush or favourite bikini?
In the mad rush to get everything packed, it is incredibly common for people to forget to pack essentials.
To prevent this, Claire recommends writing a checklist on a sticky note, and placing it on your door, to help jog your memory whilst you're packing.
'The week before I travel, I write a list of things I need to buy; the essentials like sun cream and insect repellent", she told National World.
"It keeps me super relaxed on the way to the airport knowing everything is already in my case.'
The travel whizz added that before you zip up your case, you should read through everything on your sticky note, and physically check it off.
Don't overpack
Claire revealed that 88% of Brits pack clothes that they don't end up wearing on holiday.
Stacey Solomon shows off hack she swears by to make packing for holiday much easier - & you can nab it from Ikea for £6
These clothes take up space that could be used for vital essentials, and may mean you end up paying for extra baggage you don't need.
To avoid falling in to this trap, Claire recommends planning out the exact outfits you will wear each day.
"Take a quick picture and then you'll be able to remember exactly which options you have", she added.
Ditch folding
Although you may be tempted to use the same technique when packing your bag as when you're folding laundry, Claire revealed that this will leave your clothes creased - and nobody wants to be ironing on holiday!
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list.
'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.'
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver.
'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."
Instead, the travel agent shared that she likes to roll up her clothes, which leaves them crease free, and is also a great space saver.
"If you need that extra bit of compression you can try the 'bundle method' where you wrap larger items around smaller ones", she advised.
Downsize toileteries
Many people take the whole bathroom cabinet with them when packing for holidays, but most hotels have shampoo and shower gel in the rooms.
If you can't bear to part with your favourite shampoo, it's a good idea to get some tiny reusable bottles to decant a week's worth in to, to help you save space.
" Make-up wipes and solid toiletries like shampoo bars can also save space and prevent leaks", she added.
"If in doubt, it's worth wrapping up a bottle in a plastic bag to prevent any spillages in transit.'