It was while my sister was trying to fit all her clothes, plus new Christmas presents and purchases, into a suitcase for her return to Sydney recently that I was reminded of a technique for packing that can reduce stress on suitcases and lower backs.

So today’s activity is a tip on how to:

#73 Master the Art of Holiday Packing

I did feel somewhat guilty watching how difficult it was to close the suitcase. Because back in Sydney resides a marvellous plastic, three-panelled board that allows my sister to fold clothes perfectly flat, and all ending in a uniform size, ready to be neatly stacked into a case.

Unfortunately, I’d completely forgotten that I’d promised to make one just like it for use at my place.

This strange looking contraption is, in fact, a genius!

To tell you the truth, when I was staying at her place in Sydney, I’d initially looked at it with surprise, before laughing at the idea of using a complicated-looking board like this merely to fold clothes.

But then I tried it – wow! I became a complete convert. It’s magic! Where on earth could I get one?

Careful examination revealed that all the fancy cut out holes and shapes don’t seem to have a vital function, even though a YouTube video by the manufacturer suggests they’re needed for ventilation and to reduce static. Hmm…

Unless I’m missing something, it seems you can get away without them.

So I took detailed measurements…

and once back home, realised that with a simple piece of corflute, it would be a doddle to make.

So here’s how to create your own masterful folding implement:

Step one: Cut the corflute into a rectangle measuring 70cm W by 60cm L. Then cut two thin vertical wedges (or slits) out of the lower half, 23 cm from each side edge like so:

Step two: Flip the board over and make three shallow incisions only half-way through the corflute, so they remain attached but can bend; the first cut is made across the middle third in the centre, and the other two cuts are made vertically to extend the slits thus…

and you end up with a plain, but perfectly functional folding board, admittedly without ventilation …

                                                               too easy

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Now it’s time to have some fun. Lay your jumper/shirt/blouse/t-shirt/pants etc face down on the board and arrange it so the item fits into the confines of the template like so:

then quickly ‘flip’ in the right panel first to fold in the material on that side, before flipping the panel out again, then repeat these actions with the left panel, before finally ‘flipping’ up the lower panel and flipping it back down again.

Then turn the item over to showcase a perfectly folded piece of clothing …

I know, I know, this may seem like a lot of trouble to perform something so simple, but when you have a heap of clothes you want to fit into a small bag, trust me, it only takes seconds doing it this way, they all end up exactly the same dimensions and you feel like a magician.

If you then stack these perfectly folded items and slide them into clear zipped vacuum packing bags that allows you to squeeze all the air out, you’ll be amazed what you can fit into a small case …

Not only that, when you arrive at your holiday destination and unpack, the items come out looking reasonably well pressed! I’m convinced now that every hotel and household needs one.

But failing this, there’s another sure fire tip to minimise the horror that is packing.

Store duplicate toiletries, PJs, dressing gown, spare shoes, a pillow and anything else you may need at your destination in a specially purchased, large cedar chest provided by your host.

Preferably one that can double as a coffee table in their living room the rest of the time.

Thanks for this, sis.