Packing expert reveals the ‘10% rule’ when taking suitcase on holiday

A PACKING expert has revealed why you should always pack your suitcase using the “10 per cent rule” when going on holiday.

Expert Marie Kondo is known for her organization techniques including her decluttering tips.

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However, she also explains how to make your suitcase before a holiday abroad.

One of her tips is to pack 90:10 – or the 10 per cent rule – to allow space in your bag and not make it too full.

She explained: “I recommend leaving 10 per cent of empty space in your suitcase, so you can buy souvenirs and pack them for your trip back home.”

Anyone who tries to cram in too much to their suitcase could find themselves with a very expensive bill at the airport.

Many airlines charge for oversized baggage so make sure to weigh yours before flying.

Kondo also has other tips when it comes to packing your suitcase.

While most people recommend rolling clothes to save space, she suggests using a mixture of folding and rolling.

She recommends rolling thinner fabrics instead of folding them.

This will both reduce creases and wrinkles, while also helping to get them into a smaller package for your bag.

When it’s time to put everything into the case, Kondo said to pack “vertically” to make everything accessible as well as maximising space.

That means, instead of folding items to be flat and then stacked on top of each other, they should be folded so they stand on end and can be lined up in rows from the top of the case to the bottom.

She explained: “When using the tried and true KonMari Method folding technique, your selected items will be stored upright instead of stacked in a pile.

“By folding clothes neatly and standing them up vertically, you’ll prevent wrinkles, maximize space in your suitcase and easily be able to view all of your outfit options when you simply open your bag or suitcase upon arrival.”

A handy tip she gives is to tuck underwear into bra cups to save more space.

One thing she swears by using is packing cubes – here are some of the best to buy.

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