by Sean Davoren of the Lanesborough Hotel, London As head butler at the Lanesborough (where every guest has a butler!), Sean Davoren has packed and unpacked for many stars and other VIPs. Here he shares his tips for immaculate, stylish travelling.
Packing can be a stressful process. As all worldly belongings are crammed into one suitcase, panic sets in, the passport is forgotten, and you have yet to master the art of avoiding the crumpled and creased look on arrival. For those who aspire to reach their destination relaxed and in perfect order, here is how to manage packing with perfection.
Planning essentials
First and foremost, invest in at least 30 sheets of tissue paper (these can be re-used many times). Compile a list of what you intend to wear each day and lay all items out on the bed. Stick to this list and remember - no last-minute additions! Select an appropriate-sized suitcase, depending on the duration and purpose of the trip, as this will help avoid over-packing. Layer the bottom of the suitcase with tissue paper.
To save space, pack stockings and scarves in handbags
Crease-proof packing
Start with the trousers and lay the waistband inside the suitcase with the trouser legs hanging over of the sides. Place all shirts, undergarments and other folding items on top of the trousers (the trouser legs are to be folded over these layers of clothing). Lay tissue paper flat in the centre of each shirt, fold the arms inwards, place a further layer of tissue paper over the shirt and fold in half. Sweaters should have tissue paper rolled into the arms with another layer of tissue paper placed on the outside of the sweater before folding the sweater in half.
Push tissue paper into the toes of shoes to keep their shape and wrap them individually in tissue or place in shoe bags (preventing marks from getting on clothes and high heels ripping delicate silks) and place carefully in the gaps in the suitcase. Belts should be rolled and placed in the pockets of space around the central pile of clothing. If possible, all make up and toiletries should be packed into a separate vanity case, otherwise they must be sealed into a waterproof bag. Freezer bags with zips are useful!
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Top tips for ladies
To save space, pack stockings and scarves in handbags.
Cocktail dresses should be covered head to toe in tissue paper, inside and out, and the little black dress should travel everywhere.
Try to fold on the shoulders and the line of dresses to keep their shape.
Top tips for gentlemen
For business trips, pack ties flat into a suit carrier.
Jackets should have flat tissue paper inside and the jacket folded in half by catching the shoulders and flipping over the arms to form an X shape.
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