Calling all big time shoppers! Do you like to bring home special gifts to share with family and friends? Or maybe it is a one-of-a-kind purchase that you will cherish for a lifetime. Packing it and getting it home safely is as much a skill as it is being on the side of good luck. Here are a few tips that will give you more skills, so you don’t have to depend on luck… at least not so much!
✔ Purchase bubble wrap from your local office supply or discount store. It is perfect for breakables and things that may leek.
✔ While you’re at the store purchase some packing tape too. Tape will keep your bubble wrap tight and in place.
✔ Bubble wrap most often is available on a roll. Cut a portion, roll it, pack it and you’re ready to protect your breakables.
✔ Mesh wraps for wine bottle are available at many wine stores. Ask the cashier to wrap your bottle in the mesh or even better, if they have the bubble wrap wine/liquor bags you will have more protection. Save them for your next trip and take them along for wrapping not only wine but any breakage items that will fit the size.
✔ One note about the mesh – It is used more to keep bottles from bumping against each other; adding bubble wrap will provide more protection against breakage.
✔ Pack a couple of plastic zip top storage bags for items that may leek. The pressurized air on the airplane can cause tops to pop or loosen and your clothing may become soiled.
✔ Save tissue paper sheets from holiday gifts. Fold and store in a dry place so they are ready for wrapping breakables when you travel. Along with newspapers they are the perfect solution for wrapping breakables. Tissue paper sheets also serve double duty to layer between clothing to help keep wrinkles from ruining your day.
✔ Hotel laundry bags are also a great choice for placing your clothing inside to ensure there is no soiling of items on the way home
✔ Consider shipping items that are valuable, difficult to replace and too large to safely fit in your carry-on. If shipping international there will be paperwork and additional fees, taxes and customs clearance depending on where you are shipping from and shipping final destination.
✔ Wrap items in socks and t-shirts to help keep them safe.
✔ When choosing your suitcase for the trip, select a suitcase that will allow enough space for items you are taking and space for purchases you will want to bring home.
✔ When purchasing liquid and gel items remember if you pack them in your carry –on the TSA regulations for 3 oz sizes will apply to them as well. Nothing is more disappointing than placing an $80 bottle of perfume in the garbage at airport security.
✔ Many fragile items you purchase will find a spot in your carry-on bag. This can make your bag heavy; a detail to keep in mind while shopping.
✔ Take along a collapsable bag or a reusable grocery bag for just in case moments. If you need to adjust your load it’s helpful or if you are asked to check your carry on bag you’ll want to have another smaller bag for your valuables, including your shopping valuables that are breakable.
✔ These tips work for gifts and presents you will take to family and friends you will visit during your trip. At home you have more options for securing items; select packing materials that will work for the items you will bring home too.
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