Travel burdens you don’t have to carry: taking the pain out of packing

Preparing for that trip can be such a headache that it leaves you needing a holiday. But there are ways to take ease the pain and stress.

Leaving home for a holiday without multiple phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, cameras, and electronic toys is uncommon these days, which means holidaying Australian families are likely carrying contents in their suitcases worth more than the holiday itself.

Add jewellery, sports gear and family mementos to the mix and replacement costs could quickly add up.

After two years in lockdown, 64 per cent of Australians admit to becoming more attached to their valuables and 49 per cent say they could not leave home without them.

Yet, new research from Allianz Australia reveals 68 per cent of us do not have insurance for valuables taken on holiday.

Rachael Poole, Allianz Australia’s head of home, says valuables can be listed as portable contents under home contents insurance policies, giving travellers peace of mind.

Packing doesn’t have to be a pain.

“Having your items stolen, lost or damaged while on holiday is a stressful experience, yet our research shows Aussies may not be making a claim when this happens,” she says.

“There’s a growing need to better insure valuables while we’re away from home.”

The research shows Australians are packing the latest technology (76 per cent) and jewellery (25 per cent) and analysis of new claims data from Allianz shows the three most claimed portable contents items are jewellery, mobile phones and computers (45 per cent of all claims).

Clinical psychologist Jaimie Bloch says its common to want to travel with these items.

“Our valuables bring us a sense of comfort, they connect us to our identity, or they connect us to our memories and are an integral part of our daily routines, which is causing Australians to travel with more, whether this be on holiday or even popping out of the house for the day,” she says.

“Losing or misplacing special items can cause unnecessary anguish and significant emotional distress.”

Lisa Wipfli packing for a holiday.

Small business owner Lisa Wipfli, who is a mum of three and married to radio host Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, has teamed up with Allianz to provide advice on how to pack for your next break.

Here are her tips:

KEEPING VALUABLES SAFE

Precious items: We’ve all got those special little sentimental items we’re used to keeping close to us; for me that’s jewellery.

It can feel weird to leave these behind but it’s important they’re stored safely when on the go before you can place them in a safe or locked drawer at your destination.

I pack less-fragile jewellery into a larger jewellery box, and the smaller, more delicate items in small boxes (often the ones I bought them in) inside my shoes for extra padding and to save space.

Everything in its place: When travelling with a big family, good organisation helps!

Keep similar items in one spot — such as technology, medical supplies and jewellery — so they are easy to find later.

Technology causes me the biggest headaches. I allow the kids one toy and one piece of technology in their carry bags. All other tech is wrapped in soft clothing and placed in checked luggage or in a bag on top of other luggage to prevent heavy items damaging them in the boot.

We have so many chargers and cords for various devices that I have a trusty technology case set aside just for them.

Do an insurance policy health check: Before you head off, check your insurance policy to make sure your valuables are insured when you are at home or on the road.

PACKING MADE EASY

Make a list, and stick to it: Packing lists guarantee you won’t forgotten anything or overpack. Be tough. Everyone, including the kids, should make a list, which helps avoid tantrums at either end.

Separate your dirties: Upon arrival, designate one suitcase for laundry and move all dirty items into it throughout your holiday. Back at home, this all goes straight into the wash, and means less sorting.

Pack by outfit: To limit the clothes you take, pack by outfit. If you will be hiking, pack your activewear as a set instead of separating out shorts, tops and socks. If you have a dinner, pack your dress, jewels and shoes as a set. Think of it as an outfit per experience.

Fold and roll: To save space, place your outfit set into a small stack, fold them together then roll. It will reduce crinkling, show you how many outfits you have and make it easier to leave in the case if you are not unpacking.

Share toiletries: Share toiletries as much as possible. We all use the same body wash, sunscreen, hairdryer and toothpaste. To prevent any spillages, I pack them in ziplock bags or tape down the lids.

Originally published as Travel burdens you don’t have to carry: taking the pain out of packing