Strategies for Stowing Away Festive Presents During Seasonal Journeys
Holiday journeys might involve Santa's magical sleigh and reindeer, but for the majority of us, automobiles or flights are more likely options. While preparing for a festive holiday journey, the challenge of packing up all the Christmas presents and finding space for them never seems to diminish. Do you cram presents into an additional suitcase or squeeze them between your clothes and toiletries? What if the wrapping paper tears or, worse yet, the gift breaks? We asked expert organizers for their top suggestions on packing holiday gifts for a stress-free journey.
Their insights might surprise you.
- *Ashley La Fond* is a professional organizer and the founder of Of Space & Mind, a home organization company.
- *Barbara Brock* is a professional organizer and the founder of Barbara Brock Inc., a professional organizing and staging company.
How to Pack Gifts When Traveling by Air
Preparing for holiday travel, especially when flying, can be a lengthy process. Don't forget to account for any gifts you're intending to present to loved ones while packing and organizing for your trip. Learn how to safely and efficiently pack Christmas presents for joyful holiday travel.
Send Gifts Ahead
To prevent the hassle of potentially damaged gifts and the complications that come with it, Ashley La Fond, a professional organizer, recommends sending gifts to your holiday destination ahead of time. "Ship as many gifts as you can to your destination," she advises. "Don't pack things if you can readily ship them straight to your final location." Make sure to check with your holiday hosts to ensure it's alright if gifts are shipped to them. Once the gifts are shipped, remind the hosts not to open them if they are the intended recipients.
Postpone Wrapping
Professional organizer Barbara Brock suggests shipping gifts ahead, but recommends waiting until you arrive at your holiday destination to wrap them. Waiting to wrap will protect the wrapping paper and bows from wear and tear. "If flying, I recommend packing some gift bags and tissue paper along with tags," she suggests. "Upon your arrival, you can add the gift to your holiday wrapping essentials." Tissue paper and gift bags are lightweight and simple to pack. If you're packing wrapping paper, cut a piece, fold it, and place it at the bottom of your suitcase to keep it flat.
While flying with packages isn't prohibited, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) encourages holiday travelers to send gifts to their destination ahead of time. If you do choose to fly with wrapped packages, use tissue paper and gift bags for simpler access in case TSA agents need to examine the contents.
Keep TSA Regulations in Mind
If you're flying with packages, make sure the contents aren't restricted by the TSA. Gifts containing liquids, food, and specific metals may be prohibited or undergo examination in the security line at the airport. For gifts with liquids, gels, and creams such as alcoholic beverages or liquid beauty products, TSA permits only 3.4 ounces of liquid in your carry-on. La Fond advises that candles, despite being solid, are classified as liquids. Due to this reason, TSA discourages flying with gifts in carry-on luggage or wrapped packages.
Utilize Robust Suitcases
Successfully flying with breakable gifts starts with packing them smartly. La Fond suggests using rigid luggage to protect the gifts from damage and packing them between softer items. "Pack the exterior of your suitcase with soft items like sweaters to add additional cushion, then pack gifts in the middle," she suggests.
How to Pack Gifts When Traveling by Car
Even when you're not flying, it's essential to be cautious when packing and traveling with holiday presents. If you plan to travel by car during the holidays, don't just throw your gifts haphazardly into the back of your car. Take care to store them in a sturdy container (such as a transparent plastic bin) so they don't move around or collide with other items.
Pack Intelligently
While it may be tempting to casually stack gifts in the backseat of your car, Brock advises to think twice about your packing method. She suggests using a specific bag and packing strategy. "To pack wisely, position presents both horizontally and vertically in a dedicated bag or sack," she suggests. "Minimize the space between packages as much as possible." Packing boxes tightly, without squishing or bending them, will minimize the likelihood of damage to the boxes and the gifts inside.
La Fonda recommends using a bag with a flat bottom to store gifts in the car. "This makes it easier to hide them and facilitates transportation when you arrive," she says.
Add Extra Protection
When preserving breakable gifts, many think packing them in clothing will provide sufficient protection. Brock cautions against relying exclusively on clothes to serve as cushion for fragile gifts. "If you're packing gifts in luggage, don't rely on clothing as a buffer," she says. Instead, she suggests wrapping gifts in layers of bubble wrap or newspaper to add additional protection. "You don't want anything to topple onto your gifts and damage them before you arrive," she says.
After packing your gifts with care, consider wrapping them once you reach your holiday destination, as suggested by Barbara Brock. This can help protect your wrapping paper and bows from damage during travel. (Holidays Entertaining)
For a seamless holiday journey, you might want to consider sending some of your Christmas gifts ahead, as advised by Ashley La Fond. This can help avoid the hassle of potentially damaged gifts and simplify your packing process. (BHG, Christmas Gift Wrapping)
