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From Times Online

February 8, 2008

Think you know how to pack a suitcase?

Ginny McGrath challenges a professional concierge to a speed packing contest - and learns how to save space and avoid the crumpled look

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Ginny McGrath

You only have to look at Fraser’s crisp suit and gleaming smile to know that he’s a man who pays attention to detail.

This thought struck me when we were filming our video about how to pack a suitcase, and on the third take of Fraser’s scene, he stopped the filming again to refold the trousers I’d given him.

“I’ve got to refold these,” he said. “when I unpack a suitcase after a flight I want to change into something that isn’t creased – you can’t go around in the clothes you’ve travelled in.”

Looking down at my crumpled white shirt, I realised I should heed his advice.

Appearance has always mattered in Fraser’s line of work. He was head concierge of the five-star Conrad Hotel in Chelsea during his 17-year career in the hotel industry, before he started the travel and personal concierge service, Headconcierge.com, five years ago. As well as advising his client base of celebrities and discerning travellers, Fraser also offers advice to customers of ebookers.com, as its travel preparation expert.

For someone who considers themselves a master in the art of travelling light, I was surprised to learn some canny new tricks from Fraser: a belt wrapped around the inside of a suitcase instead of being rolled into a coil will protect the clothes inside and save the belt from creasing.

Likewise, a folded shirt can be rolled at the bottom, where it is tucked into trousers and wrinkles aren’t seen, but should be folded on top to avoid creasing. The other tip I’ll take home is to leave shoes and other bulky items at the bottom of the case at the wheel-end. Fraser explained that this stops these items sliding down and crushing clothes when you tip a wheelie bag upright.

This may be a little too finicky for some, but with the one bag rule for hand luggage still enforced by most airlines, travelling with just one compact bag will continue to be less stressful and cheaper for the time being.

Always bring a small iron. Take a shower and place your shirt/skirt/trousers nearby so that steam loosens the creases. Iron them on the bed. It takes 5minutes to look perfect!!

Paula, Rotterdam, the netherlands

I have never seen anyone pack better than I do, everything arrives ready to wear. Forget tissue paper layers and rolled trousers. I was going to detail my techniques here but I think I'll set up a little business and charge people £375ph + VAT to pop round and do it for them.

Tina , London,

Trust me. No matter how you pack, Sudanese customs will rustle and crumple its way through everything on arrival, assuming Kenyan customs haven't already done so. In my experience the baggage handlers at Delhi and HEATHROW are both good rummagers and don't respect the labour of love that went into the case packing!

benjamyn999, Lincolnshire and Juba, UK and Sudan

I've always found that the best way with shirts is to fold them as they 'as bought' so that the front is clean and crisp - that's the part everyone sees after all. The way Fraser does his will leave very unsightly creases from the collar points across the body. I really can't see the point of placing a belt around the case, and I always roll trousers.

I can only agree with C Wood and Andrew - what some people will pay for! Make your money while you can Fraser...

Les Bailey, Barnt Green, Worcestershire

Use materials that don't show creases. Oxford weave buttondowns or seersucker, in the summer, don't show wrinkles. Similarly trousers with a bit of lycra in the weave don't crumple. The other tip is everything in dark colours, a bit boring but a lifesaver when stains are an everpresent risk.

Ian, Frederick, USA/MD

If you can't lift your backpack over your head with one hand, you''re travelling too heavy. The first thing to leave out is your pajamas. The hookers don't object; trust me on this.

Andrew Milner, HCM City, Vietnam

Dear me, isn't this all common sense? where are all the other 'killer' tips? trousers flat in the bottom of the case, so they arrived pressed and not crumpled.. socks 'balled' inside shoes to ensure the latter retain their shape [without the need for weighty shoe trees].. jackets with sleeves 'crossed', and folded along seams... I could go on with many, many more - but why should I? - with my knowledge I could start a company, it seems... [astonishing what some people don't know, and what others are prepared to pay for...].

andrew, London,

I learned, in the Royal Air Force, that the best way to pack clothes that are liable to crease, is to roll them up. As the material is not folded back on itself it does not crease.
My wife folds her clothes and then complains, but refuses to use my method for unfathomable reason.

C.Wood, Camberley, UK

I travel long haul with stops twice a month, makes a minimum of 4/6 packing/unpacking. This white shirt will come out completely crumpled. What about the suits ? I am not convinced.

Paul, Nice, France

nice one!

sunil, edinburgh,