Mum reveals her top ten suitcase packing hacks – and one will change the way you travel forever

A home hacks guru has revealed her top ten tips for packing a suitcase to go on holiday – and one of them has been described as ‘life changing’.

Melbourne mum Chantel Ibbotson, who goes by the name Mama Mila online, shared the helpful hacks with her 2.8million followers this week.

They include tips to ensure your luggage stays smelling fresh, you make the most of your space and how to prevent breakages.

But one tip, which has been the most well received, helps travelers avoid liquids like sunscreen or makeup from leaking through their bag.

Prevent necklaces tangling by placing them through a straw

Chantel called this hack an absolute ‘game changer’ for saving time and frustration when it comes to untangling packed necklaces. 

One follower said: ‘I used your straw tip for necklaces last time I travelled and it was awesome.’

Use a button to keep earrings together

The mum-of-two also showed her followers how a simple button can be used to keep pairs of earrings together by fastening each earring through one hole in the button.

This would also help keep the earring from becoming damaged during your travels. 

Use hanging packing cubes

Chantel recommended hanging packing cubes that can be purchased online as a great solution for ‘making packing and unpacking so quick and easy’.

One fan had never heard of hanging packing cubes and couldn’t wait to check them out. 

‘They save a ton of time and space. Makes sense if you’re a frequent traveller,’ another woman said. 

Fill your shoes with socks 

Chantel packs her socks insider her shoes to save space.

But fans expressed their shock when Chantel simply placed her sock-stuffed shoes into her suitcase. 

‘Wow, you place your shoes directly in there!? I would never do that,’ one follower said.

Chantel, who goes by Mama Mila on her social media accounts, had some novel ideas on how to maximise space, prevent breakage and spillage, and even a hack to keep your bag smelling great

She reassured them she placed her used shoes into a clean bag and then back into the suitcase, after she finished filming the video. 

Spray perfume on cotton pads to keep your suitcase smelling fresh

The mum spritzes cotton pads with her favourite perfume and slips them into her packed suitcase to keep her bag smelling fresh and inviting.

Place cotton pads in makeup compacts to prevent breakage

She also places cotton pad inside makeup compact cases to prevent breakage every time she travels. 

The idea was a revelation for one woman who exclaimed, ‘OMG the cotton pad inside makeup.’ 

Squeeze excess air out of toiletries 

Perhaps the least known hack, Chantel showed followers how to remove the excess air out of toiletries by gently squeezing them. 

‘This creates a vacuum that prevents them leaking.’ she explained. 

Pack a dirty clothes bag

This tip allows travellers to easily find clean clothes while also keeping dirty, smellier clothes separate in their own bag.

Fold blazers and keep them at top of your suitcase

Chantel showed fans wanting to keep a jacket wrinkle free how to fold it properly and place it at the top of the packed bag so that it stays smooth and presentable.

One follower suggested another tip than Chantel said she had to try. 

‘I fold all my clothes on the way out in tissue, like the stores do. Very little creases. On the way back not so,’ she said. 

Pack belts around suitcase to save space

Her final hack for a perfectly packed getaway bag was to line belts around the edge of the suitcase instead of in a bulky lump that wastes valuable packing space.

Fans appreciated the packing tips with the video getting 12,328 likes. 

‘Amazing tips! You sound a little bit like an airline hostess too, which is so fitting for this reel haha,’ one woman laughed.