Ready to embrace the magic of packing light and making the most out of your suitcase space? Mastering efficient packing can sometimes seem as tricky as solving a Rubik's cube, but don't worry, we've got your back! Squeezing all of your travel essentials into one piece of luggage is a feat but we’re here to help. So, buckle up and let's dive into our treasure trove of smart packing tips to help you triumph over your suitcase space!
Choose the Right Suitcase
Choosing the right size suitcase isn’t just a question of how long you’ll be gone but of how much you want to bring along. Most destinations will have plenty of opportunities for laundry service making the need to pack in excess moot. This is also great news for those who do want to travel light! All airlines have restrictions on baggage size and weight, depending on what type of ticket you purchase. Most will include a simple personal item as long as it can fit under the seat in front of you. Carry ons are the most restricted in terms of size and weight while checked luggage has very few restrictions.
Some features to consider in a suitcase if you’re in the market are what material it’s made from as lightweight options are best for ease of use, whether it has multiple compartments and pockets to store and organize your bits and bobs, and if it can be expanded should your luggage start to bulge. The fun part comes with picking out the color! Vibrant suitcases and bags are easier to spot on conveyor belts should you choose to check your luggage.
Embrace a Packing Checklist
One of the best methods to ensure you pack everything you’ll need in a methodical, thought out way is to create a packing list. Writing or typing each item out not only helps to organize these item in your head, but also creates a handy checklist you can use later for that peace of mind. This method also helps to avoid overpacking and ensures that essential items aren’t missed in the often tedious process of packing.
There’s often so much to get organised before a trip. So to lighten your mental load, we’ve created a bunch of packing lists for popular destinations that are sure to get your ball rolling! You might also get some recommendations for the exact location you’re headed or for a similar climate.
One of the best ways to divide up a packing list is into categories like clothing, electronics, toiletries, and travel documents along with other essentials. Don’t forget commonly forgotten items like chargers, toothpaste, razors, and batteries! While all of these items can be purchased in another country, it's always best to bring a few along so you aren’t scrambling right when you arrive.
Not only can you organize and group your belongings by category but also by purpose. For instance, beachwear if you’re going somewhere tropical or winter gear if you need to pack for the cold or slopes. Utilizing packing cubes and ziplock bags can be useful for keeping your items separated, organized, and categorized for ease of use and ease in finding once you’ve arrived at your destination. Packing cubes can also double as drawers if you’re going somewhere with minimal furnishings.
Master Folding and Rolling Techniques
Folding and rolling using specific techniques is another great way to maximize the space in your luggage and maybe even fit in an extra dress or two! Folding techniques like bundle wrapping and envelope folding, along with the classic fold, can be researched ahead of a trip so you can decide what method is best for you and your specific needs.
One of the great debates in the world of efficient packing is rolling versus folding your clothes. The age-old method of folding has its perks and downsides. For one, it’s much faster to quickly fold your clothes and stuff them in your suitcase. Folding also typically saves your clothes from wrinkling. Some of the downsides are that folding certain clothing items can make them more bulky and you might not be able to fit quite as much as if you were using an effective rolling method.
Rolling also has its ups and downs! To start, the rolling method squeezes the air out of your clothes, making them more dense and, hopefully, allowing you to save space in your luggage. Unfortunately, rolling can lead to unsightly wrinkles, takes extra time and effort, and can lead to overpacking and thus your bag being overweight if you’re not careful! Using both methods in unison can be an efficient way to pack as certain clothing items are better rolled than others.
Compression bags and vacuum-sealing are yet another great example of space savers in the packing realm, especially when packing bulky items like sweaters and coats. Vacuum seal bags have come a long way and can be extremely useful should you find yourself headed out on a long trip that requires substantial clothing or gear.
Shoes and Accessories
Packing shoes and accessories is one of the best ways you can maximize the space in your suitcase. Versatile, comfortable shoes are of the utmost importance on any trip as they are typically one of the most bulky items in our luggage and something you usually can’t afford to bring multiple pairs of. Strategically pack your shoes in shoe bags to avoid getting your clothing and other items dirty and think about storing your smaller belongings like toiletries, socks, or jewelry inside of them to save space.
Bringing along accessories is a must for most travelers whether they be things like electronics or travel documentation. Store away chargers and SD cards in their own specific cases and cord organizers to help cut down on clutter and keep everything organized. Travel documents like copies of your passport or medical records should be kept inside a sturdy, waterproof folder that won’t bend or easily tear.
Clever Packing Tricks
Last but not least, there are several clever packing tricks to efficiently store smaller items in your luggage. Purchase travel sized toiletries before you head out on your next trip to save space. Chances are a similar product is available in your destination if you’re worried about running out during your trip. Refillable containers are another excellent way to bring along specific products that you just can’t buy in small sizes and this option helps cut down on unnecessary plastic consumption and waste at the same time! Some toiletries like lotion, chapstick, or hand sanitizer can easily be tossed in an outer pocket of your jacket or in a purse or backpack if you find you’re starting to run low on space. This is a good idea if you know you’ll be reaching for specific products during your travel day as well!
Because toiletries and other miscellaneous items are usually quite small, another great packing hack is to fill the gaps and empty spaces of your luggage with these items. Stuff your socks inside your shoes or fill a hat with smaller items so they don’t take up too much valuable space.
It’s also a good idea to wear the bulkier items you want to pack during your travel day itself. Oftentimes planes are cold and breezy making wearing a jacket or layers essential for comfort anyway
Whether you’re just looking to get organized for your upcoming trip or are trying to maximize the space in your luggage, we hope these tips will help you next time you’re desperately trying to shut your suitcase! Packing efficiently ensures a hassle-free travel experience devoid of security hassles, forgotten toiletries, and searching endlessly for the items you packed. Apply these tips next time you’re ready to hit the road and enjoy the adventure without the stress of packing!
No Comments