If you are reading this article, we bet you are either hyped up for an upcoming vacation or have to travel for work or other purposes. Travelling can be stressful, and packing could add to this stress, especially if you have limited luggage space and too much to pack. And worrying about what will fit in the suitcase and what won’t is the last thing you need on your mind.
You see, the problem with packing a suitcase is not the issue of over-packing but an issue of under-planning. This article debunks the mystery of packing skillfully and efficiently, so you can travel stress-free.
The importance of packing in an organized manner
Think about the last time you packed your suitcase while traveling. Have you ever opened your suitcase at the destination and shoved your hands in it frantically, trying to find those pair of socks you are sure you packed but can’t find? Or when you were packing and had to sit on the suitcase to shut it close! Or maybe you had a seamless packing experience, but once you landed on your destination, you realized that you had forgotten your shaver at home.
Well, now you must have understood why organized packing is essential for a beautiful vacation. In this article, we will not only tell you the most efficient way to pack your bag but also give you a travel packing list so you don’t forget anything back home. After all, who wants to pay double the prices for buying things at a tourist destination!
Problems with packing too much luggage– Pack only the must-haves
The problem with packing too much luggage is that it can make you exceed the weight limit of your flight. This means that you will have to pay extra just for the transport. Packing too much luggage will also mean that you might have to carry more than one suitcase. This not only adds to the cost of buying more suitcases but also makes the traveling experience hectic.
One of the biggest mistakes most people make while packing is overestimating the things they need. So, let’s start with the basics first. Ask yourself, how long is my trip? What is the purpose of this trip? Am I going to work or tour the place? What weather is it going to be at the destination? And if you are traveling by air, what is the plane’s weight limit? Once you have answered these questions, make a travel packing list. That way, you will know what things to carry and what things to leave behind.
So, without any further ado, let’s get packing.
Best ways to optimize your luggage for maximum packing space
Packing a suitcase is an art! And to make you the best artist and help you pack efficiently, here are eight things you can do.
- Choose the right kind of travel bag
First things first, what kind of bag are you carrying? Well, the answer depends on where you are going and how long you will stay there!
If you are going for a two-day work trip, carry a small briefcase with two shirts and a pair of slacks, and you are good to go. But if you are going on a mountain camping trip, carrying a suitcase on rolling wheels might not be the best idea. If mobility is your priority, a travel backpack may be the best fit.
As for which bag is right for your traveling, the debate is essentially between a suitcase and a duffle bag.
Suitcase vs. Duffle bag
You can never go wrong with a suitcase for traveling to most destinations. You could also go with a duffle bag, but if space is a priority for you, then you would be able to fit more in a suitcase than a duffle bag. Because the suitcase is non-flexible, it will compress your luggage and keep it organized. It will also protect your valuables from bad weather or disgruntled airport staff. Having straps on the inside to keep your items in place is another reason to choose a suitcase over a duffle bag. Not to mention that a suitcase has rolling wheels. To carry a duffle bag, you better start working on those biceps.
- Packing cubes
Packing cubes are bags that are designed to organize your luggage. They help you ensure optimum use of the space in your suitcase. Just pack everything into these cubes and either stack them or keep them side by side in your suitcase. They will also keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Another pro tip is to roll your clothes before putting them into packing cubes and utilize the space inside them more efficiently.
Using packing cubes will surely change the way you travel. You’ll never know how helpful they are until you try them. If maximizing space is your priority, packing cubes are the ultimate accessory. There is no better feeling then reaching your destination, opening your suitcase, and finding all your items neatly organized in the packing cubes.
Packing cubes should be at the top of your travel packing list.
- Rolling is the new folding
One of the most important tricks to maximizing your luggage space is rolling your clothes. It is the oldest trick in the book for saving space and keeping your clothes organized.
The best way to roll your clothes is first to fold them into a rectangle and then tightly roll them into a cylinder with the width of your packing cube. No longer do you have to take everything out to find that one shirt at the bottom of your suitcase. Rolling clothes will change the way you pack your clothes.
- Carry travel-sized toiletries
This is a no-brainer. But still, most people carry too big items for no reason. What is the use of carrying a large bottle of shampoo that is only half full? Or why carry a full-sized hairbrush when you can get a mini-sized one?
It will be wise to carry travel-sized toiletries to save up a lot of space. And if you are traveling for a long period and need full-sized toiletries, then don’t forget, you can always buy them later at your destination.
Choosing mini-sized items is not just limited to toiletries. Nowadays, you can find everything in a cute mini size that can save you a lot of space in your luggage and keep it lightweight.
- Shoes and socks
One thing that takes up the most space while packing your suitcase is shoes. Firstly, you should make a travel packing list, listing how many pairs of shoes you will need on this trip. There is no need to carry two pairs of joggers when you can make do with just one. For most travel itineraries, you will only need one pair of flip-flops, one comfortable pair of joggers, and a pair of sandals.
Carrying sandals are essential because they can go with any outfit and are also comfortable. Not to mention that you can wear them without socks. Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes while you travel; that way, you don’t have to pack them.
For packing socks, put them in the shoes when you pack. That way, you won’t lose them, and they won’t take up any extra space. This might seem like a small thing, but these small things will go a long way to make your packing more efficient.
- Multipurpose accessories
Multipurpose accessories like a purse, fanny packs, etc., will save you space and help you carry stuff around more easily. Instead of shoving empty purses into your suitcase, fill them with chargers, wires, jewelry, perfumes, toiletries, etc. That way, your packing will be more organized and also compact.
- Make use of the suitcase pockets
The last on the list is a no-brainer. Make use of those suitcase pockets! They are built for a reason.Although we are sure you knew this before. But a common mistake most people make is to shove bulky items in these pockets. Our advice will be to put compact, flat items in them, like books, documents, makeup palettes, belts, or data cables.
If you follow this guide on how to pack your luggage to maximize space, we are sure you will not only have a beautiful traveling experience but also keep your luggage lightweight. Remember the first step, make a travel packing list, so you can always stay focused on what truly matters and what doesn’t.
Lastly, don’t forget, these are only a few pieces of advice. You can always think out of the box to come up with more innovative ways of packing and organizing your luggage. Happy packing!
