Hate packing? Between choosing the right items and making it all fit in your luggage, it’s no wonder that so many people leave packing to the last minute. We have packing tips to get you ready for your next trip like a pro!
Packing is arguably the least enjoyable part of travelling so we are here to make it a little bit easier!
Of course, your destination and climate will determine what type of clothing you need, so make sure to check the forecast before you begin packing. Before packing, always check your baggage allowance as it changes depending on airline and route.
Otherwise, follow these 5 packing tips to make the whole process significantly better.
Lay Everything Out, Then Take Away a Third
Before putting anything in your luggage, take all of the items you plan on packing and lay them out in one place so you can see everything at once. Then remove a third of the items.
Do you really need four pairs of shoes? What about that top you have not work in months? Plan your outfits and be ruthless about what you really need to bring.
Even the most seasoned travellers are guilty of over packing, so really assess what you want to bring. If you are worried about having fresh clothes for your two-week holiday, pack for eight days week and get your clothes laundered after one week.
Choose Multi-Purpose Clothing
The easiest way to reduce the number of items you pack is to choose clothing items that are multi-purpose. Pack pants that can be casual and dressy, pack a dress that can be worn in multiple ways, and shoes that can take you from day to night. A scarf can dress up any outfit, double as a towel or be used as a cover-up at a religious site.
Roll It Don’t Fold It
Make the most of the space in your luggage and roll your clothing. The rolling technique allows you to fit more in your suitcase and also makes it easier to see all your items at a quick glance (compared to clothing that is folded or piled into your suitcase).
An added bonus of the rolling technique is that it leaves your clothing less wrinkled.
Use Ziploc Bags
After you have rolled your clothes, they can be placed inside Ziploc bags (or similar item) in order to organize and compress your clothing even more.
There are many compression bags or packing cubes on the market but if you are on a budget, Ziploc bags are inexpensive and efficient. Plus, they are see-through which can help you identify the contents.
Ziploc bags are also recommended to use with your toiletries as a protective layer for any spills that might occur in transit. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination with shampoo all over your bag!
Make Use of All the Little Spaces
Beyond the regular advice of packing heavy items at the bottom of your bag and padding items with clothing, you cannot forget to make use of all the little spaces.
For example, one of the best spaces to utilize is the interior of your shoes. Stuffing socks inside your shoes can help save space while preventing your shoes from getting flattened in transit.
As you are packing, make it a game of Tetris and rearrange everything as you need. It is a good idea to take a photo of the final product so you can remember exactly how you packed everything when you are returning home.
If you follow these five tips, you will be a packing pro! It is amazing what a huge difference a lighter suitcase or backpack can make, especially when you accidentally make a wrong turn to your hotel!
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