Luggage Packing Tips

Whether you have a work trip coming up or you are planning a little getaway with the family, we all sometimes need some packing tips. In fact, knowing how to pack your bag or pack for a weekend is a skill in itself, and we have some necessary tips and tricks to help you eliminate the stuff you won’t need, as well as pack in a way that gives you more room in your suitcase.

Learning how to pack your bag or pack for a weekend is a skill not like others, so if you don’t get it perfect the first time, just keep trying again.

• Start with a list. This is the easiest way to ensure that you don’t forget something big or necessary, like your toothbrush. With a list, just check things off as you set them aside, and you can easily see if you’re missing something. If you don’t trust yourself to make one, there are free options online.
• Roll your clothes. This is a tip that truly helps save space in your suitcase. You’d think that folding them would be better, but it’s not, rolling takes up so much less space, especially if you roll them and then put them in packing cubes, which keep things even more organized and tightly packed.
• Pack your toiletries, medicines, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. If you’ve never had your luggage lost, then you are very lucky. Most of us experience it at some point in our lives, and the last thing you want is to not have your necessities, as well as a change of clothes so you can hopefully postpone an expensive shopping trip. This will save you time and money, and hopefully you can get your luggage back in a day or so.
• Bring plastic bags or a reusable laundry bag for dirty clothes or tennis shoes. You don’t want those dirty hiking shoes getting mud all over your clothes, so make sure to pack something to wrap them in instead.
• Pack mini toiletries. No, you don’t need your full-size hair gel or hair product. Buy some cheap plastic bottles, label them, and pour it into the smaller bottle for your trip. You will have what you need without having to lug the full-size bottles. This works great if you are trying to take only a carry-on as well.
• Layer. Rather than pack that heavy parka, pack several smaller items that can be layered and keep you warm. If you do need the parka, wear it on the plane and put it in the overhead bin rather than pack it in the suitcase.
• Don’t pack for just in case. We know that this situation might come up, but odds are it won’t, so don’t waste the packing space. Odds are, anything extra won’t be needed.
• Leave some space. If you are going somewhere new, you may want to buy a couple of souvenirs or some different clothing pieces you pick up. Another option is to bring an extra duffle bag or tote bag to hold everything you buy if you know that you are going to be shopping this trip.
• Pack half of what you think you’ll need. You can wear your jeans multiple days, and only packing one or two pairs will save you a ton of space. Toss in a dryer sheet to keep them fresh and no one will know.

While it may take a few tries, knowing how to pack your bag or pack for a weekend takes time to master, and some of these tricks may work for you while others don’t. It’s all about finding the right fit for you and your traveling needs.