Effective travel packaging can mean the difference between a good trip and a bad one, it allows you to take more things in less space and get them to your destination in good condition. So if you’re ready to slim down on excess baggage, check out these handy 10 packing tips.
1. Plan your packing in advance
One of the top tips for light packing is to plan ahead. It’s important to make sure you’re aware of the baggage restrictions if you don’t get stuck with any extra charges afterwards.
2. Place heavy objects at the base.
Keep heavier things like shoes and books next to the wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright and prevents other items from getting crushed.
3. Use vacuum pack
To save space and prevent wrinkles, roll your clothes instead of folding them, then place them in vacuum compression bags. To use these bags, put on your clothes, seal the bag, then squeeze the air out. This will give you a lot more space in your suitcase and prevent creases.
4. Fill dead space
When it comes to packing, use every inch of suitcase space you can. Roll up tops, underwear, socks, and other small items and put them in your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.
5. Cube your clothes
Another good packing solution is to pack cubes – these help separate your items and find things faster once you get there.
6. Use empty bottles and tubes to keep valuables safe.
To avoid the worst-case scenario of theft, it’s best to be discreet: don’t flash cash or expensive jewelry. If you’re worried about valuables in your hotel room, hide them in an empty sunscreen container. You can also use empty lip balms to hide the rolled notes.
7. Organize your bags of liquids.
You know the drill: put any liquids you want to keep in your carry-on in a separate clear bag so you can easily get through security.
8. Weigh your luggage
Invest in luggage scales and be sure to weigh your luggage on both legs of the trip to see how close you are to hitting the weight limit( Read Flying Tips for more informations). If you’re near the limit, consider carrying some of the heavier items or reducing what you pack in the first place.
9. Buy a lightweight suitcase
Don’t assume that buying the most expensive designer suitcase will get you an upgrade – instead, it’s more likely to attract thieves at the airport and on your travels. Better to be discreet and opt for a lightweight option. If you’re using a hard-shell suitcase, it can add up to four pounds of weight before you’ve even started packing.
10. Wash your things while traveling
Whether you are on vacation, on a business trip or on tour, there will almost certainly be washing facilities available. This may not sound like an upcoming packing tip – but it is!
