Does packing your suitcase in an orderly way seem impossible? Well, check out these tips first
What's the biggest problem with traveling? Well, for most, it's the packing of the luggage. How can you take everything you need without exceeding volume and weight restrictions? Well, there are ways to do this without having to pay extra (or leaving items at home) - keep reading to find out more:
1. Buy correctly-sized luggage
Luggage jamie/Wikimedia commons - CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
If you paid extra for checked luggage, it's worth your while to make sure you have bought a suitcase which exactly meets any size limits - get a suitcase which comes as close as possible to the upper limits in terms of dimensions allowed.
When traveling by plane, it is advisable not to put everything you have in your checked luggage. In the event your luggage get's lost, this could be a disaster. Have at least one change of clothes in your hand luggage, along with your valuables and important travel documents.
That done, let's check out how best to pack the luggage:
2. Decide what you want to bring
Don't toss things at random into your suitcases - be deliberate about this task. Make a list and plan each day's needs. In this way, you will not over-pack and you can organize your suitcases systematically. Be realistic about what you will need for each day away and list only the essentials.
Once you have completed your list, put all the items on the bed to save you running around later when packing.
3. Use containers and bags
There are containers available which have been created specifically for sorting and compressing clothes before placing them in suitcases. These are very convenient for keep order and maximizing space. If you don't have any of these, you could always use airtight/vacuum bags. The smart thing to do is to have bag for every day you'll be away.
Put the trousers, shirt, underwear, socks, etc that you will use each day into a container/bag and label it with the relevant day. Where feasible, identify and take those clothing items you could use multiple times, saving even more space.
4. Don't fold up, roll up!
Timur Weber/Pexels
Most of use fold our clothes into travel suitcases.But rolling up clothes is much more efficient and space-saving. And by doing so, your clothes will be more "visible" and compact. That said, try not to fill every inch of the suitcase - you might need room for souvenirs on the way back!
Leaving a little free space in your suitcase will help you be able to deal better with the unexpected.
5. Use compact containers for cosmetics
Now let's move on to cosmetics and toiletries. Why take these items in their original, often bulky, containers/packaging? Instead, transfer your "lotions and potions" into special, space-saving travel containers.
6. Arrange things in order
Once you've completed all the above chores, start packing your suitcases: place the heaviest items at the bottom and those you will need first at the top. Don't forget to put critical/valuable items in your hand luggage - be sure you can get by with your hand luggage if you checked luggage gets lost for a day or two.
Happy packing and enjoy your trip!
