Packing your bags efficiently is an art that can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first adventure, these top 5 packing tips will help you pack your bags like a pro.
Pick the Correct Bag Type
Believe it or not, different flights allow different kinds of bags. Check the baggage policy on the airline you’re with. If you have a flight through one of the major airlines like Delta, you likely are allowed a personal item and a carry-on. However, if you’re using Spirit or Frontier, you’ll likely only be allowed a personal item. What a lot of first time travelers don’t realize is that you can use a backpack as your personal item as long as it fits the dimensions on the airline site / fits under the seat! I refuse to pay extra for bags and so absolutely will get all my stuff to fit into one backpack if I need to.
Personal Item: USUALLY a purse or laptop bag. I use a small backpack most of the time and can fit everything I need for up to a week.
Carry-On: This is the bag that fits in the overhead bin. Usually a small suitcase or duffle bag under a certain weight.
Checked Bag: This is usually something you pay for (Unless flying with Southwest). It’s typically a larger suitcase or a heavy one.
Plan Ahead as Much as You Can
Before you start throwing items into your suitcase, take a look at the weather where you’ll be and your travel itinerary! You could write down all the essential items you’ll need, such as clothing, toiletries, gadgets, and important documents. Having a checklist will not only prevent overpacking but also ensure you don’t forget any crucial items. I’m a last minute packer so instead of the checklist, I pack as I go!
Don’t Over Pack
Overpacking is a trap that almost everyone falls into! I promise, you likely don’t need 7 outfits for a 3 day weekend trip. Even if you find yourself in the worst case scenario, like spilling spaghetti sauce INTO your suitcase, chances are that the city your visiting also has clothing for sale. Opt for clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. I stick to jeans or jean shorts (depending on weather). Pants take SO MUCH ROOM! Stick to lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics to save space. Rolling clothes instead of folding them can also maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Pack Clothing & Toiletries Smartly
I can’t tell you how many times I wear things onto the plane in multiple layers so I have more room in my suitcase. It’s BRILLIANT! I did it on my most recent trip to Philadelphia, I wore my jacket, 2 shirts, leggings, and a pair of jeans in order to have more room in my suitcase (the plane is usually cold, so I didn’t get too hot). Clothing can be rolled up to take less space and things can be stuffed into shoes in order to save space also.
Toiletries can also take up a significant amount of space in your suitcase. Opt for travel-sized reusable containers to transfer your liquids into. Place toiletries in a separate pouch or use a leak-proof bag to prevent any spills from ruining your clothes, and to make it more conventient for you during the TSA checkpoint where they will sometimes ask you to take out your toiletries.
Leave Room for Souvenirs
No list of packing tips would be complete without this reminder! Leaving some extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs and purchases during your trip is always a good idea. Folding or rolling a small empty duffel bag or packing a foldable tote can be a convenient way to bring home your newfound treasures without worrying about exceeding baggage limits. Like I said before, if you are coming home with more souvenirs than you were expecting, make some more room by wearing more clothes onto the plane!
By following these top 5 tips for packing a suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared for your travels and have more time to focus on the exciting experiences that await you. Happy packing and bon voyage!
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