Efficiently packing a suitcase for your vacation can make or break your travel experience. Whether you use one of the best suitcases on the market or a good old bag, the key is organization and restraint.
As summer approaches, travelers have their eyes on the best summer gadgets 2024 and TikTok-approved travel items, but even the coolest gear won’t help if it’s haphazardly stuffed into your luggage. And if you’re traveling over Labor Day weekend or regularly travel over the holidays, you’re going to have a lot to pack.
Packing too much is a common trap, as travel expert Sarah Johnson notes: “It’s so easy to pack everything and then keep adding a few things until it’s full.” She advises planning outfits in advance to avoid excess and save time during the trip.
From maximizing space to minimizing wrinkles, packing is an art. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step techniques to pack like a pro, ensuring a smoother, more organized trip.
1. Plan your outfits in advance
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Before you open your suitcase, Take your time to plan your outfits. Sarah stresses the importance of this, saying she has her look “pretty much planned out before the trip, depending on what I’m planning to do.” This avoids carrying too much luggage and saves time during the trip.
Consider the activities you want to do and the weather at your destination. And remember to mix and match versatile pieces to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.
2. Use packing cubes for organization
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Packing cubes fundamentally change the way you organize your suitcase. Sarah notes, “Larger suitcases can get messy if they’re not properly organized.” Not only do these cubes keep everything in its designated place, but they also compress your clothes so you can pack more into your suitcase.
For family trips, Sarah recommends Use different colored dice for each family memberwhich makes it “revolutionary when we arrive at our destination to quickly find or unpack something.”
3. Roll clothes and use every space
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Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and avoid wrinkles. This technique is particularly suitable for casual clothing such as t-shirts and jeans.
Place heavier items such as shoes at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels for better weight distribution. Make use of every inch of space by stuffing socks and underwear into shoes and filling gaps between rolled up clothes with smaller items.
4. Prepare a ready-to-use toiletry kit
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Create a travel toiletry bag set that is always ready to useSarah tells us her personal trick: “I always have a small set of toiletries with me when I travel. That helps me a lot.”
Invest in travel containers for your favorite products or look for solid versions of toiletries to avoid liquid restrictionsThis set should include essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and all essential skin care products.
5. Avoid too much luggage
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The golden rule when packing is to avoid taking too much luggage. Sarah warns: “It happens so quickly that you finish packing and then keep adding a few things until the suitcase is full.” Resist the temptation to add “just one more” element.
Instead, narrow down your choices. Remember, as Sarah points out, “Most things can be purchased along the way if something important is forgotten.” Be selective and pack only what will truly enhance your travel experience without adding unnecessary weight.
Enhance your travel experience with these Google Maps tips for your summer road trip to navigate like a pro. If you’re worried about lost luggage, keep an eye out for the Apple AirTag 2, which may improve your tracking capabilities. And when choosing your travel wardrobe, consider the 5 heat-repelling colors that will keep you cool and comfortable this summer, no matter where you travel.
