I’ve never been a great packer. I always end up bringing way too much stuff, and have even had to take a bunch of clothing out of my suitcase at the airline’s checked baggage counter before. If you’re planning a trip in the near future, you’ll want to check out these packing hacks designed to make traveling easier and stress-free.
1. The Rolling Method
Most of us are in the habit of folding our clothes and stacking them in piles. However, rolling your clothing is a far more space-saving method.
2. Shower Cap Your Shoes
When you need to pack shoes with the rest of your clothing, you don’t want them getting everything dirty. Pack them in a shower cap so there’s a barrier between the dirty treads and your outfits.
3. Protect With Socks
If you’re packing valuables like sunglasses, jewelry, or a perfume bottle, store them in a thick pair of socks (or you can even use multiple layers of socks) before packing them.
4. Protect With Shoes
Another great packing hack to protect fragile items? Pack them into your shoes! It’s also a great space-saving tactic.
5. Use Bags For Delicates
For undergarments and clothing made from delicate fabrics (like silk), store them in those cloth bags that purses and shoes often come in. When you get to your destination, you can then use the bags for dirty laundry.
6. Maintain Hat Shape
If you’re packing a hat, position it at the bottom of your suitcase, top-side down. Fill the inside part of the hat with socks and other clothing items to maintain its shape while in your luggage.
7. Clear Bag For Toiletries
If you are bringing toiletries in your carry-on luggage, pack them in a clear bag. If a member of baggage security needs to look through your bag, they’ll be able to clearly see your toiletries without rooting around and taking everything out.
8. The Number Rule
If you’re unsure of how much clothing you should pack, remember the two-to-one rule. Basically, you should bring two tops for every bottom you pack. This will prevent you from overpacking, while also giving you some versatile outfit options.
9. Avoid Ironing
If you’re not interested in ironing your clothing once you get to your hotel, pack everything with a layer of tissue paper between items. This will prevent your clothing from becoming wrinkled.
10. Prevent Tangled Necklaces
To prevent your necklaces from becoming one giant, tangled mess by the time you’ve reached your destination, thread them through straws. If a straw is too long for the length of your necklace, simply cut it to size.
11. Loud Luggage
Since so many suitcases tend to look the same, it can be easy to grab the wrong bag at the luggage carousel. Add stickers, yarn, or some other bright, identifiable item to your luggage so that you can recognize it right away.
12. Smart Carry-On Packing
If your luggage happens to get lost, you’ll want to have at least a few essentials packed in your carry-on. In addition to your bank cards, money, sunglasses, phone charger, and other valuables, it’s not a bad idea to pack a couple pairs of underwear and a bathing suit in your carry-on as well.
13. Prevent Leaking Bottles
Put a layer of plastic wrap between the contents of toiletry bottles and their lids to prevent liquids from leaking in your suitcase.
14. Jewelry Storage
Pack earrings and other small pieces of jewelry in a clean and empty mint container.
15. Leave Room
If you know you’re going to want to bring back a few souvenirs, pack accordingly! Leave a bit of room in your suitcase so that you don’t have to cram everything in (and potentially break your new souvenirs) when it’s time to travel back home.
