Whilst packing a suitcase is an essential part of the holiday experience, it’s something you either love or hate. Packing too much, being over the weight limit, squashed toiletries making a mess, or even having too little space to take everything you want are all challenges faced whether you’re going away for a few days or 2 weeks. So, is there a way to make packing easy, simple, and above all, less stressful?
In short, yes – it is possible to make the most of your suitcase space without issue if you know some of the key techniques to help. That way, you can turn your cabin bag or stowed luggage into a perfectly organised, perfectly packed item that has everything you need. Below are ten packing hacks you wished you knew sooner, helping you to pack smarter and lighter. Ready to get organised?
#1 – Rolling vs. Folding
Do you fold or roll? Whilst folding is the technique favoured by many people at home when putting items away, it doesn’t necessarily work well for your suitcase. The art of rolling your clothes may change your approach forever once you start.
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can significantly reduce the amount of space taken up in your luggage. This technique can also help reduce wrinkles and creases and makes it easier to organise and find your items rather than having to remove layers of folded clothes. If your shirts, shorts and trousers are rolled tight enough, you can make use of all the available space. Not convinced? Once you try, you’ll hopefully see the benefits.
#2 – Use Packing Cubes
If you want a perfectly organised suitcase, packing cubes are extremely helpful. Rather than having everything layered on top of each other, this neatly keeps everything separate so that you can find what you need faster and segment the space. If you combine this with the rolling technique, you’ve got the ideal layout that also uses all the space.
As well as organising them, packing cubes can compress your clothes tightly, freeing up even more room. If you don’t already have them, look for sets that have multiple different sizes with ones suitable for both clothing and toiletries too. You’ll be able to move the cubes about with ease once filled with your items and not make a mess when looking for something in particular like your favourite shirt or your toothbrush!
#3 – Fill The Empty Space
Suitcases can sometimes appear in awkward shapes, especially with smaller ones that have to make room for the retractable handle. They may appear slightly smaller inside than they first look, so making the most of any available space is crucial. One tip is to put items inside others, such as shoes that take up a lot of space.
Putting anything you can into your shoes fills this empty space, creating more room around them. You might also have items that can be stacked neatly together or rolled together like thin t-shirts, underwear or swimwear.
#4 – Wear Your Bulkiest Items
A quite simple yet effective method is not to pack your bulkiest items – instead, wear them. Things like coats, jackets, bulky shoes, and thick jumpers can all take up valuable space, so wear them for the journey where possible. Ideally, you’ll want to keep bulky items to a minimum, but if you need them, wear them and remember you can carry a coat as part of your hand luggage when flying along with other items like an umbrella or hat. Check your airline’s carry-on policy first to be sure.
#5 – Limit Your Toiletries
If you have a lot of toiletries at home, it’s best to be selective with what you take on holiday. If you are putting toiletries into your checked baggage, it’s always best to go for travel size options rather than taking a bulky container for things like shampoo, hair spray or moisturiser. They quickly take up space, so only take what you really need for the length of your stay.
Covering Your Suitcase & Yourself Whilst Away
Before we carry on with the next 5 packing hacks, one thing you’ll want to ensure is that your baggage stays protected whilst you’re away. Unfortunately, anything can happen during transportation of your suitcase, and it may even become damaged or go missing. This is where travel insurance can ensure if this does happen you can claim back for unexpected issues with your baggage and not be left out of pocket.
Not only is it good for baggage issues, but a comprehensive policy can cover a whole host of different problems relating to travel that provides peace of mind. If you are someone with an existing health condition, you can cover pre-existing conditions with medical travel insurance and up to unlimited medical expenses. This way, you can travel without worry for yourself and your personal belongings.
If you are planning to fly with a medical condition, you should let the airline know in advance whether you are medically safe to fly according to travel insurer Staysure. That way, you can avoid any issues on the day of your flight, as the airline can refuse boarding where necessary. You may need to provide a fit to fly certificate from your doctor, so be sure to check well in advance of your travel dates.
#6 – The Layering Technique
Layering your clothing by having heavier, bulkier items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top can make a huge difference. If you combine this with a minimalist approach to what you take, such as only taking one jumper, one pair of jeans and the exact amount of fresh underwear you need, this will ensure you don’t try to take too much and ensure layers aren’t crammed in to the point of being overfilled.
#7 – Use Vacuum/Compression Bags
Another that can be combined with other techniques, using compression bags that remove the air and compress everything together can create more space. Using them for bulky items like Winter coats and sweaters is a good idea. By removing the air, these bags reduce the volume of your clothes, allowing you to pack more in less space. Depending on your suitcase size, you may only be able to use a couple, but they will make a difference.
#8 – Choose Versatile Clothing
If you want to embrace minimalism with your packing, choosing versatile clothing is the way to go. Items that can be mixed and matched, layered, and used for multiple outfits whilst away will help save a lot of space by not having to take too many clothes.
Neutral colours that coordinate well are a good idea, and versatile items will give you different uses. Thin layers can help you keep warm without the need for lots of different bulky items like jumpers too.
#9. Make the Most of Digital Options
Sometimes it’s just nicer to read an actual book than looking at a tablet or your smartphone, but when it comes to packing, books are very bulky. Whilst you’re more than likely to keep these in your hand luggage, embracing e-readers or eBooks means you have lots to read without taking up the space. Alternatively, consider downloading a few podcasts to listen to or audiobooks. Not only will fewer books and physical items take up less space, it will also significantly reduce the weight of your luggage.
#10 – Use a Digital Luggage Scale
Lastly, not realising you have an overweight suitcase until you arrive at the airport to check in is less than ideal. This is why it’s best to check this before you leave by using digital luggage scales to provide an accurate reading. These are much easier to use than having to awkwardly hold your luggage whilst standing on bathroom scales! You’ll also be able to take it with you so that you can check you haven’t overpacked with souvenirs on the way back.
Feel Confident with these Packing Hacks
There you have it, 10 quick packing hacks that are all quite simple to try. By putting more thought and planning into your suitcase organisation, you can ensure you have everything you need whilst away and not struggle to fit everything in. You’ll hopefully also avoid extra baggage charges at the airport. If you’re travelling with family, be sure to share these tips with them so you can all benefit from a smarter way to pack.
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Thoughts on these Packing Hacks?
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