10 Packing Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

I’ve listed 10 packing tips that will make your next packing experience must easier, and hopefully all of your future trips as well. Whether you’re travelling for a week or a month, packing is important. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve forgotten something mid-flight, or having to rearrange  your suitcase last minute.

1. Make a list and check it twice

The best packing tip I can give is to make a packing list, or use one online. It helps make sure you don’t forget any of the essential items like medications, or toiletries.

2. Layer on the plane

Fortunately, there is no limit to your weight on the plane, just your luggage. A packing tip is to wear your heaviest or biggest items, and layer them on to maximize what you don’t have to pack but can still bring.

3. Roll your clothes instead of folding

A common packing tip is to roll your luggage. This helps optimize suitcase space. You may even have enough extra space to pack one more essential outfit or cutes shoes. This is a game changer.

4. Double check any flight or luggage restrictions

If you’re going somewhere you’ve never travelled to, a packing tip is to double check the airline restrictions before you pack. It is always beneficial to review the restrictions so you don’t get caught with any last minute holdups or extra fees.

5. Pack multi-functional items

If you can’t bring a lot, pack items that have multiple uses and avoid packing similar things. A dress that you can dress up or down, sneakers that are good for the gym and daily wear etc.

6. Use Ziploc bags

The worst is having security open up your personals and completely ruin your packing strategy. It is even worse to have something leak. Use Ziploc bags to keep items organized, leak-proof and visible to security.

7. Weigh your luggage

No one wants to pay extra, or even have to move around your items that are already packed. A great packing tip is to pop your luggage on the scale and double check the weight restrictions before you leave.

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8. Mark your luggage

If you are one of the people who has black or generic looking luggage, tag it to make it stand out. Make sure you have an identification tag – luggage does get lost, and add something easy to identify it like a ribbon, bandana etc. A packing tip for next time; just don’t buy black luggage.

9. Don’t leave any empty spaces

If you’re like me and are an over-packer, the best packing tip is to use your empty spaces wisely. I roll my undies, put them in my boots, or any nooks and crannies I can. Repack until you can optimize your space by being strategic.

10. Choose what you need, and then what you really need.

One of the best packing tips is to cut back. Pack only what you really need, rather than what you think you might need. Especially if you plan on doing some shopping while you’re away, you’ll want to leave space for that.

Packing can be tricky. Hopefully these packing tips will help you stay on top of your travel and optimize your luggage.

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