The Best Packing Hacks For Travel
Traveling can be tons of fun and gives you a great occasion to look forward to. However, the traveling process can get a little stressful when you’re trying to pack for your trip. It can be a little overwhelming to figure out what is necessary to pack and take with you on your trip. If you wait until the last minute, you can end up stressed and feeling pressured, which nobody wants. This article includes packing hacks that will help guarantee that you are taking the perfect things along with you.
1. Make A List
The first step when it comes to packing should be to make a list of everything you need to take. This will keep you organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. This is also a great way to plan outfits for different occasions. I recommend making your list as detailed as possible. I write down each day that I will be gone and write down the outfits I plan to wear on that day. Some days, you might plan to wear two outfits, so write them both down. Then, I make a separate category with extra necessities besides clothes and shoes. These include toiletries, accessories, hair products, makeup, jewelry and whatever else you need. I like to write this list down on a piece of paper, so that it’s easy to look at and refer back to. But, you can also make this list on your phone or computer as well. Make sure to go over your list one final time before you leave and make sure you packed everything that’s on it.
2. Don’t Procrastinate
Packing is something that should not be put off until the last minute. This will result in a hurried packing that is often how things get left behind. My best advice is to start your list a week ahead of time and pack a little bit each day, so that you break up the workload. Figuring out what you need ahead of times takes off the stress. If you realize that you need to go out and buy something you need, you will have plenty of time to do so, rather than having to rush to the store the morning of your trip.
3. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of the best packing hacks out there. They ensure your suitcase stays organized. They are basically compartments with zippers that you buy to store your clothes, shoes or accessories in. They help things stay together and neat as you travel. I love using packing cubes for things like underwear, bathing suits, tops and pants. They keep your clothes wrinkle-free and help avoid them from getting dirty by touching other things in your luggage. I recommend using them to pack similar things. For example, you can put all your tops in one cube, so that they’re all in one convenient place. These cubes come in a variety of sizes, so you can find ones that are the best for your needs.
4. Make The Most Out Of Your Carry On
If you’re flying, having a carry on piece of luggage is must. Most airlines allow you to bring on a carry on for free. Check the allowable size dimensions of a carry on for the airline you’re flying on. Then, try to take the largest bag or backpack that is acceptable. Carry ons are a great place to store things that won’t fit in your suitcase or things that you will need during your flight. I always pack electronics, such as my phone, laptop and charger, books, a jacket and my wallet in my carry on item. Your carry on is extra space to pack things that you should definitely take advantage of. Image Source: http://www.louiseadolphson.se/louis-vuitton-carry-on/
5. Roll, Instead Of Fold
Rolling your clothes is a great way to make more space in your suitcase. It is also way faster and easier than taking the time to fold each of your clothing items. Folding your clothes also makes it simple to see exactly what you have in your suitcase. It makes sure everything is displayed nicely and is efficient at keeping you organized while traveling.
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6. Use Lightweight Luggage
Having lightweight luggage is the way to go. It makes walking through airports and to your destination so much less of a struggle. This can also be a great way to help you avoid going over the weight maximum for the airline you’re flying on. Starting off with a light suitcase will allow you to pack more without having to worry about weight restrictions.
7. Weigh Your Luggage At Home
As I mentioned earlier, most airlines have a maximum weight for any luggage that you check in when traveling. Before traveling, go on the airlines website and see what their regulations for luggage are. Then, weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport. You can do this by simply putting your luggage on a normal scale that you most likely already have at home. Or, you can purchase a special luggage scale. These work by attaching a hook to your suitcase handle and then weighing your bag in that way. These can be a worthwhile investment if you travel a lot. Making sure that your suitcase is the proper weight is a must before traveling. This will help you avoid paying extra fees and dealing with the added stress once at the airport.
