Tip #1: Pick the Right Suitcase
Alright, let’s dive into the world of suitcases. If you’re sporting a hard-shell suitcase, make sure it has a zipper-expanding feature. But here’s the golden rule: don’t use that expansion feature when you’re packing for your trip. You’ll be grateful for it when you return home with a suitcase stuffed with all the treasures you’ve acquired during your travels.
I’m a big fan of suitcases with tight-fitting adjustable straps inside (skip the elastic ones). These straps work wonders for compressing your clothes. It’s like magic—tighten those straps and watch your clothes shrink!
Here’s a pro tip: keep your cosmetic bag packed and ready to go. This means duplicating a few everyday items, like a toothbrush and round hairbrush. I swear by disposable facial cleanser cloths over creamy cleansers—they’re handy for more than just your face!
Tip #2: Follow your List
Create a universal packing list and customize it for each trip. This magical list will prevent you from forgetting that all-important hat or extra pair of socks. Check your list each time you pack, even if you think you’ve got it all covered.
After your trip, refine your list. When you unpack, jot down any items that need refilling or replacing. Also, make a note of what worked and what didn’t. It’s like giving yourself a packing do-over!
Tip #3: Use Packing Cubes
I’ll admit, I was a skeptic about packing cubes for a long time. But now? I’m a full-blown convert. These little wonders turn your suitcase into a perfectly organized puzzle, letting you roll and squish your clothes into every bit of space. Plus, they help keep things tidy—no more digging through a suitcase that looks like it’s been hit by a tornado.
No packing cubes? No worries. Plastic bags from your kitchen can work just as well for smaller items. Squeeze out the air and shove them into your suitcase. It’s like packing magic!
Tip #4: Plan your Outfits
Here’s the deal: only pack four outfits. Yeah, I know, it sounds like a cruel joke, but stick with me. Plan what you’ll wear for each of the first four days and pack those outfits together. Stick to neutral colors so everything matches—suddenly, you’re a fashion wizard!
Assemble four complete outfits, including underwear and accessories, and cram all four outfits into one large packing cube and keep your shoes separate. Then, as your trip progresses, you can either repeat those outfits or mix and match. Make sure your tops go with all your bottoms so you can create new looks without adding more clothes. Jewelry and scarves don’t take much room in your suitcase and they can completely transform an outfit. Packing all your outfits in one color (like black or khaki) and spicing them up with colorful accessories is a game-changer.
This way, you eliminate the daily “what should I wear” dilemma. It works for any length of vacation, and you can do laundry on the go. Limit yourself to just two pairs of shoes—make sure they’re comfy and versatile enough to work with all your outfits. And don’t be obsessive about keeping shoe pairs together – wedge them into the nooks and crannies between packing cubes.
Tip #5: Refine your Packing Technique
Now, let’s talk strategy: only half of what I pack is clothes. The rest? Shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, hair stuff, first aid kits, and just about everything else. So, I stick my clothes in the bottom half of the suitcase and use the top half for all the other goodies.
Rolling versus folding? Roll your softer clothes—shirts, athletic wear, anything that’s not stiff—as tightly as you can.
For items that don’t roll well, like dress shirts or blouses, use a strategic folding technique. Lay the item flat, fold the sleeves inwards, and then fold from the bottom up. This method helps reduce wrinkles and conserve space.
Anything stiff, like pants or jeans, should still be folded flat as you normally would.
Ditch the bulky cosmetic case and switch to Ziplok bags. They fit anywhere and keep your suitcase from looking like it’s been ransacked.
I am guilty of taking way too much Jewelry. Don’t be like me and restrict yourself to 3 sets. Wrap necklaces in tissue paper so they stay untangled. Then, pack each set together in its own bag. I like to use those little net bags with drawstrings.
Pro tip: fill the gaps in your suitcase with rolled t-shirts, your small Ziploc and jewelry bags, and packing cubes filled with underwear to create a solid base for the rest of your stuff.
On the Plane
Here’s a clever tip: pack extra comfy clothes in a pillowcase and take them on the plane. If your suitcase is jam-packed, this is a space-saving trick that also lets you catch some Z’s. And remember, your heaviest clothes should be worn on the plane—even if you’re flying from a hot destination. Layer up, because the plane’s temperature is a mystery.
A few more nuggets of wisdom:
- Bring something cozy for your room—like light jogging pants and a feather-light sweater. After a long flight, it feels like heaven.
- Small scissors and scotch tape are lifesavers. You won’t believe how handy they are.
- Don’t skimp on first aid. Pack band-aids, sunscreen, and OTC meds like Advil and Loperamide. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
- Keep a separate bag for Tide stick stain remover and laundry soap packets.
- And here’s a final trick: pack a few dryer sheets among your clothes. They keep everything smelling fresh and can double as laundry helpers!
