Packing can be the trickiest part of travel, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are 20 simple hacks to help you pack smarter and travel lighter:
- Wear Your Heaviest Items: Save suitcase space and weight by wearing your bulkier clothes like jeans and jackets on the plane.
- Pack Clothes Inside Out: This helps avoid visible smudges and stains, especially if anything leaks in your bag.
- Protect Your Razor: Cover the blade with a bulldog clip or stash it in an old eyeglasses case.
- Opt for Travel-Sized Products: Use sample-sized items or refill small containers with your essentials. Bonus hack: Store your beauty products in contact lens cases.
- Fold Clothes Together: Lay your clothes flat and fold them as a stack to save time and reduce wrinkles. A travel-sized wrinkle-release spray can help with any remaining creases.
- Use Shampoo Bars: Replace liquid shampoo with bars, and cut them into pieces to save even more space.
- Stick to Neutral Colors: Choose clothing in neutral tones to easily mix and match outfits and pack less.
- Seal Bottles with Plastic Wrap: Prevent leaks by placing a piece of plastic wrap under the lid of your bottles before screwing them on tightly.
- Organize by Itinerary: Pack outfits based on your travel schedule to avoid unpacking and repacking constantly.
- Utilize Shoe Space: Stuff socks, belts, and small items inside your shoes to save space and keep your footwear in shape.
- Carry a Pen: You’ll often need to fill out forms while traveling, so having your own pen can save you time and hassle.
- Prevent Necklace Tangles: Thread the chains of your necklaces through straws to keep them from knotting.
- Freshen Up with Dryer Sheets: Pack a few dryer sheets to keep your clothes smelling fresh throughout your trip.
- Use Luggage Straps: Straps help compress your bag and prevent items from falling out if you open it in a rush.
- Try Compression Bags: These are perfect for reducing the space taken up by bulky items like sweaters and jackets.
- Protect Powder Makeup: Place a cotton pad inside compacts to keep powder from breaking.
- Skip What You Can Buy: Don’t pack items that are easily available at your destination.
- Pack Heavy Items Near Wheels: Place heavier items close to the wheels of your suitcase to protect lighter items from getting squashed.
- Leave Room for Souvenirs: Save space for things you pick up along the way or pack a collapsible duffle bag for dirty laundry and souvenirs.
- Be Smart About Your Carry-On: Keep fragile items and essentials like medication and travel documents in your carry-on, as checked bags can be mishandled or delayed.
With these tips, packing can be less stressful and more organized, letting you focus on enjoying your trip!
