20 Travel Packing Hacks

Are you all excited for your long-awaited vacation? However, for the majority of us, packing can be demotivating. It is often stressful and time-consuming to figure out what to pack. It’s even more difficult to fit them in a suitcase while keeping weight restrictions in mind. Today, I’m going to share some quick and easy packing tips that will make your life a lot easier while traveling. These travel packing tips will ensure that you make the most of every inch of space in your suitcase in a safe, organized, and manageable manner.

1).  Invest in a lightweight, durable suitcase that can be easily organized

A good quality bag comes with extra pockets, expandable sides, and 360-degree wheels, and is lightweight. Such bags do not add unnecessary weight to your luggage and make it easier to wheel around everywhere. Add striking accessories or personalized details to make your bags unique so that it is easy to spot them amongst scores of similar bags on the conveyor belt. This also minimizes the chance of someone grabbing it by mistake.

2).  Always begin with a packing list

A meticulously created list helps you avoid the all-too-common mistake of overpacking and guarantees you don’t forget anything essential. Start making a checklist a few days before your departure so that you can keep adding items as you remember them. You can check a few packing lists online for ideas, but your detailed list must be based on the requirements of your destination, the length of your stay, anticipated weather conditions, planned activities, and specific needs. Note down even the little things like toothbrushes, sunglasses, chargers, sunscreen, swimsuits, etc., as those are the things that are usually forgotten. Keep ticking the items off the list after you have added them to your bags. Don’t forget to go through your list before you leave home to be sure that you have not forgotten any item.

3).  NO last-minute packing

Start packing a couple of days in advance instead of throwing things randomly in your bag a few hours before you leave. Rushed packing is a recipe for disaster and can lead to over-packing or under-packing. You end up packing everything you think you might need in your bag as you don’t have much time to think. Or you may just forget something essential in your haste. If you have time in hand, you can pack in a more relaxed and efficient and avoid any major oversight. 

4).  Lay all your things on the bed first 

That way you will get a good idea of things that you intend to pack and their utility. It will also help in fitting things in the suitcase in a systematic and planned manner. Take a picture or make a note of all the things that you are putting in the bag. Most of us forget the clothes we have packed and mess up the whole bag trying to find them in the crammed suitcase. Be realistic and don’t pack ‘in case’ stuff. If in doubt, leave it in your closet.

5).  Always Use Packing Cubes

 These lightweight, zipped bags come in all sizes and make it easy to separate and categorize your things. Group similar clothing pieces and squeeze them into packing cubes. This makes it so much easier to find items and you don’t have to rummage through your bag in an attempt to find that ‘elusive’ shirt. These cubes are stackable and keep the suitcases tidy and organized. Once you reach your hotel, the packing cubes can just be slipped into the wardrobe, making unpacking a simple process.

.           Pixabay.com

6).  Should you roll or should you fold?  

Roll clothes that are thick and heavy (jeans, sweatshirts) and fold clothes that use light materials (scarves, shirts, dresses). This way you can not only save space but also keep creases to a minimum. Pack wrinkle-prone clothes in plastic dry-cleaning bags to avoid them getting creased. Bundle all the items tightly so that things do not move much in your bag. When compared to traditional folding, rolling takes more time. However, the advantages make everything worthwhile.

7).  Pack your bags in a balanced way

Packing is more than just what you bring and where you put it. Put all the heavier items (like shoes, cosmetic bags, books, etc.) at the bottom of your bags near the wheels and the lightest items on the top. This smart placement ensures that the bulky items do not squash or wrinkle your clothes when your suitcase is upright. It’s all about striking a balance so that your bags stay stable when upright and are easier to roll.

8).  Don’t forget to pack the fragile items in bubble wrap

Wrap each item individually to ensure adequate cushioning between it and the box. Items that are particularly fragile or valuable should be double-wrapped. Also, stuff such items between clothes so that they are protected from all sides. The baggage gets tossed carelessly at the airports and you don’t want to see broken pieces of your valuables when you open them.

9).  Always pack your valuables, essentials, laptop, documents, medicines, and an outfit change in your carry-on

Bags get lost, stolen, or delayed and one should be prepared for all eventualities. Nothing can be more stressful than landing in a foreign land without the absolute essentials. Anything of high value that you must bring should be packed in your carry-on. It should also include at least 2 changes of clothing, 2 pairs of UGs, essential toiletries (under 100ml), and any additional necessities for your trip.

10).  Stuff accessories, socks, undergarments, chargers, and other smaller stuff inside your shoes and hats

This will give you a little more packing space and help your shoes retain their shape in the cramped bag. Hats, too, can be used in the same way. Turn your hats upside down and stuff them with socks and smaller items. This is also a great way to keep your non-collapsible hats in good shape. Store shoes in shower caps or shoe bags, especially if you are packing them with your clothes. That way you can place them in the most convenient spot without worrying about getting your clothes soiled.

11).  Don’t carry full-sized bulky toiletries

Buy reusable, travel-sized, plastic bottles; label them and fill them with your lotions, creams, and toiletries. If you can collect mini-size versions of your favorites, all the better. Just walk into Sephora, Ulta, or any other similar shop and ask for free samples of pretty much everything you might need. Use cling wrap under your bottle lids to prevent spills. Pack them in a small pouch that will keep the bottles accessible and safe. If you are a frequent traveler, keep a dedicated toilet kid always ready with your essentials. You are saved from the chore of packing and repacking every time you travel.

12).  Carry some spare zip-lock bags and plastic bags with you

They are indispensable on the road and will come in handy if you want to pack dirty laundry, wet swimsuits, or store an opened chips packet / leaking shampoo bottle. If you can find a laundry bag (most hotel rooms have one), it can prove to be very useful for storing soiled clothing.

13).  Try to pack clothing around one or two basic colors

If you have limited space, choose a neutral color palette like grey, beige, black, or khaki. Pack outfits that are versatile and can be mixed & matched with each other. Use accessories to add a pop of color and interest to your clothing. That way you can have a new look every day even with limited pieces. You can always add a couple of colorful summer dresses for days when you are in the mood to dress up. Stay away from colors that clash.

14).  Don’t leave empty spaces in suitcases

It can be tempting to keep your bags somewhat empty for souvenirs and stuff, but it is not a very good idea. The items in the bag will shift and things may break or wrinkle. Try to fill the empty spaces with polythene, bubble wrap, edible items, and other disposable things. You can fill the unfilled bag with your shopping on the way back.

15.  Place dryer sheets between clothes

This way you can retain your clothes’ freshly washed smell even after being worn multiple times. If your smelly shoes or laundry bag is crammed alongside other things in the luggage, all the clothes will start smelling foul. Stash the dryer sheets in your dirty laundry bag so that everything smells nice. Remember that less is more when it comes to perfume or cologne. Going overboard could affect the stench of your apparel, particularly in the enclosed space of a suitcase.

16.  Wear your bulky and heavy items 

Whenever possible, wear your long boots, heavy coats, and sneakers on the plane as it will leave you with lots of extra space in the suitcase. However, it can be a bit awkward and tricky if you are traveling between two different climates. Use the extra pockets when you put on your bulky items to keep your valuables close at hand and extra safe.

17.  Check the weather forecast for your destination

This is very often forgotten. Make sure you check the weather couple of days before you leave for your journey. It might mean some last-minute swapping to add a pair of shorts, a light jacket, or maybe an umbrella. But in the end, you will be glad that you took the required action.

18.  Keep all the devices in one place that is easily accessible

It is mandatory to put all the electronics in the tray for security checks at the airport. You don’t want to hold the long security queue while you fumble around trying to trace the different gadgets. So keep them together in a convenient location. Check the volume of your toiletries to ensure compliance with regulations, and pre-pack them all together in a Ziploc bag that is easily accessible. To avoid unnecessary hassle, only bring items you know are permitted in your carry-on luggage.

19.  Stash messy cords, air pods, and chargers in an empty sunglasses case

The accessories will be easily available and the hard shells will prevent the wires from being tangled, lost, or damaged. Alternatively, roll cables and bind them with hair bands to prevent tangling and spare space.

20.  Put together a First-Aid Box for emergencies

On the road, health care is critical. Any experienced traveler will tell you that things can and do go wrong on any trip, so packing a well-stocked kit is always a good idea. Take at least one first-aid kit with which you can deal with minor hiccups without running to the doctor or the pharmacy. A first aid kit should include the following items: bandages and gauze pads, surgical tape, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, antiseptic, antibiotics, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, anti-allergens, cold relief medications, cough syrups, prescription medicines, motion sickness medication, and so on. It goes without saying that the kit must be within easy reach at all times.

Can you think of any other travel packing hack to optimize the limited suitcase space? Use the comment section below to share your favorite packing.