Tips for Perfect Packing

Do you want to learn how to perfectly pack your suitcase and carry-on bags? The following collection of tips can help get you on track:

• Memorize the 3-1-1 rule. This is the rule that helps you to remember how to pack toiletries for carryon. It says to put the items (such as shampoo) in travel-sized bottles that are about 3 ounces. (That’s the “3” but the exact size is 3.4 ounces.) Put this inside of one clear zip-top plastic bag that is 1 quart in size or smaller.

• Don’t overpack on toiletries and cosmetics. Even if you have an entire cabinet full of beauty items at home, take only the basics with you when you travel. Your skin and hair won’t suffer that much if you use basic soap and shampoo for a few days on a trip. If there are things that you can’t live without, see if you can buy some combos. For example, you can get sunscreen and moisturizer in one instead of packing each.

• Get luggage that has secure TSA-approved locks. Other locks will be broken and damaged by security people checking out your luggage. Locks that aren’t secure may open during travel.

• Remember “heavy on top” for backpacks. If your carry-on is a backpack then remember that the most comfortable way to pack a backpack is to put all of the lightest (but non-breakable) items on the bottom and the heavier items on the top.

• Don’t pack a guidebook. They’re too heavy. Take notes on what’s really important from them. Get a lightweight foldout map. Use phone apps.

• Spread books and notebooks across your luggage. When packing books and notebooks into your suitcase, don’t stack them. Instead, spread them out in layers for even weight distribution.

• Roll clothing. One of the top tips for smart, efficient packing is to roll your clothing items instead of folding them to create more space. An advanced tip is to roll clothes inside of tissue paper in order to prevent wrinkling. And if you don’t like rolling clothes then some other recommended options are folding your clothing together and bundling your clothing.

• Pack mix-and-match clothing that layers well. This allows you to have a variety of different outfits for different types of weather with as few clothing items as possible.

• Limit the number of jeans and jackets that you pack. These items take up the most room in your luggage. Plan to re-wear or wash these items during the trip rather than taking lots of extras.

• Pack items in separate plastic bags. Traveller’s Point recommends that you pack each different type of item (all your shirts, all your underwear, all your toiletries) in their own separate plastic bags. It makes it easy to see what you’ve packed, what you need more or less of, etc. It can also make it simpler to get through customs. Plus if you have any stinky clothes or shoes then it prevents the smell from infecting the rest of the suitcase.

• Use dividers in your suitcase. You can simply lift out the divider to reach the items that are underneath. This prevents making a big mess every time that you dig into your suitcase to get something. And this is another one that might make moving through customs simpler. Note that you can buy official dividers if your suitcase doesn’t come with them but you can also just use cardboard pieces cut to size.

• Always pack important documents in your carry-on. This includes your passport, ID, flight and hotel information, travel and health insurance information and any documents that you need for business travel.

• Choose luggage that has many different organizing pockets. This helps to keep both your regular suitcase and your carry-on neatly organized every single time that you travel.

• Split your valuables into different pockets. Cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, ID and other valuables should not all be stored together in the same pocket. Split them up in different pockets and store some in a wallet or purse on your person. This helps reduce the chance that all items will be stolen at once.

• Appropriately mark your bags with luggage tags. Ideally, use a business address or post office box for safe return of lost luggage without compromising your home address.

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