Want to pack your goods and chattels in a simple and concise manner when going on a trip? Look no further!
I’m here to give you some tips to pack your luggage, which I personally use or would like to try to increase my own packing efficiency.
To be honest guys, I believe I am not good, but an amazing packer (my Dad says otherwise). But not so long ago I did not have the faintest clue of how to pack my stuff systematically and I would throw my clothes in the bag without even folding them like a ‘panic packer’.
And after reaching the destination, my clothes are a total mess, I would forget my deo, and even cash or I would pack my whole wardrobe like I am never coming back home and that bothered me soooo much!
I had to learn the hard way, some of these tips to pack and carry on packing tips helped to make my travel days more fun without me stressing over the things I forgot at home.
The problem I see is that many people like I do not plan ahead about what to pack and how to pack. So without further ado, I’d like to share with you some essential tips to pack in an orderly manner.
Must-Know Simple Tips to Pack Efficiently
Even though I am not a hardcore traveler, I’ve been to places like Udaipur, Mussoorie, Gurgaon, etc. and these luggage packing tips have helped me in more ways than I thought and made me a more organised and co-ordinated traveler and a person. Check them out below and see for yourself.
1. Spread Your Gear on the Bed (Great Tip if you do not want to make a Packing List)
I personally use this method and laying your gear on the bed before packing does two things:
- Gives you an exact number and type of clothes and essentials you are carrying.
- Gives you an idea of what to pack and in which bag to pack it.
Get the first things that come to your mind; medications, toiletries, jeans, pants, shirts, footwear, partywear, whatever, and spread them onto your bed.
…And the awesome thing about this tip is that you don’t have to make a packing list (I know we’re all tired of making them)
Tip: Also pick out your packing bags and set them beside your gear so you know which would be a suitable bag to pack your stuff in.
2. Plan Your Ensembles
Planning your ensembles ahead before packing is a great way to travel light. Pick out which top goes with which trousers, which trousers go with which shoes, etc.
It helps you to streamline your travel wardrobe.
Never pack things for the ‘just in case’ scenario. Nothing hurts more after carrying those heavy suitcases and bags and realizing that you did not wear half of the clothes you brought with you on vacation.
3. Try to Wear Heavy Clothes on the Plane
Take some weight off your shoulders dude!
This packing tip was a game-changer for me. As a chronic over-packer, I often smacked my heavy baggage into the suitcase without a worry and get tired very quickly I must say after lifting those 5-kilo bags.
Wear your heavy stuff like boots, jackets, sweaters, etc. when going for a trip in the winter (or a hill station) to clear out some bulkiness from your bags.
If you are looking for traveling light tips, this is the one! I also want to remind you that this traveling light tip is not for everyone but try it for yourself tell me how did you like it.
4. Pack Footwear in an Upside Down Manner
We all know that one of the things that take up the most space in your traveling bag is footwear.
I usually carry two pairs of shoes (casual and formal) and one pair of flip-flops in a separate cloth bag and try to ruthlessly stash it in my suitcase. After re-opening the suitcase all my shoes and flip-flops are bent up and sometimes they might get torn.
Packing your footwear in an upside-down manner like when you get them fresh from a shoe store is the best way to pack a suitcase.
It takes up comparatively very less space, they don’t get wrinkly or get damaged in any way.
Tip: Put your footwear in high-quality shoe bags.
5. Make a Packing List And Go Through it Again
I know I know this is a cliche tip and I mentioned in the first tip, that you don’t have to write down a packing list if you follow that point but hear me out…
Laying your things on the bed may give you an idea of the goodies you wanna pack but you might forget some of your crucials like chargers, glasses, medicines, etc.
When I recently went to Gurgaon, I forgot my wallet at home. My debit card, credit card, and cash were all left at home for two days before getting them couriered, and ever since then, I have had this point screwed into my mind.
So keep a packing list and check it again before lining your bags just as a safeguard because the mind works in mysterious ways.
6. Invest in Spinners
We all know that spinners are the most practical type of suitcase. It has wheels so even if you pack your luggage up to the brim, you can easily move it around.
Moreover, they are lightweight and sturdy so they are easy to carry and won’t break off easily.
And it has lots of pockets inside, so you can pack your small items like socks, gloves, small towels, etc. in them. At least I follow these tips to pack my goodies in my spinners.
7. Rolling is the Key
If you travel internationally, you know, you may need to pack more, and folding your clothes traditionally takes a lot of space in your bag as a result more attaches are used.
Rolling your clothes is the key to saving up a lot of space and it is one of the best packing tips for international travel and/or local travel.
I don’t know if rolling clothes keep them wrinkle-free or not but personally speaking my clothes do get wrinkly but not up to the point that I have to iron them every single time and clear some area in my suitcase, so it’s a win-win situation.
8. Always Remember, Less is More
Bringing up the first point again, lay down all your stuff and essentials that you think you need on the bed, and cut it in half.
This tip might be very controversial to you. It sure was for me when I first read it in some tips to pack for international travel article and the first thought that came to my mind was ‘what bs’.
But you know what, once I implemented this tip, it actually saved me a lot of trouble and helped me in traveling light.
You don’t need different pajamas for each night or two pairs of outfits for each day. Just take out one outfit, one jacket, and one pair of shoes (just as a challenge) and realize what a world of difference it makes.
9. Pick the Right Suitcase/Bag
This is one of the if not the most important tips to pack your luggage efficiently. I know many people in my circle that would bring a large-sized suitcase just for a weekend getaway and there is hardly any need for it.
Look! I’m not telling you to deliberately stuff your clothes and essentials in a tiny bag till the chains break off just for the sake of traveling light.
Pick a travel bag that a) is comfortable to carry around b) is practical and c) you prefer to bring on your vacations and speaks about your style
I for one use a spinner that is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ that is easy to carry around, especially when I am traveling solo.
10. Carry Extra Totes/Duffle Bags
This tip is at the top of my carry on packing tips list.
They literally weigh nothing and can be easily packed in a suitcase. I always carry an extra duffle bag with me and it serves many purposes:
- You can pack the souvenirs you bought from your shopping lists.
- You can put your dirty laundry in it.
I mean the possibilities are endless and that brings me to my next tips to pack your luggage in an organised manner.
11. Make Use of the Toiletry Kits
Toiletry kits are very handy and you can store all your essentials in one place. Some tips to pack in a toiletry kit would be:
- Buy a transparent kit so you don’t have to scramble your way through your luggage.
- Buy small-sized soap bars, brushes, toothpaste tubes, shampoo, etc so that they fit perfectly in the kit.
Packing my toiletries would cross my mind at the last moment when the taxi is waiting outside my home, so always strive to have a ready-to-go toiletry bag a day before your departure.
12. Keep the Bulky Stuff Down
This must be one of the most underrated tips to pack your luggage efficiently.
Place your heavy stuff like books, shoes, jewelry cases, etc. at the wheeled end of your suitcase. This will keep your bag stable and reduce the possibility of your suitcase getting toppled over.
13. Always Pack Your Essentials and One Outfit in a Carry On
Things like chargers, medicines, cash, sanitizers, etc. are important because without them, one cannot function properly and that’s why they are called essentials.
You might not know when you need them, and moreover, your suitcase might get lost, stolen, or get picked up by someone by mistake. Even though they are very unlikely cases, one must be careful.
Packing your essentials and some clothes in a duffle bag may seem like obvious carry on packing tips but they do bring some peace of mind.
14. Bring Reusable Bottles
You must have many bottles at your home, pick one and put it in the side pocket of your backpack and that’s it. And you can skip wasting your money on water bottles made of plastic on your trip.
Although I prefer to buy a thermosteel bottle to keep the liquid inside it warm or cold, but it can be on the heavier side especially when you are striving towards traveling light.
But you can look for some lightweight water bottles in online stores or local stores near your house.
15. Put the Things You Need Most on the Top
This tip was revolutionary to me and it makes total sense too!
Consider this an extension of always packing your essentials and one outfit in a carry on tip and this is the best way to pack a suitcase in my opinion because I follow this tip subconsciously.
If you are on a plane and the minute it lands you have to go straight for dinner, attend a party, or a meeting, this tip can save you a lot of trouble before muddling your way through your luggage to get that dress or essential.
This point can help you save a lot of time and effort and also helps you to plan your packing list.
What Do You Think?
I have listed down all the tricks and tips to pack efficiently that I implement whenever I travel. Please tell me What do you think about these tips? How many of these packing tips do you practice personally? And what are your packing tips? in the comment section below.
