When space is tight, it’s hard to decide which outfits belong in your suitcase. Many tour operators restrict travelers to one suitcase, and some airlines now charge for each checked bag. Our road-tested packing tips can help you save space and keep your suitcase light enough to handle.
- Make a list. Writing things down will help you to coordinate outfits.
- Find out if you’ll be able to do laundry or hand-wash items during your trip. If you can, you’ll be able to pack fewer items.
- Practice packing before you travel. There’s nothing worse than last-minute decisions. If your airline has luggage weight restrictions, weigh your bag to make sure you’re in compliance.
- Set out all your clothes and make sure every top and bottom coordinates with two other things. It helps to choose one or two “theme” colors, such as black, brown or khaki for a neutral and red or blue for an accent color.
- Make sure all clothes coordinate with your neutral color; select shoes, belts and purses to match. Don’t plan to bring both black and brown shoes. Instead, plan around your neutral color.
- If you’re flying, carefully review the TSA rules. Be sure you pack restricted items in the correct checked suitcase or carry-on bag. Put items you know the TSA will want to see, such as liquid medications, into separate plastic bags and keep them at the top of your carry-on bag.
- Roll your clothes. To do this, lay each item out, pull it at top, bottom and sides to eliminate wrinkles, fold it in half and roll it up. Surprisingly, your clothes won’t get any more wrinkled than they would if you had packed them flat, and they will take up less space.
- Tuck socks, underwear, belts and accessories into shoes. Insert shoes into plastic bags (grocery bags are fine) before you pack to keep your other items from rubbing against the soles.
- Use travel-sized toiletries and toothpaste, if possible. Store them in a resealable plastic bag in case they leak en route.
- Bring a small travel iron if you’re staying in places where irons aren’t provided. Don’t forget to include a voltage converter if you’re headed overseas.
- Invest in a tiny travel umbrella.
- Plan to wear your bulkiest shoes on the airplane, if you are flying. Carry your jacket on board even if you don’t plan to wear it; jackets take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
- Leave room for souvenirs and brochures in your checked baggage. When shopping, you’ll know exactly how much you can buy, because you’ll know how much room is available in your suitcase.
- Don’t forget your passport, money, tickets / boarding passes or prescription medication. Leave yourself some reminder notes (on the suitcase and on your front door, for example) so you remember to double-check these items.
