How To Pack More Efficiently For Your Next Trip

Whether you're a frequent traveler or just can't fit everything into your carry-on, effective packing is essential. With this sharp travel advice, you won't have to waste time preparing for your next getaway. According to many travel experts (including backpackers who have to pack months' worth of clothes into a bag the size of a wine crate), tightly rolled clothes are more space-efficient than folded ones and are less likely to develop deep creases.

1. Create a list.

Whether you're heading out for a three-week Himalayan climb or a weekend beach getaway, it's important to consider luggage size and weight restrictions. For this reason, it's a smart idea to make a list of everything you plan to take with you. This will help you avoid bringing extra luggage unnecessarily, forgetting important items, or having to choose between checked and carry-on luggage. According to Martha Villaroman, a travel blogger and mother of three, rolling your clothes instead of folding them is an easy way to make the most of the space. This will prevent your clothes from wrinkling and save you a lot of space. To make the process even easier, start organizing your belongings a few days or weeks in advance. You'll have plenty of time to repack and make sure your luggage complies with the strict baggage fee guidelines set by the airline. Plus, it helps you avoid rushing that can lead to overpacking and forgetting things.

2. Get rid of unnecessary items

Often, we overpack, believing that if we have “more stuff” we will feel more secure or prepared. If you notice that your bag is bursting at the seams, take a second look at everything and remove anything that is not necessary. If you are worried about leaving valuables behind, consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave. It’s an inexpensive investment that will help you if your luggage is left behind or damaged. You can further reduce the amount of luggage you pack by packing in layers. This technique allows you to easily change the amount of warmth you release. Additionally, rolling your clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles compared to folding them. Use packing cubes or compression bags to separate and organize your clothes and make the most of the space in your luggage. If you are buying souvenirs, don’t forget to bring an extra tote bag. This will help you avoid overpacking and make your return home easier after your trip.

3. Value advice

The key to traveling light and stress-free is to become an expert packer. Leaving important items at home or overpacking your suitcase can create chaos and take away from the fun of traveling. Clothing that can be rolled instead of folded is one of the biggest mistakes travelers make. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space and don't crease as deeply. Roll up your t-shirts, pajamas, and loose jeans first. Layer a light shirt on top of that. This method also makes it easier to force your suitcase shut. According to Nina Ragusa of Where in the World Is Nina, another packing tip that became popular on TikTok this year is to utilize a zippered pillowcase to fit more clothes into your carry-on. Once you arrive at your destination, cover the zippered side of the pillowcase with a traditional pillowcase to act as a pocket to store your clothes. Another great use for a zippered pillowcase is to put dirty laundry in it.

4. Verification

Regardless of your experience level, creating a packing checklist in advance can help you make sure you don't forget anything important. Plus, it helps you avoid overpacking, which can be stressful and costly in terms of baggage fees. Always refer to the checklist when packing and start well before your vacation. If you can't find what you need, consider taking notes on your phone or using an app like TripIt to keep track of items like event tickets and restaurant reservations. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is one of the biggest packing tips. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space and are less likely to wrinkle than folded clothes. However, you should fold all stiff items, such as button-up shirts and dressy gowns.