This is such a common question asked by millions of travelers. Whether you are a travel pro or this is one of your first vacations, the fundamentals of packing are the same. Before we get into some techniques on packing, first consider these things.
Where are you going and what time of year?
Are you going to be doing physical activity to need a change of clothing later in the day?
Is a bathing suit going to be what you are wearing most of the day?
If going on a ski vacation are you going to be in ski gear most of the day?
Are there events or shows that you are going to in the evenings?
Is layering clothing a necessity for weather changes?
Do you really need more than one jacket selection?
What activities will you be doing? This will determine your shoe selection.
What type of accommodations are you staying at?
Can I wear any items more than one? Pants, shorts, skirts, etc. Most likely yes!!
Can I use laundry facilities where I’m going to save on the amount I need to take?
Remember that you usually never use everything you bring.
Are you going to need room for items you purchase at your destination?
Good to have just one travel outfit, for there and back.
Always ask yourself do I really need this?
When you start out answering questions like these you can eliminate the confusion of packing. If you simply follow an outline & have a game plan you will be surprised how painless packing will be. Once you have determined, the necessities that you need, it’s now time to answer the question of “what’s the best way to pack a suitcase”.
1. Destination Matters
First remember, that depending on where you are going and what you are doing will always alter slightly your techniques of packing. For example going to a ski resort for the week, compared to a week lounging at the beach, will require different thickness of the clothing, etc. you will be packing. But all in all, the concepts are still the same.
2. Organize
Make separate piles of your items. Shoes in one pile, pants in another, shorts in another, shirts/blouses in another and so on. This will give you a visual of everything that you “plan” to take. By doing this you will automatically see a few things that you really don’t need. Remember #15 from above; and ask yourself do I really need this?
3. Layer
Once you have really gone through your items, you want to begin a layering process. Make sure that your clothing items are neatly folded and then you are going to roll the clothing into neat little tube like formations. Not only will this create a massive amount of room, but will keep your clothes from wrinkling even more. You want to place your shoes on the bottom. You can then even stuff your shoes with your socks, etc. as well so you are utilizing all the space. Place the shoes side by side and have the left & right shoe facing opposite directions.
4. Arrange Neatly
The next layer should be your pants, shorts, skirts, etc. These items should be folded into tight little squares and stacked on top of one another facing opposite directions so the thickest side isn’t on the same side as you stack.After that you should be able to have a small wedge on one side of the suitcase and this is a perfect spot to utilize for your toiletries. (make sure they are they approved ounce size if this is going to be a carry on suitcase)
5. Placement Matters
On top should be your rolled shirts, blouses, etc. You will want to use all the available space, so some of the rolls might go horizontally and some will go vertically. If you slide your hand in and push the rolls to one side as you put them in, you will be able to squeeze in more items and it this will also help keep your suitcase items packed in tightly keeping them from a lot of movement and wrinkling as well.
6. Finishing Touches
When you close the top it should be tight but not stuffed to the point of the zipper possibly breaking. Not only this, but most likely you are going to be looking at the suitcase being overweight at this point, which is definitely something you never want especially if flying. You suitcase will get slapped with an overweight surcharge. Yikes!!! Using a cool suitcase scale will always let you know your baggage weight.
7. Time
One of the best things is to give yourself plenty of time to pack. Doing things last minute will not only be stressful, but you will not be organized so you will just be “throwing everything in” so you will be massively over packing, clothes will wrinkle much more, and you’ll be taking things you don’t need. Not to mention you’re most likely going to forget something. Pack the night before at the latest, so your time before your departure is enjoyable.
These are some of the best ideas to help you answer the question of what is the best way to pack a suitcase and get you on your way to become a packing expert, as well as providing you a great outline on the best ways to make the most use of your space with only the items that you need. The more you travel you will of course learn your own little tricks & techniques that you like as well.
Happy packing & enjoy your destination to the fullest!!!
credits: (suitcases, suitcase artwork,)