How to Pack Luggage Efficiently
We’ve got some strategies for helping you pack more efficiently so you can maximize your luggage space and start traveling like a pro. Let’s face it, most of us dread packing for a trip, especially for longer vacations. How can you fit everything you need while also giving your wardrobe some flexibility? Once you’ve decided what to bring, how do you arrange everything to avoid wasted space? Keep reading for suggestions from some of our most frequent flyers on packing more efficiently to save space. We’ll go over the main things to keep in mind when preparing for your next vacation.
Packing Efficiently: Suitcase vs. Backpack?
We must begin with the age-old question, should I bring hard luggage or a backpack? Most answers to this question rely on personal preference. However, we suggest thinking about packing in terms of size rather than style. By choosing the right size luggage for your trip, you’ll be able to pack more efficiently regardless of whether you bring hard or soft luggage.
For example, a small suitcase, backpack, or duffle bag will usually work for a short weekend trip. Vacations longer than five days often require larger luggage regardless of style. Thinking about your actual packing needs and the number of items you will bring helps you choose a size that avoids wasted space and over-packing. So, start by realistically planning what you will need to bring for a comfortable and relaxing trip. Then, choose whichever suitcase or backpack will provide enough space for what you are bringing.
Pack More Efficiently With Packing Cubes
In our experience, the most important space-saver is organization. There’s nothing worse than pulling out every item of clothing just to get to the shirt laying at the bottom of your suitcase. Without a solid system of organization, you may end up unpacking and repacking your suitcase several times during your trip.
Packing cubes are the perfect solution to a disorganized and messy suitcase. Each packing cube can be designated for a specific clothing item, such as shirts, pants, undergarments, and more. In addition to only needing to pull out one cube at a time, these space-savers keep your clothing items packed more tightly, helping pack more efficiently with your available space.
Packing cubes come in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit together in your luggage like snug puzzle pieces. Our compressible packing cube set will keep you organized and save space in whichever luggage you choose.
Roll Your Clothes For More Efficient Packing
Just like choosing between hard and soft luggage, the way we fold our clothing tends to be a personal preference. However, the general consensus among our travel team is that rolling your clothes is the best way to save luggage space. Rolling clothes allows for a tighter fit within each packing cube. It also prevents wrinkles if rolled tightly enough. So, even if you opt out of packing cubes, we still recommend rolling your clothes to pack more efficiently and maximize your luggage space.
Pack Efficiently by Using Space Creatively
Sometimes fitting more stuff into less space is a simple matter of creativity. It’s no secret that shoes are a bulky item taking up more than their fair share in your luggage. But they don’t have to prevent you from bringing your favorite outfit. Closed-toe shoes can actually help you create more space. Undergarments, socks, belts, scarves, and other small, lightweight clothing can be stuffed into shoes freeing up space in other areas, including your packing cubes. Similarly, you can fill pockets with small items and then roll the clothing to fit in a packing cube.
Look for small pockets of space to stuff little items. And don’t forget to use all packing spaces available on your luggage. Outside zipped compartments are great for small electronics and cords, paperwork, or an extra book or magazine. Pack more efficiently by using all available compartments.
Maximize Space With Fewer Shoes
Even though shoes can be used creatively to maximize space, they still aren’t the most efficient item you can pack. If you’re committed to creating extra space in your luggage, you need to think strategically about the shoes you bring. We recommend no more than three pairs of shoes–not including what you wear to the airport–that are versatile enough to wear with all your outfits.
Bringing multiple pairs of shoes not only takes away space for other important items but can also add more weight to your luggage. Cutting down on the number of shoes you bring will provide more usable space and help keep your luggage under the baggage weight limits.
Saving Space Means Double Duty
If you’ve followed the previous tips so far, you’re well on your way to an expertly packed suitcase. Another way to level up your space-saving system is to pack items that have more than one purpose or use. For example, you can wear leggings as a stand-alone item, but they can also double as a base layer if you’re traveling during colder seasons. Pashminas can double as sarongs or cover-ups, as well as make-shift pillows or lightweight blankets.
Believe it or not, T-shirts can also pull double duty. Putting a T-shirt over a dress instantly creates a new outfit, even if you’ve already worn the dress by itself. So, the moral of the story is to put a little thought into how the pieces you bring can be used together. The more purposes an item can serve, the more efficiently you can pack your luggage.
Don’t Overpack
It seems simple and obvious, yet this tip is the most challenging to master. Pack only what you need. It really is that simple. Think about how all items in your bag will work together, and make sure you have several pieces you can use in multiple ways. The key to packing more efficiently is to minimize non-essential items. If you haven’t worn that blue skirt in over a year, chances are you won’t be wearing it on vacation, even if you think it's cute.
If you’re taking a short business trip, try not to pack a different suit for every day. Instead, pack several different shirts and ties and mix and match those to create new looks with the same suit. No matter how long your trip is, chances are you have at least one pair of pants that can be worn two or three times before choosing something else. For more efficient packing and space-saving, leave the extras and the maybes at home.
Wear Your Bulkier Items
Sometimes the best way to pack luggage efficiently is not to pack at all. Depending on the time of year and the destination, some vacations will require bulkier cold-weather options. The best space-saving strategy for these items is to wear them while traveling. Hiking boots are notoriously heavy and bulky. But if that’s the main reason you’re traveling, you can’t leave them behind. Wearing them at the airport keeps them out of your suitcase and frees up space for other necessary items.
You may also opt to wear a lightweight top with a heavier coat. Coats often don’t adhere to the rolling method of packing. So whenever it’s comfortable, keep these heavier and larger items out of your suitcase and wear them while you travel.
Love Your Luggage
Packing can be much less stressful if you use the tools we’ve shared here. Packing your luggage efficiently takes practice. But it’s always easier when you have quality luggage designed for people who enjoy being on the go. When you combine the space-saving tips we’ve provided with a dependable piece of luggage, you can not only maximize your luggage space but your vacation as well.
Let us know in the comments which travel tips and accessories help you pack more efficiently.