Are you gearing up to go on holiday and find yourself looking for ways to fit more into your suitcase?
Whether you’re looking to beat excess-luggage charges or to simply ensure you have the space to allow for multiple outfit changes while on holiday, we’ve got your back.
We could berate you and tell you ‘pack less stuff!’ or teach you how to travel lightly. But we’re not going to do that, instead we’re going to teach you how to cram as much as humanly possible into your suitcase.
Without further ado, here are the suitcase packing hacks that airlines probably don’t want you to know about.
Roll with It
We’re starting off this list with a tried and tested method that frequent traveling veterans swear by. Instead of folding your clothes, roll them up into tight sausage-like parcels and insert them into your suitcase. Start from the corners and work your way inwards.
Not only does this allow you to fit more clothes in your suitcase, while maximising precious space, it also helps to keep your clothing wrinkle-free.
This tip doesn’t just apply to clothing. Roll up anything that can be rolled up including scarves, sarongs, towels and anything else you want to take with you on your holiday adventure.
Make Use of Your Shoes
You’ve probably realised that your shoes take up an awful lot of space in your suitcase. Unfortunately, there is no workaround for that—unless you’re jetting off to a luxury private island resort that calls for the exclusive use of slip slops and sandals. So why not utilise your shoes to double as a storage compartment?
Stuff your shoes full of smaller items to make sure you get the most out of your available space. Plus, you won’t need to worry about tracking down the smaller items such as jewellery, undies or socks that usually get lost in a suitcase.
Just remember to place all items in a zip-lock bag because nobody wants to wear shoe-scented clothing.
Bundle Up
Have you ever heard of the bundle wrapping technique? If not, don’t worry as many other people haven’t either as this is a closely guarded secret that travel-fanatics keep to themselves for the most part.
The bundle wrapping method consists of—you guessed it—wrapping clothing items around what the technique calls a “core item”. This “core item” is usually a small pouch containing smaller items such as underwear, swimming costumes or socks.
This tip not only allows you to fit more clothing into your suitcase but also decreases the likelihood of folds, creases and wrinkles from occurring. Be mindful that this method is actually quite involved, but with a little practice, it could change your suitcase packing strategy for life.
Play a Game of Tetris
To make the most of your available suitcase space, well, you need to make the most of your available suitcase space. Fill up every inch of space by employing a clever Tetris-like packing style. Pack your heavier items such as jeans along the bottom of your suitcase and layer softer items on top of it.
Use every compartment of your suitcase and fill up any zipped mesh portions with items including toiletries and underwear. Once you’ve packed your suitcase, zip it closed and note any available space. Slot any excess items into those spaces and you’ll have maximised your suitcase space.
When it comes to shoes, pack them the way they are packed when you first purchase them. Heel to toe. For slip slops, you can slide one slop into the other.
Conclusion
By employing any of the tips and techniques we’ve outlined for you today, you’re bound to be able to pack whatever you’d like in your suitcase and not be forced to leave any items behind.
Pick any one of our four tips and pack like never before. It’s always a good idea to pre-pack your suitcase using any of our tips to determine which one will work best for you. The last situation you want to find yourself in is a mad packing dash the day of your trip. Plan, pack, unpack, then pack for real as your vacation date looms closer.
Do you have any of your own suitcase packing strategies? Share them with us in the comments section below and help your fellow suitcase-savvy people out.
Happy packing, safe travels!
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
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