Packing is always a challenge for me. The ‘prepared for anything’ side of my personality conflicts with an overwhelming ‘less is more’ mentality…and finding a happy medium between the two is a constant battle. Sure, I want to include that third jacket…just in case the light weight is too light and the heavy weight is too heavy…but I also know that I’m going to have to lug whatever suitcase I take onto a packed train at rush hour!
Here are a few tips to help you pack like a pro!
Suitcase selection
Picking the right type of suitcase is the first step! (Check out this blog post on finding the right luggage.)
The main choice is whether to pick a hard-sided or soft-sided bag. Hard-sided bags are exactly what they sound like—hard protective shells form the sides of the bag. These bags add extra protection to whatever you pack inside, but do add weight and are a rigid shape and size (i.e. you won’t be squeezing them in anywhere!). Soft-sided bags encompass a large variety including structured, semi structured, and unstructured. Structured bags have a full frame which adds extra protection to your stuff packed inside, but at slightly less weight than a hard-sided bag. Semi-structured bags usually contain a frame along one side, making them easier to transport often with wheels or straps to wear as a backpack…and also serves as a small amount of protection. Unstructured bags like most duffle bags or backpacks provide no additional protection, but are lightweight and easily compressible.
What about wheels? There’s no doubt that wheels make hauling your bag around a whole lot easier (unless, of course, you’re travelling across cobblestones or other uneven surfaces). But they do have a tendency to get in the way when you’re trying to cram your bag into an overhead bin or keep your four wheeled bag from rolling away from you on the airport tram.
So which to choose? That all depend on your situation. If you’re packing a lot of delicate items (or plan on bringing fragile souvenirs back with you), then hard-shelled luggage is probably your best choice. But if you’re catching a bush plane to your safari camp, where weight and space are at a premium, then you’ll probably want to choose an unstructured soft-sided bag.
But luggage is so expensive! It certainly can be. There are two distinct schools of thought here. Buying expensive luggage with the idea that it will hold up better…or buying cheap luggage and repurposing it (I use mine to pack away extra clothes, sheets, dog toys, etc. in the closet) when it inevitably gets damaged.
Personally, since I’m going to be carrying around my own luggage, I’m a fan of soft-sided…often travelling with just a small duffle bag or a carry-on sized two-wheeled structured suitcase…in addition to a standard backpack.
Make a list
If it isn’t apparent by now, I’m a planner. Which means lists are one of my favorite things in the world. Even if you’re more the ‘winging it’ type, making a packing list will help prevent missed items or overpacking. Ideally make your list well in advance so that you can purchase any needed items in time for your trip. There’s nothing worse than packing at midnight the night before you leave…and realizing that your bathing suit doesn’t fit anymore!
The wonders of packing cubes
Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. By packing individual cubes by item type, you don’t have to unpack your entire suitcase to find what you need. If space is at a premium, there are even packing cubes that have compression capabilities to help you get every square inch of usage out of your bag!
Be realistic
Overpacking is probably one of the most common problems. Do you really need three pairs of dress shoes? Probably not. A simple adjustment to your wardrobe choices is likely all you need to cut that number down to one. Or even zero. Do you wear your jeans for a couple days in a row at home? If so, then you probably don’t need to pack a fresh pair for every day of your trip. Also…there are laundromats (or sinks) pretty much everywhere. Packing a single use container of laundry soap takes up a lot less space than twice as many clothes.
Even making a conscious effort to pack light, there’s hardly a trip when I don’t come home and realize that there are clothes in my bag I didn’t ever get around to wearing. I’m not saying *don’t* pack it…but consider each item carefully before you commit.
Consider color coordinating your wardrobe…and embrace layers
For getting the most out of your wardrobe…consider color coordinated layers! This allows you to mix and match for an endless variety of situations. You can adapt to the weather or location with ease…and not have to worry that your favorite dress shirt can only be paired with a particular set of pants (and shoes…and jacket).
For me it’s either blacks and greys with a pop of blue…or earth tones that lean on the green side. And they’re all planned with multiple light layers that can mix and match.
Fabric type matters
To cut down on frustration, pick fabrics that resist wrinkling. (And pack a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser just in case!)
Roll items instead of folding them
Many clothing items take up less space if they’re rolled instead of being folded.
Wear your heaviest clothes
Instead of trying to cram your fluffy sweater and heavy boots into your suitcase…wear them the day you travel. Wearing your bulkiest items will free up extra space in your luggage.
Pack with security in mind
Getting through security is one of the biggest pains about flying. But you can make your experience easier if you put a little thought into your packing. Switch as many liquid items for solid ones as possible. Double check that your liquid items meet security requirements before putting them in your bag. Pack electronics where they’re easily accessible. A few extra minutes of planning can make your security experience a whole lot easier! (Or register for TSA Pre-check and avoid the hassle!)
Tuck in some plastic bags
In general, I’m a supporter of reusable bags…but, when I’m packing, I always tuck in a few plastic bags. Great for dirty laundry…muddy shoes…wet swimsuits…. You’ll be surprised how often they come in handy.
Heavy items go at the bottom
And I mean down near the wheels! This helps stabilize the bag when sitting upright…and keeps the heavier items from squishing your more delicate ones.
Don’t check essential items
If you can’t replace it, it shouldn’t go in your checked luggage. While lost and damaged luggage isn’t the norm…you should keep those things that are most important with you at all times. Medication. Electronics. Cherished pieces of jewelry (even if they aren’t expensive). Etc. It’s also a good idea to pack some basic toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on as well…just in case your luggage gets delayed. (Check out this blog post on why you should have travel insurance. Lost and damaged luggage is only one of the reasons!)
Seriously, pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on. And a toothbrush. I’ll never forget flying in for a remote field clinic and discovering that my suitcase, which had all my scrubs packed in it, didn’t make the flight. When the airline asked where they could deliver the bag…they didn’t find it that amusing when I gave them coordinates instead of an address. Thankfully they worked a miracle, found the bag, and got it on a red-eye so that I could pick it up before heading out…and I was super grateful not to have to do surgery (and sleep) in my travelling jeans and t-shirt all week.
Leave room for souvenirs
You’ll want to bring something back from your trip. Make sure there’s enough room in your luggage to bring a few additional items home!
I’m the worst about this…to the point my friends and family have gotten used to getting tiny and/or flat gifts from my travels (notebooks, reusable bags, themed flash drives, etc.).
Maximize your personal item
Most airlines allow you to bring a personal item to place under the seat in front of you. Maximize this space! Don’t waste it on a small handbag! Personally, I like to wear a tiny purse with just the essentials when I’m travelling…so I take a backpack as my personal item and stuff my tiny purse inside! Even if you don’t need the space, you’ll be happy to have it in case you decide to bring home an extra souvenir.
