Weighing your luggage before you leave the house is simple and will save you the stress of wondering if your bags are too heavy. Buy a luggage scale to find out the exact weight of your luggage. If you don't want to spend money, no problem! Use a classic bathroom scale by weighing yourself first and then while holding the luggage: subtract your weight from the total weight to obtain the weight of the suitcase.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a bathroom scale
Step 1. Place the scale in a free space
This will make it easier for you to weigh your baggage. Place the scale away from walls or furniture, so that the suitcase does not rest on anything.
A suitable place for this is the kitchen or any other room with a lot of free space
Step 2. Weigh yourself and take notes
After turning on the scale, step on it and wait for the numbers to appear. Write the weight on a sheet of paper so you don't forget it. Get off the scale when you're done.
- If you know roughly how much you weigh, you can refer to that number to check if the scale is accurate or not.
- Writing down your weight is important, because later you will have to subtract it from the total weight.
Step 3. Hold your luggage and step back onto the scale
Now you will have to weigh yourself while holding the suitcase. Keep all weight on the center of the scale and note the result.
Wait for the scale to reset before climbing back on it
Step 4. Subtract your weight from your total weight
This way you will only get the weight of the baggage. You can do the math in your head, by hand on the paper or using a calculator.
- For example, if you weigh 59 kg and your weight when carrying the luggage is 75 kg, you will have to do 75 minus 59; the result, ie 16 kg, is the weight of the suitcase.
- Check the website of the airline you are flying with for the permitted weight limits to make sure you fit in.
Step 5. Place the suitcase on the scale if it is too heavy to hold
If your luggage is very large or weighs too much for you to hold in your arms, put a stool or similar on the scale. Reset the scale to clear the weight of the stool or subtract it from the total weight after putting the suitcase on it.
Turn the stool over so that the flat side is in contact with the scale and rest the suitcase between the legs of the stool or other support
Method 2 of 2: Weigh the Luggage with a Portable Scale
Step 1. Purchase a portable luggage scale to easily weigh your luggage
It is a great idea if you travel often and always have to weigh your luggage. Portable luggage scales can be purchased in department stores or online and you can choose from various models, including digital ones.
- Portable luggage scales are very small and easily transportable, allowing you to take them with you on the go.
- You can also buy a portable luggage scale at many airports.
Step 2. Reset the scale
In the case of a digital scale, press the “On” key and wait for the numbers to indicate zero. Other scales will need to be zeroed using your fingers to move the arrows to zero, moving them like the hands of a clock.
- If your scale is not digital, make sure both arrows are set to zero.
- The scale should come with an instruction booklet that you can refer to if you need it.
- You may need to insert batteries into digital scales for them to work.
Step 3. Hang the suitcase on the scale
A hook or strap is attached to the scale. In the first case, put the handle of the suitcase in the center of the hook for it to be stable. If you are using the strap, pass it through the handle of the suitcase and fasten it to the hook.
Try to hang the suitcase so that the weight is evenly distributed
Step 4. Lift the suitcase slowly using both hands for 5-10 seconds
If you lift the scale too quickly, it will register a heavier weight than it actually is. Slowly and gently lift the scale with the hanging suitcase, trying to keep it as still as possible.
Using both hands will help distribute the weight evenly and get an accurate measurement
Step 5. Read the weight of the baggage on the scale
If you use a digital scale, the latter will fix the weight once the accurate measurement is reached (ie the numbers will stop changing). On other scales, the two hands will move towards the number indicating the weight of your baggage.
- You will have to wait a little longer for the scale to register an accurate weight, so be patient and keep the suitcase as still as possible while holding it.
- On ordinary scales, one hand will return to zero when you put the luggage down, while the other will remain on the weight so you won't forget it.
Advice
- Check the weight limits allowed by the airline you are flying with.
- You can also plan to arrive at the airport early and weigh your baggage there, to allow time to move some items in your hand baggage if necessary.
- You can weigh your luggage for free at many post offices.
- Remember that if you add items to your baggage after weighing it, that value will no longer be accurate.
