Packing is child's play - just plan ahead by following the tips in this article. Remember to pack your bags according to the climate, destination and planned activities. Make sure you pack your personal care products, medicines, and valuables (such as jewelry) in your hand luggage, which you will stow in the compartment in the cabin of the plane, train car or bus.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Efficiently Prepare a Duffel Bag or Suitcase
Step 1. Before you begin, find out about the weather at your destination
It will rain? Prepare a raincoat or other clothes that dry quickly after getting wet. If it's hot, pack some shorts in your suitcase. If it's summer and you know you'll find a swimming pool at your destination, don't forget your swimsuit.
Step 2. Plan each and every day in advance
This will help you decide how many items of clothing to bring. If you overdo it, you will regret it because you will not use everything. Remember that you can always buy a cheap T-shirt or shorts once you reach your destination. You will regret filling a suitcase with unnecessary things, while if you carry as few items with you as possible you can always make up for it. You will probably remember well that in any city you have ever been you have always seen at least one laundromat.
Overfilling your suitcase also prevents you from having enough space for the gifts and souvenirs you will buy
Step 3. Place large or heavy clothes on the bottom
Always place bulky items at the bottom of the suitcase. This will make it easier for you to find the various things in your luggage.
Step 4. Pack several lightweight clothing items to layered
It is an ideal method for both hot and cold destinations. If you are cold, you can add more layers; if you are hot, you can take them off.
Step 5. Decide whether to roll or fold your clothes
If you need more space in your suitcase and the weight doesn't worry you, roll up your clothes (in fact this method takes significantly less space than the other). If, on the other hand, you don't need a lot of space and you don't want your luggage to weigh so much, fold them.
- To save space, roll your clothes as compactly as possible.
- Rolling up doesn't necessarily make your clothes crease more. You simply need to be careful as you do this so you don't get creased in the process. In fact, try to keep them as flat as possible when rolling them. It will help to fold the garment along its natural seams first.
- Stretchy clothes are easier to roll up without causing creasing.
- If you're not particularly good at rolling, avoid using this method for clothes that crease easily.
- Rolled-up clothes must be compact in the suitcase, which is why the method should only be used if space is scarce. Rolled-up garments that are not arranged compactly will unroll and crease.
Step 6. Use the inside of the shoes to store items
Slip the socks into your shoes if you have no other space for these items (they will also keep the shape of the shoes). If you have other small accessories, you can put them in the shoes.
Step 7. Use the folded shirts to separate and organize the various sections of the suitcase
This will help you distribute its content.
Step 8. Place the fragile items in the center of the suitcase
This way, they will be less likely to break. If possible, however, it would be best to avoid taking them on a trip.
Step 9. Place shirts and other formal clothing on top of the suitcase
Arrange smart shirts on top so you can easily take them off for hanging and ironing. This should also make sure that they don't crease too much.
Step 10. Put the shoes in a plastic bag
This way, after using them, you can keep them without damaging or soiling other items. Use a grocery bag or shower cap.
Step 11. Use folds and openings to tuck in underwear and socks
After filling the suitcase, store these items in the slots on the sides. This way you make sure you don't take up valuable space in the central part.
Advice
- Bring a book or magazine to entertain. If you have a Nook, Kindle, iPod, or mp3 player, don't leave it at home. You do not have it? If you travel often, it is worth buying one.
- Place your personal care products in a travel bag to prevent them from leaking and dirtying your clothes. If you have to fly, put them in a transparent bag containing no more than 1 liter and keep it in the toiletry bag. Once you get to security, you will know where to find it. Also, if a bottle leaks, the carton will not get stained.
- Prepare clothes and shoes thinking about possible combinations: do not fill the suitcase at random, otherwise you will overdo it.
- Save some time. Roll up the clothes by dividing them by outfit, so that all the pieces are in the same place, ready to be worn.
- Do not put your shoes in the suitcase at random: place them carefully on the bottom of the luggage.
- It would be better to travel with hand luggage only, so you don't have to worry about your suitcase upon arrival and you won't risk losing it. Another plus? It will force you to learn not to overfill it, not to mention that it will not undergo the same delicate treatment that checked baggage is subjected to.
- Never bring you mouthwash. Always buy a small bottle at your destination. It is very sticky, so if it leaks it will cause more of a problem.
- Before you start packing, write a list of the items you need. Make sure you have everything you need ready. Then, double check the contents of your baggage to make sure you have everything.
- Make a checklist of what you need so that once you're done packing your suitcase, you'll be sure you haven't forgotten anything.
- Always use travel-sized personal care products to save space. If you are taking the plane, each pack should not exceed 100ml, for a total of 1L.
- Bring a plastic bag with you to store dirty clothes.
- To prevent necklaces and bracelets from tangling, thread one end into a straw and clip it onto the other.
- If the journey is going to be long, remember to bring a pillow for when you will doze off.
Warnings
- If you carry any electronics or valuables with you, keep an eye on them. They are easily lost.
- Many airlines have weight restrictions on both cabin and hold baggage. The permitted weight is increasingly limited. Pay attention to these rules.
- If you are traveling by plane (or otherwise go through a rigorous security check), be sure not to bring knives, guns, lighters, nail clippers, metal cutlery, perishable goods, letter openers and large quantities of liquids, as they will be confiscated.
- If you are planning to shop at your destination, it is always preferable to bring an additional suitcase with you, one larger than the contents you need on departure or an expandable one. Folding a light bag and placing it in the bottom of your luggage can help if you come back with more things than you had when you left.
