9 Tips for Packing a Suitcase
The time to pack your suitcase has come and the doubts about what to take and what not to take begin to arise. Regardless of the duration and purpose of the trip, it’s important to take into account these tips for packing your suitcase that we’ll share with you in this article.
The priorities about what to pack vary with each person, trip, and group. However, the premise is to ask yourself some questions about the activities you will be doing at your destination and the weather.
1. Check baggage policies
If you’re traveling by plane, it’s essential to know the baggage policies of the airline in question. Suitcase size, quantity, and weight are usually the 3 parameters you should know before starting to pack your bag.
Remember that there are hand luggage and hold luggage. In turn, there are items that cannot be carried, as well as other restrictions on the capacity of containers containing liquids or creams.
If you travel by bus, train, or car, you should keep in mind how much space you have for your luggage.
We think you may be interested in reading this article, too: Backpacker Granny: Traveling the World Since She Was 65
2. Choose the right type of suitcase
If you have to buy a suitcase, first analyze each of the models, their dimensions, closing systems, grip, and mobility. In general, we recommend those that have a hard cover case with a structured shell. This way, you won’t be able to overfill it by forcibly packing things.
3. Make a list of the luggage to pack in your suitcase
Now that you know the airline restrictions and you have the right suitcase, it’s time to take a pencil and a notepad to make your list. Consider the number of days, the forecast, and the activities you intend to do.
It all comes down to knowing your itinerary. Do you plan on beach life all day? Do you plan on hiking in the mountains? Will there be any celebrations that call for evening wear?
4. Choose the clothes you pack wisely
One of the best-known ways to select clothes is the 5/4/3/2/1 method for week-long trips. It consists of 5 pairs of socks and underwear, 4 items for the upper body, 3 for the lower body, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 hat.
Of course, you can modify these numbers according to your needs and the type of trip. The premise is to take only the minimum and indispensable items.
Think about the versatility of the garments, that is to say, you can give them different uses. We also apply this concept to personal hygiene items. For example, you can opt for the same cream that serves as a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen at the same time.
5. Leave aside the “just in cases”
Packing something just in case should be left behind. Not only will you not wear those items, but you’ll be adding unnecessary weight to your suitcase and leaving no room for shopping. This practice is associated with the fear of lacking or forgetting something important.
However, if you make the list with time, you have the possibility of adding the items that you consider relevant. If while at your destination you notice that you have forgotten something essential, you will surely find a way to solve it.
6. Pack your suitcase like a puzzle
Each item has its place in the suitcase. Some people recommend that heavier clothes, such as shoes and coats, go at the bottom, while thinner and lighter clothes go on top.
You should also think of your suitcase as a drawer. You will be able to store clothes rolled up and not folded, as they take up less space.
Dresses and jeans are placed in the corners of the suitcase. Shoes (with socks inside) at the end.
There are also packing cubes, which are compartments that are placed inside the suitcase and function as separators to maintain order.
Another recommendation is to pack by categories. Clothes go with clothes and not with cables and shoes in between. In case you are traveling with children, you could assemble the suitcase with daily attire.
There are different packing methods, so try to find the one that suits you best.
7. Store containers correctly
Creams, shampoo, and perfumes should be packed in sealed bags. However, there are personal hygiene products available in bars, such as soaps, and hair care items that, in addition to being lighter, are more practical for a trip.
They should be stored in an upright position.
Like this article? You may also like to read: 9 Tips to Take Care of Your Finances During Vacation Time
8. Store electronic devices properly
One of the many tips for packing your travel suitcase is to know how to store electronic devices. One of the most practical ways is to place each one of them with their respective cables and accessories in separate bags.
And since we are talking about this type of sealed bags, try to take some extra ones for dirty or wet clothes, shoes, and cosmetic products.
9. Don’t forget…
Finally, keep in mind these small details:
- Weigh your suitcase before the day of your trip so you won’t be surprised at the airport and have to pay for excess baggage or weight.
- Put valuables in your carry-on luggage, as well as a change of clothes, in case your luggage gets lost.
- Add stickers or ribbons to easily distinguish your suitcase on the belt.
- Choose miniature containers to carry personal hygiene products.
Tips for packing your suitcase to increase the enjoyment of your trip
We hope you can implement some of these tips and adapt them to your own circumstances. The most important thing is that you can enjoy your stay, minimizing the unexpected. This is why packing neatly and conscientiously is so important.
Happy travels!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Acuto, M., Pejic, D., & Briggs, J. (2021). Taking city rankings seriously: engaging with benchmarking practices in global urbanism. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 45(2), 363-377.
- Capafóns, J. I., Avero, P., Sosa, C. D., & López-Curbelo, M. (1999). Fobia a viajar en avión: Valoración de un programa de exposición. Psicología Conductual, 7(1), 119-135.
- GUILLÉN PÉREZ, C. A. R. O. L. I. N. A. (2013). Lavado de ropa en alojamientos. Ediciones Paraninfo, SA.
- Tinajero Romero, S. (2015). Lavar la ropa: una tarea de minga (Tema Central).
- Flores Comeca, A. L. (2018). Diseño e implementación de un módulo de peso y alarma para una maleta de viaje.
- Alvarado Santis, E. A. (2020). Herramienta de analítica visual para el manejo de irregularidades de equipajes(Master’s thesis, Uniandes).