Packing is not my favorite activity when it comes to traveling. However, it has to be done. My goal is to pack as little as possible, so that I don’t have the struggle to drag my heavy and big luggage with me while traveling. Over the years I have learnt some packing hacks that do not only help me to save space in my suitcase, but that also help me to keep my luggage weight down. I put together some helpful tips for travelers that need to save space when packing for their next getaway.
Roll your clothes
Yes, this actually works! Instead of folding your clothes, start to roll them. That way it will be easy to stack or stuff them in your suitcase. Another advantage: rolling will prevent your clothes from wrinkling.
Buy necessities at your destination
Don’t worry, if something does not fit anymore in your suitcase. Remember, that you can always buy toiletries at your destination.
Use vacuum bags
These bags saved my life (and that of my suitcase) when I packed for my year abroad in Istanbul. You can easily use them for jackets and sweaters.
Take advantage of your hotel
Inform yourself, if your hotel offers complimentary bathroom amenities like shampoo, lotions or soap so that you don’t have to pack them. If yes, leave your toiletries at home. It will keep your luggage space down.
Pack only two pair of shoes
Shoes are usually the bulkiest and the heaviest items that you will pack. Consider only packing two pair of shoes. If you are not traveling longterm or traveling to different climates, then that should be enough.
Wear heavy clothes during flight
Try to wear sweaters, bulky boots and jeans that take too much space and weight during the flight. You could also layer clothes. Plus point: it will keep you warm in the freezing plane.
Take travel sizes and samples with you
I try to minimize my make up products by using samples or travel sized products. You can also put your shampoo, lotion etc. in travel sized toiletry containers. This will not only save space, but also weight.
Do your laundry when traveling
Another option that saves space is to simply wash your clothes while traveling. You can ask your hotel to take care of them or look for a self-service laundry. Just in case, you can always use a sink.
Mix and match
Choose items from your wardrobe that will create several outfit possibilities. That means that you should toss out anything that does not match with more than one piece of clothing.
Pack inside your shoes
Utilize every little corner of your suitcase. You can stuff your shoes with socks, underwear or jewelry. It’s not only a great way to save space, but your shoes will also hold their shape when during your journey.
Do you really need everything?
I tend to pack clothes that I probably will not wear. Give your suitcase one last look and ask yourself: do you really need every single item that you have packed? I am sure there are one or two things that you can leave behind.
What are your packing tips? How do you save space?
Love the tips!
My faves are rolling and using vacuum bags! I didn’t know about these before I started researching what I needed to pack for my six months trip across the world but now I wouldn’t go anywhere without them!
I wrote an article on the ones I bought – http://iamdanelson.com/number-one-product-to-take-backpacking/
Hi Dan! Thank you 🙂 I will check it out!
I always pack my socks and underwear inside my shoes. This saves my shoes from getting crushed out of shape, and mix efficient use of space.
I like your point about being able to buy things at your destination. When I have that feeling like I’ve forgotten something, I just make sure that I have my prescription lenses and my credit cards and passport. After that anything else can pretty much be purchased if needed.
I also look for items that have multiple uses. This is why we’ve developed our travel beach towel (coming soon). It’s compact, portable, and can be used as a blanket, coverup or changing robe. It even converts into a beach bag.