Whether you're on your way to a wonderful vacation somewhere warm or traveling on business, packing a suitcase can be a hassle for many. Learning how to maximize that space that you have in your suitcase is critical. With record high fuel prices, many airlines have instituted strict rules regarding how much luggage you can bring. If you are not able to maximize the space available and need to take more baggage, it could end up costing you.
16 Tips for Packing a Suitcase
1. Lay out all of the items that you would like to take with you. Only choose stuff that is absolutely necessary, not just things that you “might” need. Depending on your mode of travel, you will need to decide how many bags you are allowed to take. Consult with specific airlines for their baggage limits.
2. Pack all our valuable items in a carry-on bag. Also place any crucial items like prescription drugs (in their original bottle), contact lenses, toothbrush and a light change of clothing in your carry-on if you're traveling on a plane. If your luggage is lost, at least you will have the essentials to get by for a little while.
3. Be sure to check with the airlines regarding carrying liquid items on the plane. You may have to hand over that expensive bottle of shampoo if its too large, or pack it in your checked luggage.
4. Any item that you will need to get you from the airport to your destination such as other tickets, maps, phone numbers, directions or notes should be carried on the plane as well.
5. Roll your clothing when you're putting it into your suitcase. You will be surprised at how much space you will save by rolling your clothes, and it will help to prevent wrinkles. Try to roll them as tightly as possible. For anything that can't be rolled, place those items on the bottom of the suitcase, as flat as possible. Items like pants or jeans may need to go in the bottom.
6. Place your shoes on top, but make sure you wrap them in a plastic bag to avoid marking your clean clothes.
7. Look for empty spaces that you can tuck little items after the suitcase is packed. Use up all the available space and don't forget about the outside pockets of the suitcase.
8. If traveling on business and you have to take large books or papers, place them at the bottom of the suitcase. However, if it would cause major issue if you lost the book or papers, make sure you take them on the plane with you.
9. If traveling by car, you likely think that you can take as much luggage as you want, and that's true. But remember, the heavier the car is, the more fuel it will take to get to your destination.
If you're traveling on business and must take formal clothing like suits or dresses, place them in an appropriate garment bag so that they will not get wrinkled or ruined.
10. Like many vacationers, if you plan to do some shopping before you go, make sure to take an extra bag with you so you won't have to buy another. Again, remember you luggage limits imposed by the airlines.
11. Don't pack your suitcase too heavy. It will make it difficult to get in and out of vehicle trunks and off the baggage claim at the airport.
Bag solid colored items that can be easily mixed and matched so that you have the appearance of a new outfit everyday while reusing some pieces.
12. Take colorful accessories to help add a touch of color rather than bringing a large number of colored items. This can cut down on the amount of luggage that you will need to take.
13. For men, take a blazer that matches with a number of items that can easily dress up any outfit.
14. When choosing your outfits, try to think about what shoes go with the outfit. If you pack outfits that require you to bring several pairs of shoes, try going with outfits that will allow you to take only 2 pairs of shoes with you.
15. Place socks in the toes of your shoes to keep them from being crushed.
If you're going on a trip where you will be quite active (ie. theme parks, hiking etc), use a backpack as your carry-on and then you can use it when at your destination.
16. Don't buy gigantic luggage! I once traveled with my parents and they were determined to buy a piece of luggage that would suffice for 2 people for 2 weeks. Needless to say, the suitcase was so large that the two grandkids could have fit in it with room to spare. It was very heavy to get in and out of the car and off the luggage claim at the airport.