How to Pack Luggage Efficiently

Packing efficiently has always been a skill that many people wished they had but few ever learned. Now with tighter airline restrictions, federal regulations, and checked baggage fees, it has become more important than ever to understand and utilize good packing techniques. Whether you plan to check luggage or carry-on, here are 5 tips to help you pack for your next trip:

1. Plan in advance: Just as you plan your vacations in advance, you should also plan your packing in advance. Determine what clothing and items you will pack based on your destination, the weather, and planned activities. Think about not only the overall trip, but also each day. Planning by day helps you decide what items to bring and what you can leave behind. It also helps you remember those often left-behind items like hats and umbrellas.

When you have an idea what you want to pack, categorize the items into three lists: “need to bring”, “want to bring”, and “can leave at home”. Then, start packing by category, starting with “need” first. Doing this can help avoid over packing and will ensure you fit the most important items in your bag even if you start to run out of room.

2. Maximize space: Every traveler knows that you can’t just cram things in a suitcase and expect everything to fit. There needs to be method, not madness. You want to make use of every last inch of space in your suitcase. Stick socks inside shoes. Pack shoes and other heavier items toward the bottom and sides of the bag. Roll T-shirts or fold pants and shirts into compact squares. Pack breakable items in the center of the bag, cushioned by clothing. Consider using compressor bags to remove the air from your clothing and compress them smaller or packing cubes to keep items together and less wrinkled.

3. Wear Your Heaviest Items On The Plane: One way to make sure you have enough room in your luggage and do not go over the weight limit is to wear your heaviest and/or bulkiest items on the plane. Don’t pack your coat. Wear it. Need to bring a sweatshirt or boots? Consider wearing those on the plane as well (as long as you don’t mind taking those boots off and putting them back on at the security checkpoint).

4. Pack Only The Toiletries You Need: Before you go out and buy travel sizes of everything, find out what your hotel provides. Many hotels offer soap, shampoo, and conditioner so you don’t need to pack those. This goes for electronic devices too such as hair dryers. No need to pack that if the hotel has one.

Find out if you can purchase toiletries at your destination from a local store or a hotel shop.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule for any toiletries you carry on. Liquids carried on must be 3 ounces or less in 1 clear plastic bag (1 bag per passenger). If you can find a non-liquid version of the same item, pack that instead. Examples include powder or solid makeup and solid deodorant.

5. Pack A Small Carry-On If You Plan To Check Baggage: If you need to check luggage, be sure to pack a carry-on bag with a few items in case your luggage is delayed or lost. You don’t want to be caught at your destination unprepared if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you. Pack a change of clothes and a few necessities like a toothbrush in a rollaboard or duffel bag. Always carry your critical items in your carry-on: passport, travel documents, business papers, cash, keys, and medicine.

This guest blog post was written by eBags – the largest online retailer of luggage, handbags, backpacks, laptop bags, and more.

[Photo: tomeppy]