19 Packing Tips Frequent Travelers Swear By

Packing for a trip can be stressful, but with a few smart strategies, you can make the process smoother and more efficient. Drawing from the experiences of seasoned travelers, here are some practical packing tips to consider.

1. Bundle Your Outfits

Organizing your clothes can save time and space.

• Roll your shirt, pants, underwear, and socks together to form one bundle.
• This method prevents wrinkles and makes it easy to grab a complete outfit.
• Bundling also helps in maximizing luggage space.

2. Use Packing Cubes

Keep your suitcase organized and items easily accessible.

• Packing cubes help compress and separate your clothing.
• Organize cube contents by day or by types of clothing.
• This prevents rummaging through your entire bag to find a single item.

3. Opt for Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

Choose clothing that requires less maintenance.

• Fabrics like polyester, denim, wool, knits, spandex, and lyocell are less prone to wrinkles.
• Avoid 100 percent linen or linen-cotton blends, which tend to wrinkle easily.
• Wrinkle-resistant clothes keep you looking fresh without extra effort.

4. Buy Solid Toiletries

Reduce liquid-related hassles and save space.

• Solid shampoo bars and soaps take up less space and are TSA-compliant.
• You can also find solid perfume, makeup remover, bug balm, sunscreen, and even toothpaste tabs.
• Solid toiletries are leak-proof and convenient for travel.

5. Make Your Clothing Multitask

Pack versatile items to minimize luggage.

• A scarf or stole can act as a sarong, a wrap for dirty clothes, or a cover-up for religious sites.
• Choose clothing items that can be worn for multiple occasions or mixed and matched.
• Multi-purpose items reduce the number of clothes you need to pack.

6. Choose a Clothing Color Scheme

Simplify outfit coordination.

• Create a capsule wardrobe with neutral colors and one or two accent colors.
• Coordinated clothing allows for layering and mixing, maximizing outfit combinations.
• A cohesive color scheme makes packing and dressing easier.

7. Use the Pillowcase Hack

Utilize everyday items for extra packing space.

• Stuff clothes in a zippered pillowcase, then cover it with a regular pillowcase.
• This method provides additional room in your bag and gives you a pillow for your flight.
• It's a clever way to bring extra outfits without taking up more space.

8. Keep a Ready-to-Go Toiletry Bag

Save time and avoid forgetting essentials.

• Maintain a toiletry bag stocked with travel-size products that are always ready to pack.
• Replenish items as needed after each trip.
• A prepared toiletry bag streamlines the packing process.

9. Wear Bulky Items During Transit

Free up luggage space and stay comfortable.

• Wear your coat, boots, and other bulky items on the plane.
• This saves space in your luggage and keeps you warm during travel.
• You can store these items in the overhead bin during the flight.

10. Pack a Foldable Day Pack

Have a lightweight bag for daily use.

• A collapsible day pack takes up minimal space in your luggage.
• It's perfect for carrying essentials during day trips or excursions.
• A foldable bag is convenient and practical for exploring new places.