6 Genius Packing Tips to Make Packing So Much Easier

The more the merrier, right? Not always. Especially when it comes to packing for a trip, no matter the length or whether you’re packing for an international trip or packing for a domestic trip, less is always more. For me personally I try to keep my baggage at no more than a carry on and personal item. Actually, depending on the airline I can usually travel with just a personal item alone. Even when I can take more than one bag I usually still ask myself how can I make all of this fit in a carry on. Checked bags are okay, but I kinda hate getting to my destination and having to wait at the carousel for bags to come out. I’d much rather just stand up, grab my carry on from the overhead bin and be on my way to explore! So here’s my guide for travel packing tips with 7 practical and helpful packing carry on tips that all travelers should know.

1. Choose the right bag

Okay so, you need a good bag! This will vary for everyone. What’s good for me may not be good for you depending on your travel habits and needs. Make sure whatever bag you choose fits your needs specifically. This is also something you want to invest in so you’re not having to buy new bags constantly. Get something thats good quality. When I travel I use my Vera Bradley Weekender Bag (pictured below) not only is it super cute, but it fits everything I need. Plus it has tons of interior and exterior pockets that help keep me super organized while I’m traveling. But the best part about it is it doubles as a personal item on airlines who have strict baggage limits! (You can order it here.)

 

 

 

For my backpackers, you might want a heavy duty, long haul backpack for hiking and backpacking. If you’re more of a stylish or tech savvy traveler you definitely will want smart luggage and this Raden A22 Carry on is exactly what you’re looking for. It has a built in USB charger, built in luggage scale, & the technology in it allows you to track your luggage from its app! Every travelers dream bag right?!

If you’re currently looking for a good travel bag I highly recommend checking Ebates.com first. You’ll earn cash back on your purchase AND you’ll get a $10 welcome bonus if you sign up with my link. You can sign up here and start earning cash back today!

2. Travel in the heavy stuff

This travel tip is pretty self explanatory. The heavy stuff takes up more room and weighs more, so this is the stuff you wanna wear or have in your hands on the plane. (i.e. a big heavy jacket and boots/sneakers for example)

3. Roll don’t fold/use packing cubes

Not only does rolling your clothes instead of folding them before packing prevent wrinkles, it also saves more space and allows for better organization of your travel bag. Speaking of organization, packing cubes are another good option! They are perfect for keeping everything in your bag organized. Plus they let you pack more in your carry on/backpack or whatever bag you’re traveling with.  These ones even feature a mesh top for ventilation and easy identification of your items!

4. Pack by outfit

To make packing easier I like to put together outfits before I put items in my bag. If I have a top I wanna wear I won’t pack it until I pair it with bottoms. This prevents overpacking and just tossing random things in your bag. Think about where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Don’t pack that random skirt that you don’t have anything to wear with. It’s only gonna take up space that you could be using for something else!

5. Put items to be worn first on top

This might be one of my favorite tips. Majority of the time I’m traveling somewhere tropical and warm (say no to snow) so one of the first things I’m needing when I arrive to my destination is my bathing suit etc. So, to make life easier I make sure to pack this ON TOP! Nothing worse than having to mess up my neatly packed bag trying to scramble around and find a matching top and bottom to my bathing suit. If I pack it on the top all I have to do is open my bag and it’s already there. So, be sure to pack items you’ll need or wear first on top.

6. Put bulkier items on bottom

The reason I do this is because it makes the weight a little more distributed, and its also easier to close the zipper if you’re bulkier items aren’t in the way. Also be sure to take advantage of and fill dead space. What I mean by this is put socks and/or underwear inside shoes to save space! Socks can be bulky and can take up a good amount of space, but if you put a few pairs of socks in your shoes its basically killing 2 birds with one stone!

Bonus tip: To keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean while in transit, stick a dryer sheet in your bag!

What’s your favorite packing tip? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share, tweet, & pin this post!

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