Always forgetting to pack the essentials? Or are you one of those people who packs everything but the kitchen sink? While it might seem like a simple process of throwing all of your crap into a box, packing a suitcase is truly a fine art. If you bring too much, you will quickly find yourself regretting it after you lug it to the airport and pay crazy check-in fees. If you pack too little, you’ll find yourself roaming the streets of a foreign city to find the basics that you should have pick. Searching for that perfect balance? Here is what you need to do to get the perfectly packed suitcase.
Step 1: Be picky.
Pack as little as possible. Bring your most versatile pieces so that everything can mix and match. Bring more tops than bottoms so you can recycle your jeans and shorts a few times.
Step 2: Edit.
Stick with cottons and knits. The less likely your clothes are to wrinkle, the less likely you are to need an iron. Keep it simple.
Step 3: Start the fold and roll.
If the fabric is soft, roll it up. If it is stiff, fold it. You can make a major difference in the amount of wrinkles you wind up with when you unpack if you treat your fabrics differently.
Step 4: Pick your shoes
Generally speaking, it is good to have sandals, dress shoes and trainers. Having one pair of each will leave you ready for everything.
Step 5: Stuff and wrap your shoes
Once you’ve chosen your pairs of shoes, stuff them with valuables. Stick your sunglasses and chargers inside. Wrap your shoes in a plastic bags to keep them from getting your clothes dirty.
Step 6: Fill up travel containers
Forget about bringing a full-size anything. Stick with refillable containers and keep the big plastic resealable bag them came in. If you need a full size container of a basic toiletry, buy it there.
Step 7: Protect your valuables
If you absolutely must bring something valuable or breakable, wrap it up in your thickest bit of clothing then put in the centre of your suitcase.
Step 8: Bring spacing saving bags
For the most part, space saving and vacuum seal bags aren’t worth it. You will typically end up with an overweight suitcase before it’s too full to close. The one time these bags are really handy is when you are dealing with dirty clothes. Stick your smell stuff in a bag that seals then roll out the air so you aren’t wasting space. Avoid the vacuum bags though- unless you plan to bring along the hoover!
Photo by paris.wood
