No-Fail Plan: 10 Ways To Pack Smart

When it comes to packing suitcases or bags, for either long or short trips, I like to follow a series of tips to keep everything tidy and optimize space. With all the airlines regulations regarding weight and dimensions, we have no choice but to make the most of what we have, right? There’s nothing more annoying than having to pay for an extra bag, especially when it can be avoided by packing light and smart!

If you need some tips on packing your suitcase, taking advantage of every inch of space, and keeping it all organized, I have 10 smart packing tips for you!

How to pack light and smart

I believe that if there’s something you can do to make your traveling less stressful, you should definitely do it, and there’s nothing like opening an organized bag and knowing where everything is. It saves you time at your destination when you have to unpack, which basically means more time to relax and have fun.

1. Use a pouch or small bag for all your in-flight essentials

Instead of having to reach the overhead compartment or stretch under the seat in front of you for in-flight essentials, store them all in a pouch or small bag and keep it handy for the duration of your flight. Things I usually pack: glasses, snacks (like almonds or granola), a notebook, a pen, earphones and phone cord, phone and phone battery, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, lip balm, and a pair of socks to wear during the flight.

2. Always keep your absolutely necessary makeup items with you

I feel like some airports don’t apply the Ziploc rule and others do, so to be safe I always carry my makeup (just the absolutely-necessary-can’t-live-without makeup) with me in a Ziploc.

3. Roll your tops or fold them twice

Whether you do one or the other, you’ll be amazed at how this avoids getting them all wrinkled.

4. Level the base of your suitcase for an even first layer

You know those awkward spaces at the bottom of your suitcase? Fill them up and create a flat foundation for the rest of the layers to come.

5. Use lingerie bags for your intimates

Not only you’ll be protecting your delicate intimates but you’ll have them handy and in one place.

6. Fold embellished and delicate items inside-out

This protects delicate fabrics from getting caught to loose items or other pieces of clothing in your suitcase.

7. Stuff your shoes with small items and store them in bags

Make use of every inch of space and protect items that you don’t want to be loose. I like to fill my shoes with jewelry, small bottles (don’t forget to tape their caps and store in Ziploc bags), and socks. I then place them inside shoe bags so they don’t spoil my clothes.

8. Use jewelry pouches and small bags for your necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings

If I’m traveling with any fine jewelry I either wear it or carry it in my handbag. The rest normally goes in jewelry bags in the suitcase (placed inside my running shoes).

9. Stuff handbags with clothes to maintain their shape

If you’re bring an extra purse, fill them with clothes – it not only maximizes space but you’ll avoid ruining their shape with this simple tip.

10. Leave a space at the wheel base of the suitcase for your toiletries bag

This is crucial! Toiletries are always the last thing to go in, so if you don’t do this you will find yourself trying to squeeze it in, messing up the whole suitcase. In order to avoid that, always leave a space at the bottom of the suitcase for it. Why the bottom you ask? So that it doesn’t crush (and wrinkle) everything else while it also stabilizes the center of gravity of the suitcase.

Do you guys have any other tips I should know about? Spill them!

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