Packing for a trip can be a right faff, can’t it? Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend city break or embarking on a month-long adventure, the art of efficient packing can make or break your travel experience. But don’t worry, fellow globetrotters! The right clever packing tricks will revolutionise your suitcase game. These genius hacks will help you maximise space, minimise stress, and ensure you’re always prepared for whatever your journey throws at you. Say goodbye to overstuffed bags and hello to savvy travelling!
Roll, Don’t Fold
Ditch the traditional folding method and embrace the roll. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and reduces wrinkles. This technique works particularly well for t-shirts, trousers, and casual dresses. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can fit in your suitcase with this simple switch. For delicate items prone to creasing, try the bundle wrapping method where you wrap smaller items inside larger ones.
Use Packing Cubes
Invest in a set of packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised. These lightweight fabric containers help separate different types of clothing and make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. They’re especially handy for longer trips or when you’re visiting multiple destinations. Colour-code your cubes for different categories of items to make packing and unpacking even quicker.
Stuff Your Shoes
Don’t let the space inside your shoes go to waste. Stuff socks, underwear, or small accessories inside your footwear to maximise every inch of space in your luggage. This trick also helps your shoes keep their shape during transit. For extra protection, place your stuffed shoes in shower caps or plastic bags to prevent any dirt from transferring to your clothes.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Save valuable suitcase space by wearing your bulkiest items while travelling. Put on that thick jumper or those heavy boots for the journey. You can always remove layers once you’re on the plane or train if you get too warm. This strategy is particularly useful when travelling to colder destinations or if you’re trying to avoid checked baggage fees.
Use a Shower Cap for Shoes
Keep your clean clothes protected from dirty shoe soles by using shower caps. Slip a shower cap over the bottom of each shoe before packing. This cheap and cheerful hack prevents dirt and grime from transferring to your clothes. You can often snag extra shower caps from hotels for free, making this a budget-friendly solution.
Pack a Pillowcase
Bring an empty pillowcase on your travels. It can serve as a makeshift laundry bag, an extra pillow cover, or even a beach bag in a pinch. When you’re heading home, use it to wrap dirty clothes or protect fragile souvenirs. In a bind, you can also use it as a curtain for added privacy in shared accommodations.
Utilise Vacuum Bags
For bulky items like winter coats or fluffy towels, vacuum bags are a game-changer. These bags compress air out, significantly reducing the space these items take up. Just be mindful of weight restrictions if you’re flying. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use zip-lock bags and squeeze the air out manually for a similar effect.
Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Plan your outfits around a colour scheme that allows for easy mixing and matching. This approach lets you pack fewer items while still having plenty of outfit options. Stick to versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. Take photos of different outfit combinations before you pack to ensure you have enough variety without overpacking.
Use Contact Lens Cases for Liquids
For short trips, decant small amounts of liquids like face cream or foundation into clean contact lens cases. These tiny containers are perfect for holding just enough product for a few days, saving space in your toiletry bag. Label the tops with a permanent marker to avoid confusion, and always test for leaks before packing.
Pack a Scarf or Sarong
A lightweight scarf or sarong is one of the most versatile items you can pack. Use it as a blanket on chilly flights, a beach cover-up, a picnic blanket, or even a makeshift bag. The possibilities are endless! In a pinch, it can also serve as a stylish headscarf, a belt, or even a pillow when rolled up.
Separate Clothes with Dry Cleaner Bags
Prevent wrinkles by separating clothes with dry cleaner bags. The slippery plastic helps clothes slide over each other instead of creasing. This trick is especially useful for dress shirts and formal wear. If you don’t have dry cleaner bags, tissue paper can work in a similar way.
Use Straws to Store Jewellery
Keep necklaces from tangling by threading them through drinking straws. Cut the straws to size if needed. This simple hack keeps your jewellery organised and easy to access. For smaller chains or bracelets, buttons with multiple holes work well too.
Pack a Power Strip
Instead of bringing multiple adapters, pack a power strip from home. This way, you only need one adapter to charge multiple devices. It’s a lifesaver in hotel rooms with limited outlets. Opt for a compact, travel-friendly power strip with surge protection for added peace of mind.
Use Binder Clips for Cords
Keep your electronic cords tidy and tangle-free with binder clips. Wrap the cord and use the clip to hold it in place. You can even attach labels to the clips for easy identification. Binder clips can also be used to cover sharp razor blades or to keep curtains closed for better sleep.
Bring Dryer Sheets
Tuck a few dryer sheets between your clothes to keep them smelling fresh throughout your trip. They can also be used to freshen up musty drawers in hotel rooms or rental apartments. In a pinch, you can use them to tame static in your hair or remove deodorant marks from clothes.
Use a Glasses Case for Small Items
Repurpose an old glasses case to store small items like cables, earbuds, or memory cards. This keeps these easily lost items safe and easy to find in your bag. A hard-shell glasses case can also protect fragile items like small souvenirs or makeup compacts.
Pack an Empty Water Bottle
Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill up after passing through airport security. This saves money on overpriced airport drinks and reduces plastic waste. Choose a collapsible bottle to save space when not in use. Some bottles now come with built-in filters, which can be handy when travelling to areas with questionable water quality.
Use Rubber Bands on Toiletry Bottles
Prevent leaks by placing a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening of toiletry bottles, then securing the cap with a rubber band. This double layer of protection gives you peace of mind when packing liquids. For extra security, place these bottles in a zip-lock bag before packing them in your toiletry kit.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
