4 Rules to Pack Your Suitcase Like an Expert

How you pack your suitcase depends on how you travel, so before you begin, consider your mode of transportation and how long you must walk. For example, if you travel by plane, you must consider what toiletries are approved in your carry-on and what size this should be. Additionally, there is typically a maximum weight limit of 22 kilograms per checked bag, so be sure you do not exceed this to avoid extra charges.

It would also be helpful to think about the length of your trip and your destination; of course: packing for a beach holiday is not the same as packing for a ski vacation, a cityscape, or a business trip, for example.

Rolling or Folding?

It does not matter whether you roll or fold your clothes. You typically should fold jeans and sweaters and roll small items like underwear and socks.

But do not stress too much about these choices. Instead, fold and roll as tightly as possible to make the best use of the available space in your luggage.

Instead, plan carefully what you want to pack, and do not stuff your bag with unnecessary items. For example, limit your shoes to two or three pairs: flip-flops to wear in the bathroom and at the beach, a comfortable walking or trekking pair of shoes, and dress shoes if you attend special events. You can roll socks and place them inside these shoes to save space.

Another idea: only pack for a week and wash as you go if you stay longer. Choose quick-dry clothing when you travel. There are plenty of items you can find on Amazon, or try a Google search to find specialty brands.

Use Compression Packing Bags to Save Space

Use compression packing bags to save space. They have the advantage of being airtight and waterproof, keeping your clothing safe from parasites and weather damage.

Packing cubes can help you keep your luggage organized, but they do not help you save space. However, they could come in handy to sort your dirty laundry so that when you unpack, you already know what must be washed and what not.

Use only Airport Approved (TSA) Toiletries

There is a general rule accepted by most airports worldwide: liquids, aerosols, gels, and creams in recipients smaller than 100 millilitres can go in your carry-on. Larger cosmetics must go in the checked bag.

For example, you could use Cadence Capsules for your toiletries: leakproof, refillable, customizable, magnetic, and TSA-approved. In addition, you can use them to store anything from small jewellery (rings) to pills, creams, moisturizers, powders, hair gel, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen lotion, etc.

Think About Your Hygiene

COVID-19 brought novel items to pack for our trips: disinfectants. You can use all the following:

• TSA-approved disinfectant sprays for linen (spray your pillow at the hotel);
• travel-size packets of hand sanitizer gel;
• multi-surface disinfecting wipes;
• an odourless, child and pet-safe bed bug and mite killer spray to use on airplanes, cruise ships, and all hotels, motels, and hostels;
• appropriate face masks to wear in crowds and indoors.

One last tip: whenever you travel, use money belts, neck wallets, or anti-theft chest bags to protect valuables like money, passports, IDs, credit cards, etc.

Happy travels!