The first challenge of any trip is deciding what to pack or leave behind before your actual flight. Whether you’re trying to fit all your items into a carry-on for a quick business trip or struggling to decide what to pack for an extended stay, packing efficiently and effectively can reduce the hassles of planning so you can enjoy your travels. Here are some quick tips on how you can easily manage any baggage problems!
Check the Weather
One of the easiest ways to eliminate unnecessary items is to simply check the weather of the destination you’ll be in. The weeklong forecast is a good way of knowing what to expect and plan your wardrobe accordingly. There’s no need to pack a heavy jacket for those warmer climates, and if it gets colder at night then layering is key.
Make a Timeline
It’s important to know how long you’ll be away for maximum efficiency. Pack a pair of underwear and socks for every day you’ll be gone, but shirts, pants, and other similar garments can be mixed and matched to create new outfits that won’t look like you just forgot to bring enough clothes. (Stick with more neutral colours and tones to ensure everything looks good together!) Additionally, the toiletries required will vary depending on the time you’re gone.
Roll & Fold Your Clothes
Here comes the real challenge – fitting all of your items into your luggage. Consider rolling and folding your clothes to get the best out of your space. Rolling your clothes takes up considerably less room than folding but can cause them to become hopelessly wrinkled if done improperly. Make sure you roll your clothes tightly and choose soft wrinkle-resistant fabrics like knits and cotton to roll up. Dressier items like button-ups and dress pants should be folded to prevent any wrinkles in them. If you really need them to be wrinkle-free, put them into dry cleaner bags after you fold them.
Wear Bulky Items
Space is precious in your suitcase so consider wearing the bulkiest items on you as you travel. If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need boots or a large jacket, wear those on the plane ride with you. This will create a lot of extra room for anything else you might need to pack, and the items can be easily taken off once you take a seat on your flight.
Leave Some Extra Space
While it may be tempting to fill your luggage to the brim with all of the things you think you need or any extras for emergencies, it’s a good idea to leave a bit of space for your return trip. You never know what you might find at your new destination, but chances are you’ll be picking up some souvenirs for friends and family back home or something nice for yourself. Spare yourself the stress of realizing you don’t have enough space for everything!
Once you’re done, you’re ready to take that flight to your beautifully furnished apartment!