Will all of this really fit...

Tips For Getting A Lot of Stuff In A Suitcase 

I am a chronic over-packer. I don't think there was ever a trip where I brought less than two pieces of luggage ( I have this one). After many years of dragging around tons of luggage and paying a lot of overweight baggage fees, I have finally learned how to pack smarter and get more into one suitcase. When you pack smarter you don't have to sacrifice bringing all the items you want due to limited space. 

Tip # 1: Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes allows you to fit more in, and keep outfit together. This helps you to pack your luggage to full capacity as well as keep your clothes from getting wrinkled. Rolling your clothes may seem stressful at first because many fear that it will stretch out their clothes but its really simple. First you will lay your clothes flat (I like to put outfits together and always put the shirt on the bottom). Then create a two inch pocket at the bottom of your clothes, you can do this by folding the clothing up. From the opposite end start rolling as tightly as you can until you reach the pocket. Finally fold one end of the pocket over so everything stays tightly secured.  This strategy is great for a long trip where you’re limited to the amount of luggage you can bring!

Tip # 2: Packing Cubes

These are the ones I have!

Packing cubes are so simple but might have just been one of the greatest things ever invented. Packing cubes are inexpensive bags that you can pack tight and place in your suitcase, saving space while staying organized. I thought packing cubes were gimmicky until I decided to take the plunge and get some before a trip. I got mine at TJMAXX but you can also get them on Amazon, and places like Target. They retail around $30, which may seem steep for just some bags, but they are very sturdy and have proven to be very useful. When using my packing cubes I like to utilize the different sizes for different items. I start by rolling my clothes as mentioned above, then I place the full outfits in the largest cube. This allows me more room and to keep all of my outfits together. Secondly, I place all of my smaller clothing items in the medium one, this is normally my pajamas or lounge wear. Finally I use my smallest bag for things I will need everyday like socks. I cannot recommend packing cubes enough they have truly changed the way I pack, and save me so much time getting dressed on trips. 

Tip # 3: Pack a full outfit into your carry on

This tip is one I learned the hard way. Earlier this year my family and I went on a trip. We

Favorite carry on bag

had awful luck with the airlines that day, and after 14 hours of travel and countless cancelations and delays we finally arrived at our destination. Yet, it wasn’t all easy from then on because they lost my luggage… I don’t think I have ever felt more hurt in my entire life. Well okay not that hurt but I was still pretty annoyed. I wanted nothing but to take a shower and put on clean clothes when I got to the hotel, but now I had no clothes. Normally being the shopaholic I am I would embrace this opportunity to go to the local mall, but it was 2 am and there wasn’t a mall open. I ended up having to stay in my clothes until the next day when my clothes arrived at the airport. I was lucky that my bags arrived the next day, but others aren’t that lucky. I would recommend putting a full outfit into your carry on incase this was to happen to you. That way if your luggage is lost you can carry on with the activities you have planned for your trip. 

Tip # 4: Wear your heavy items on the plane

There’s no doubt that boots and coats but your suitcase overweight every single time. Instead of stuffing them into your suitcase and paying and expensive baggage fee just wear these heavy items on the plane. I know its no ones plan to wear their winter coat on a plane, but if you carry it with you, you can take it off as soon as you sit down. This saves so much room in your suitcase that its worth it. This is the same thing with shoes. I have heavy boots that I love to bring on vacation. I tend to wear them in the airport and onto the plane, but have a pair of slippers tucked into my carryon for when I sit down. I found this strategy to be helpful when you want to bring a specific clothing item but think it’ll take up too much of your suitcases weight limit. 

I could write countless tips for packing a suitcase more efficiently. These are just a few but if you were interested in more feel free to leave a comment here or to email me!