When travelling on a business trip or heading out for a weekend getaway, there’s a delicate balance between making room for all that you might need versus just taking the bare essentials. When you’re limited to carry-on luggage sizes, the challenge becomes even harder. But there’s no need to skimp on style for lack of room to pack. Here are some life hacks that will help you figure out what you really need to take, how to get it into your suitcase, and how to not make your clothes all crumpled and creased when you arrive.
Minimal packing
There comes a time when you have to let go of those ‘just in case’ items that are taking up precious space in your bag. You only need to take as many outfits as you will wear. If you’re staying longer than a week you can locate the hotel laundry. Apart from the shoes you wear while travelling, only pack one other pair. You’ll need to make sure these shoes match with all your outfits that you’ve brought. As hotels often provide toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, plan to use these instead of packing bulky bottles.
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Packing tips
Efficiency of space is your mission when fitting everything into your suitcase. Start with bulky items like shoes or your hair straightener. You can then stuff in small items like socks and underwear into the space inside and around your shoes. The next layer should be your clothing made from heavier fabrics like pants or shirts, leaving delicate and lightweight materials till last. Don’t roll these – instead, fold them flat so they don’t get crinkled or take up too much space. For tips on how to fold like a pro check out YouTube for some insanely efficient tutorials.
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A Note On Toiletries
Keep a central space free in your suitcase to tuck in your toiletries bag. Don’t forget to put cling wrap between the bottle opening and the lid to help prevent spillage. You can zip lock perfume and cologne for extra protection. It can also be worth bringing your own plug if you plan on going out of the country, as some hotels fail to provide this.
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Now go pack that suitcase like a boss!
