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Are you looking for ways to maximize the space in your luggage? Look no further! With these seven space-saving packing hacks, you’ll be able to fit more items into less space and make your travel experience much more efficient.
Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway or an extended overseas adventure, these space-saving packing hacks are sure to come in handy. Read on to learn more about how to use these tricks to your advantage!
Table of Contents
Space-saving packing hacks
1. Roll your clothes
One of the most efficient ways to maximize space when packing is to roll your clothes. Rolling your clothes helps to reduce the bulk of items that take up space and makes it easier to see what you have in your suitcase. When rolled, clothes fit more tightly and neatly into the suitcase while also reducing wrinkles.
Related read: Check out my Level8 Luggage Review, my new go-to carry on!
To roll your clothes the right way, start with a flat garment and fold it in half so that the arms are aligned. Then, starting from the bottom, tightly roll the garment until you reach the top. This ensures that each item takes up less space than if it were folded normally.
2. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to organizing your suitcase (peep my other travel necessities). They allow you to easily separate your clothes, shoes, and other items into different compartments, making it easier to find what you need and keep your suitcase organized.
You should divide up your clothes according to their type and purpose. For example, put all of your shirts together in one cube, jeans in another cube, underwear in another cube, and so on. This way you can easily grab what you need without having to dig through your whole bag.
3. Use compression bags
Compression bags are another great space-saving packing hack. Simply fill the bag with clothes, zip it up, and roll out the air to compress the clothes and save space. Not only do they help you pack more items into a single bag, but they also help to compress items so that you can fit more into your luggage. Compression bags work by sucking all the air out of your clothes, creating a vacuum-sealed package.
When using compression bags, it is important to make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Before packing items into the compression bag, roll them tightly and then stuff them into the bag. This will ensure that all of the air is removed and that the items are tightly compressed. Once the items are packed in the bag, use the vacuum to suck out all of the air, creating a tightly sealed package. Once complete, you’ll have a much smaller, space-saving bundle of items that can easily be stored in your luggage.
4. Wear your heaviest items
An easy way to free up some room in your bag is to wear your heaviest items. Doing this not only frees up some room, but can also keep you looking put-together and comfortable during your travels.
For example, if you’re traveling during the colder months, wear your heavier coat or jacket instead of packing it. Bulky sweaters, chunky shoes, and jeans can also take up a lot of space in your bag and are easily worn. This is a great space-saving hack that can help lighten the load of your suitcase without having to sacrifice any of your items.
5. Avoid overpacking
When you’re packing for a trip, it can be tempting to bring along more than you need. While having a few extra options is nice, overpacking can leave you with limited space and unneeded items. It’s best to try to stick to the essentials and only bring items that you’ll actually use.
Tips to help you avoid overpacking:
1. Make a list: Start by creating a packing list of the items that you need. This will help you prioritize what items are essential and will help you avoid forgetting important items.
2. Pack only what you need: When deciding what items to pack, focus on what you really need. Do you really need four pairs of shoes or five blouses? If not, leave it behind.
3. Research the weather: Research the expected weather at your destination and pack accordingly. Packing layers and packing items that can easily be worn multiple times will help you save space.
4. Consider sharing: If you’re traveling with friends or family, consider sharing items like toiletries or entertainment items. This will help free up some room in your luggage.
5. Reevaluate your items: Before packing, look at all the items that you’ve set aside and ask yourself if you really need them. Reevaluating your items will help you reduce the amount of items that are taking up valuable space.
6. Fill in all the gaps when packing
When it comes to packing efficiently, leaving gaps is like leaving potential behind! Utilize every inch of space within your luggage by employing the gap-filling technique.
Tuck smaller items like socks and underwear into the gaps between the rolls. You’ll be amazed at how much extra room you can create by simply making use of these usually overlooked spaces!
7. Plan your outfits ahead of time (trust me, I know, this is one of the hardest for me too)
We’ve all been there – throwing in extra outfits “just in case” and ending up with an overstuffed suitcase. Avoid this pitfall by planning your outfits ahead of time.
Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks. Lay out your outfits and visualize each day’s attire. Truth be told, I do still bring a couple of extra options. But I always go through my outfit possibilities three times to narrow them down before packing my final choices.
This hack not only saves space but also makes getting dressed during your trip a breeze.
8. Pick shoes that can go with anything
I used to have to bring a separate bag just for my shoes alone! They really can take up a significant portion of your luggage space. Opt for shoes that are versatile and can complement a variety of outfits.
A classic pair of sneakers or comfortable flats can work well with both casual and semi-formal looks. These Converse or Keds are my absolute go-to! I love that they’re great for exploring and they look cute with shorts or a fun little dress.
Additionally, wear your bulkiest pair of shoes during travel to free up even more space in your suitcase.
9. Find luggage that works for you
Investing in the right luggage is a game-changer for efficient packing. Choose luggage that is lightweight, durable, and designed with practicality in mind. Look for suitcases with multiple compartments, compression straps, and expandable sections.
Want to know my go-to? I have been trying to avoid checking my luggage and was able to travel 10 days in Colombia with just a Level8 carry-on and THIS BAG (my secret weapon) as my personal item!
10. Pack travel-sized toiletries and consider solid alternatives
Toiletries can quickly eat up precious luggage space, but there are several ways to cut down on this footprint. Snag travel-sized versions of your favorite products, which are often available at drugstores or online.
You can invest in refillable travel containers that allow you to bring your preferred products without carrying full-sized bottles.
Another option is to explore solid alternatives such as shampoo bars, soap bars, and toothpaste tablets. These compact and eco-friendly options not only save space but also reduce the risk of leaks in your luggage.
Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to fit everything you need into a single suitcase. But with a little bit of planning and some clever packing hacks, you can easily pack everything you need for your next adventure. Make sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny for more travel tips and guides.
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