You finally saved up for that big vacation, so you’ll surely want to look fabulous during your trip. The key here is getting everything you need packed neatly into your suitcase. That doesn’t mean you have to bring your entire closet with you.
The truth is that most of us tend to overpack. Not only does this lead us to bring unnecessary baggage with us (no one likes carrying heavy bags), but it can also cost you money. Airlines love hitting you with charges for extra bags or bags that are too heavy.
We’ve all read the luggage packing hacks on the internet only to find that they don’t actually work in real life. So, we scoured the internet to find out how the experts get the job done. Check out our slideshow to find how to get everything you need into your bag without having it come out like a wrinkled mess.
Here Are 25 Packing Fails And 30 Wins From Frequent Fliers / Flight Attendants That Will Get Everything You Need Neatly Into Your Suitcase:
Vaccuum seal bags are great for saving space. The only problem is is that they end up making your bag super heavy. That will cause the airline to jack up the price that you pay for luggage. This next slide will help you save on space so you don’t need to use these bags.
Packing only half of what you need seems like good advice, right? But not if you bring the wrong half. You might not need red, blue, and orange pumps. One neutral black pair will do fine. But you will need a pair of pumps, sneakers, and a pair of flip flops. Choose your items wisely. Here’s how you can make sure your items are doing double duty.
3) Packing Fail: Using Conditioner As Shaving Cream
While it might seem like a good idea to let your shaving cream perform double duty, it’s really not. While you won’t have to fit your shaving cream bottle, you’ll be wasting lots of expensive conditioner and you might end up running out of it. Use a razor with built-in shave bars instead so that you can do without the shaving cream during your travels.
So this hack only sort of works. While rolling your clothes might save space, it can leave your clothing with wrinkles. Frequent fliers recommend using packing cubes to organize and save space. You can roll some smaller items and fit them in places you can’t fit packing cubes. It’s best to do this with items where wrinkling isn’t an issue, like socks or underwear. The next item on our list shows you how you actually eliminate some items from your suitcase.
5) Packing Fail: Bringing a Scarf or Pashmina on Flight
Sometimes we think it’s a good idea to bring a scarf or pashmina on a flight with us in case we get cold. This is only a good idea if you know for sure that you’re going to wear that pashmina or scarf on during your trip. Otherwise, it’s just one thing you’re bringing with you that you don’t need. If you’re worried about being cold, wear a swear or something that you know you’re definitely going to get use out of it. You can also ask for a blanket when you get on the plane.
6) Packing Fail: Thinking Your Items are Safe With a Fragile Tag
If you think putting a “fragile” sticker on your luggage is going to save it from getting knocked around, you’re probably wrong. It’s still vulnerable to being lugged about. These tags can be ignored, especially when your luggage is on the carousel. So you’ll want to make sure you pack your fragile items so they can withstand any blow or jostle. Here’s another tip that can save you time and a ton of trouble.
7) Packing Fail: Putting Medication in A Pill Box Or Dispenser
Putting your medicine into a pill box or dispenser might seem like a good idea but it can be a VERY bad one. Countries have different restrictions on what drugs require a prescription and are legal to carry. There are lots of over the counter pills from the U.S., like Sudafed, that can get you arrested for in places like Mexico. Be sure to check these rules and what’s allowed in the place you’re traveling to and always carry your medication in its original box or packaging.
8) Packing Fail: Placing Cords and Chargers in Sunglass Cases
While this might keep your cords together in the same place, it will just add unnecessary bulk to your bags. You might want to choose a small cloth bag instead. Most of us have purses and bags with zipper compartments where we can easily store these things. Find out how you can reduce waste caused by your packing in the next slide.
9) Packing Fail: Putting Shower Caps Over Your Shoes
Some people place shower caps over their shoes to keep their clothing clean in their suitcase. While it does work to keep your clothes clean, it also creates unnecessary waste. It’s likely that you’ll never use that shower cap on your head and it will end up in the trash. Do you really want to use a used shower cap in your luggage on your clean clothes? Use those grocery bags that end up piling up in your kitchen cabinet. This way you won’t have to buy something that you’re just going to throw out or use a soap scum shower cap.
10) Packing Fail: Thinking that Wrapping Liquids in Clothing Will Save You
Wrapping your liquids in clothing will help prevent glass from shattering by giving it some extra padding. It won’t, however, prevent any pressure related disasters. It’s best to unscrew your cap, place some plastic wrap over the top, and screw it back on. This will help prevent a liquid explosion in your suitcase. While you’re at it, you might want to wrap the entire thing in plastic wrap or put it in a zip-top bag.
11) Packing Fail: Forgetting To Measure Your Liquids
This is one of the biggest packing fails you can make. The TSA allows you to only bring 3.4 ounces of liquid with you in your carry-on. If you bring more than that, TSA will hold you up. They’ll have to open your bag, take it out, and toss it in the trash. They usually aren’t nice about it when it comes to neatly removing your items. You’ll be the one to have to repack your bag which will take even longer.
12) Packing Fail: Forgetting to Measure and Weigh Your Bags
Airlines have specific regulations on how big your bag can be and how heavy it can be. Make sure you take note of these and measure and weigh your bags before you get to the airport. You don’t want to end up with unnecessary baggage fees.
Not bringing the things you need is the worst thing you can do when packing. Make sure you check the weather before you pack so you know what kind of clothing you’ll need. If you have to buy clothing on vacation, you won’t have room for it in your suitcase or it could make your suitcase heavier. Once you’ve got the right shoes for your trip, you’ll want to know how to pack them correctly.
14) Packing Fails: Packing Shoes In The Wrong Place
Don’t just throw your shoes wherever they fit. Shoes should be packed toward the wheel end of your bag. It’s also best to make sure you bring a few versatile pairs that will work with several outfits.
You found the perfect set of luggage that comes with compartments and packing cubes, AND the price was very low. You might want to double check your purchase and make sure your luggage will hold up. Check reviews to make sure that it won’t look like a scratched up mess when it comes off the carousel and that the lining won’t rip after just a few uses.
16) Packing Fail: Forgetting You Have A Washer And Dryer Or Not Having One When You Think You Do
You will end up packing a lot more than you actually need if you forgot that you’re going to have access to a washer and dryer. But if you think you’re going to have access to one and you don’t, you’ll end up having to run to the laundromat during your travels. So, make sure you know what your washer and dryer sitch is before you pack.
17) Packing Fail: Packing Single Items Instead of Full Outfits
You might be tempted to grab a few of your favorite shirts and a few bottoms. But that’s not efficient. It’s best to put complete outfits together so you won’t over or under pack. This will cut down on time that it takes you to get ready when you’re traveling.
18) Packing Fails: Forgetting to Bring Extra Underwear and Socks
These are the only items that you should pack extra of. Even if you have access to a washer and dryer. ALWAYS pack an extra pair or two of underwear or socks… you never know.
19) Packing Fail: Forgetting to Put Things You Need In Your Carry-On
This could end up being another huge fail. Luggage can sometimes get lost. So you must prepare for this and keep everything you’ll absolutely need (money, keys, ID, credit cards, medication) in your carry-on. If you can fit it, it also can pay to have an extra set of clothes and a toothbrush in your carry-on.
20) Packing Fail: Packing Your Suitcase To The Brim
Most people will pack their suitcases to the brim. But you should always leave a little room. If you plan on buying souvenirs, you’ll want to leave space for them.
21) Packing Fail: Not Packing An Empty Water Bottle
Most people think that they have to pay for water at the airport, but it’s not true. Just bring an empty bottle with you. You can fill it once you pass airport security. Not all airports have refill stations but you can ask to fill it up at a restaurant, water fountain, or in the bathroom.
23) Packing Fail: Never Pack Things You’ll Think You’ll Need
This is a huge mistake. Only pack the the things you KNOW you’ll need. If you don’t work out at home, you probably won’t at the hotel gym so don’t pack those running shoes. If you never wear those stilettos out, you’re not going to want to wear them on vacation. Be realistic and don’t pack extra bulk.
You really should bring a lightweight tote with you even if you’re not sure if you’ll use it. This is the exception to that rule. It can be folded up tiny if you don’t use it and it’s great for when you doing sightseeing and need to carry water bottles and souvenirs. You can even use it for dirty laundry.
25) Packing Fail: You Didn’t Secure Your Hair Tools
While blow dryers and curling irons might seem sturdy, they can snap in half and break if you carelessly toss them in your suitcase. Exterior or top zip pockets and areas near the suitcase bar are danger zones for these items. Make sure you wrap them in something soft to keep them safe.
26) Packing Win: Pack Small Jewelry In Pill Containers
You can still get use out of your pill containers when the medication is all used up. Use them to store small jewelry items, like rings, small earrings or charms. This will make sure that they don’t get lost. Learn how you can use straws to keep your items from being damaged in the next slide.
27) Packing Win: Using Straws To Keep Jewelry Untangled
Necklaces can get all tangled up when we travel. To prevent this, slide your necklaces through a straw and secure the clasp. This will prevent any damage to your necklaces. Here’s how to prevent your cables and cords from being damaged…
Use binder clips to keep your plugs and cord from getting tangled. Just wrap them up and place your clip around them. The clip also adds a little bulk which makes them easier to find and harder to lose.
29) Packing Win: Pack the Heaviest Items At The Bottom
Make sure all the heaviest items in your luggage are packed toward the bottom. This will ensure that the weight is distributed evenly making it much easier to roll around. It also ensures that your clothes aren’t going to get squished and wrinkled at the bottom. That brings us to our next point about luggage…
Using luggage that has wheels is an absolute must. You don’t want to be exhausted and grouchy before you reach your destination because you’re lugging heavy bags around. You also want to make sure that your luggage has a durable hardshell to withstand being thrown around. Also, make sure that it’s made of a material that won’t look completely beat up after two uses.
Always stuff your shoes. Shove things like breakable items, underwear, and socks inside your shoes to save lots of space. Learn how to save money on travel-size items below.
32) Packing Win: Put Toiletries In Medicine Bottles
Want to bring your favorite lotion but don’t want to bring the whole bottle? Use old medicine bottles to carry toiletries like lotion, Q-Tips, and conditioner. These might be even better at preventing spills than the bottles they come in and will save you money since you won’t have to buy travel size items or travel bottles. We’ll show you how to prevent another packing disaster in the next slide.
Those plastic caps on our razors can be easy to lose. Keep yourself safe from getting nicked by placing an oversized binder clip over the head of the razor. The next slide will show you how Press ‘N’ Seal wrap can be your jewelry’s best friend when you travel.
34) Packing Hack: Press ‘N’ Seal Wrap your Jewelry
Another way to prevent your jewelry from becoming tangled is using Press ‘N’ Seal wrap or something simliar. Place your necklaces and dangly earrings in between two pieces of Press ‘N’ Seal wrap and press to seal. This will keep your items from becoming tangled.
37) Packing Wins: Roll Delicate Fabrics Between Two Sheets of Paper
As we mentioned, rolling all of your suitcase items probably isn’t a good idea. But you might want to consider using this method for delicate fabrics dresses. Roll your delicate fabrics between two sheets of white tissue paper. The paper will prevent it from creasing and wrinkling. This works best with dresses.
Using packing cubes makes a world of a difference. They help folded clothes stay wrinkle-free and also compartmentalize everything in your suitcase. You can easily grab the things you will need without pulling apart your whole suitcase because you’ll know exactly where they are when you use packing cubes.
Just because you’re done using your contact lens case for contacts doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. Contact lens cases are also a great way to store small items. You can fill them with tiny earrings or small amounts of makeup or lotion.
Most of us don’t like the idea of bringing all of our cash with us on our travels. We also might not feel comfortable leaving it all in the hotel. Use an empty tube of chapstick or another container to hide extra cash. This also works great when you’re going to the beach.
These things are genius. If you back them carefully, you can put these babies right in your suitcase and pull them right out and into the closet when you arrive at your destination. You probably don’t want to pack them with shoes in the middle though.
Tic Tac Containers can also be useful when traveling. You can use them to store things like bobby pins. They also work well for small earrings and jewelry. Learn how to decorate one and make it look fancy here.
44) Packing Win: Plan Your Outfits For Each Day Of Your Trip
It’s crucial for you to select the outfits that you will wear each day. You need to plan down to your jewelry, shoes, and even underwear. This will ensure that you have everything you need and that you’re not overpacking.
Placing some dryer sheets throughout your luggage is always a good idea. It can start to smell stale over time and this will freshen things up. It can also help reduce static cling.
46) Packing Win: Prevent Large Necklace Tangle With Cardboard Roll
The straw method is good for thin delicate necklaces but it won’t work for your bulkier pieces. For these, run them through a duct tape roll or toilet paper roll. This will help them from getting tangled.
Traveling with a baby? It’s likely that you put your baby’s clothes in with your own. Make packing and re-packing a breeze by putting their outfits into zipper bags and labeling them for each day. This way you can pull them out when you need them without distrupting everything else in the bag.
Makeup lovers will love this one. Nothing is more heartbreaking to a makeup lover than seeing their favorite pallette broken into bits. Place pieces of cotton on top of your pallettes to prevent breakage while you’re traveling.
Are you bringing that big fuzzy jacket you know you’re definitely going to wear? Consider wearing it on the plane. This way it won’t take up all that space in your suitcase.
Hotels will often give you shampoo, conditioner, lotions, Q-tips, a hair dryer, and more. Use them… use them all. Make sure you call ahead to find out what they offer so that you don’t end up packing the same items and wasting space.
There a good rule to use to help minimize excess in your luggage. Try to pack three tops to a single bottom. This way you’ll have a variety of things to wear without having too many articles of clothing in your suitcase.
Neutral colors can be easily matched with your other items of clothing. They can also easily transition from day to night. You can wear the same neutral top and give it a completely different look with a different sweater, some shoes, and jewelry.
Concerned about your luggage or travel bag with the heavy downpour? Line the inside of your luggage or travel bags with clean garbage bags. This will help keep the water out.
You finally saved up for that big vacation, so you’ll surely want to look fabulous during your trip. The key here is getting everything you need packed neatly into your suitcase. That doesn’t mean you have to bring your entire closet with you.
The truth is that most of us tend to overpack. Not only does this lead us to bring unnecessary baggage with us (no one likes carrying heavy bags), but it can also cost you money. Airlines love hitting you with charges for extra bags or bags that are too heavy.
We’ve all read the luggage packing hacks on the internet only to find that they don’t actually work in real life. So, we scoured the internet to find out how the experts get the job done. Check out our slideshow to find how to get everything you need into your bag without having it come out like a wrinkled mess.
Here Are 25 Packing Fails And 30 Wins From Frequent Fliers / Flight Attendants That Will Get Everything You Need Neatly Into Your Suitcase:
