How to Pack Like a Pro

Nothing puts a damper on travel like a heavy, oversized suitcase or an overstuffed bag that’s bursting at the seams. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your luggage space and lighten your load.

1. Roll your clothes

Next time you’re packing for a long trip or a weekend away, try rolling your t-shirts, jeans, and other fabric items tightly instead of folding them and packing them flat. This will allow you to pack your belongings with less wasted space, fitting more into the same bag or suitcase.

2. Pack small items inside your shoes

That spare pair of sneakers takes up a lot of space in your bag, so you might as well make the most of that space by storing small items such as electronic chargers or balled up socks inside those trusty soles.

3. Use the cubes

Invest in some packing cubes. They may seem unnecessary, but they allow you to maximize your space in a manageable and tidy way. You’ll be much better off filling a few packing cubes to their capacity than jumping up and down on your suitcase trying to squeeze everything in at the last minute. And it will save you from the embarrassment of having your clothes spill out all over the airport floor if security asks to take a look inside your bag.

4. Challenge yourself to fly carry-on only

This will be a challenge for the traveller who wants to be prepared for every possible scenario, but it’s worth mentioning you can save a significant amount of time by one-bagging it instead of checking a heavy suitcase. It’s not always possible, but if it’s between packing that third pair of jeans and not having to stand around waiting at baggage claim, we’ll choose the latter every time.

5. Find out how you measure up

Before you fly, make sure you check the airline’s website to find any size or weight restrictions that apply to checked or carry-on luggage. A few inches or pounds can make the difference between a free bag that you can bring with you into the cabin, or a bag that you have to pay extra to check. For carry-on luggage, look up the average dimensions that are accepted by most international airlines and you should be able to find a bag that will meet carry-on requirements almost everywhere you go.

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