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Let's be honest: Some of us are simply overpackers (you know who you are!). If you struggle with overpacking and even find you need to sit on your suitcase in order to zip it, then perhaps you could use a little help from the experts. Of course it wouldn't hurt to re-evaluate how much you typically pack and why, and consider which items could be left behind. But we have good news; there's another option: You could learn how to better maximize your luggage capacity. In other words, pack smarter, not harder.
We've compiled a list of the best packing hacks, based on our own experiences as well as recommendations from top travel experts. Happy packing!
1. Use a Clothing Rental Company
Part of what makes vacation exciting, at least for me, is the excuse to buy a few new outfits that I wouldn't normally wear. However I always end up spending more money than I want and only wear the items a few times.
Enter Armoire, which allows you to pick items to rent for the month and return them. It's the perfect packing hack if you hate planning out your outfits, reduces waste, and for me, saves money. There are a few nuances you have to work through, like scheduling your order and preparing for weather, but luckily the shipping and processing times are super fast from my experience. You can get your items delivered to your destination and ship from your destination, so you don’t even have to pack the majority of your outfits.
2. Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries
Pack travel-sized toiletries (under 3.4 ounces) rather than full-sized bottles. You'll save space in your luggage and it'll be lighter to carry as well. After testing several, I have finally found my favorite leak-proof bottles; they’re made of silicone, include labels and other accessories, and come in the type of clear bag required by TSA (if you'd like to include them in your carry-on).
3. Use Compression Packing Cubes
A friend recommended packing cubes to me and since then I have never packed a suitcase without them. Compression packing cubes help organize and compress clothing, making efficient use of your luggage space, and also make it easier to find what you need without fully unpacking your bag. In addition, they keep your shoes entirely separate from your clothes. An unexpected feature that I have grown to appreciate: if you don't have the time or space to fully unpack, you can at least keep your items organized within the cubes.
4. Don't Pack Bulky Items
If you'd like to avoid packing your heaviest or bulkiest items entirely but still want access to them during your trip, consider wearing them. If something is too heavy to wear while traveling, you can opt to tie it around your waist or to the handles of your bag. You may even consider purchasing a 2-in-1 luggage strap with a "jacket gripper."
These straps conveniently combine luggage grippers and bungee bag straps. You can use them to secure loose items like jackets or travel pillows to your luggage, or attach the gripper to stack multiple pieces of luggage together for easy transport.
5. Roll Clothes
Another option is to roll your clothes. Rolling can be more space-efficient than folding, especially for certain items, such as pants, shorts, and t-shirts.
6. Fill the Gaps
Maximize every square inch of your luggage space by stuffing socks and other small things into hollow items, such as shoes. Fill additional gaps with underwear, accessories, and miscellaneous items such as snacks, ear plugs, a travel umbrella, a pocket first aid kit, etc.
7. Purchase Luggage Designed to Maximize Space
In addition to following the aforementioned tips, you may consider purchasing luggage specifically designed to maximize luggage capacity. For instance, the Carry-On Flex by Away is ideal for overpackers, featuring a wraparound expandable zipper for additional packing space. Its signature interior compression system will help you to pack (and bring home) even more.
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