In The Bag: Smart Packing Tips For Your Sensational Getaway

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Okay, so, you’ve decided where to go and what to bring with you. Now the trick is making it all fit in the limited suitcase space you have. A few suggestions on how to pack like a professional.

1. Begin putting together your packing list at least a week beforehand so that you can check off what you have and what you don’t, and ensuring you’ll have enough time to get missing items. If you’ve got an extremely busy schedule, you may want to start at least two weeks before.

2. Avoid wearing anything you plan on taking with you. Do laundry well in advance and start packing the laundered items first. All items should be folded lengthwise (i.e. button down shirts should simply have sleeves folded in and laid out lengthwise) to conserve space. Otherwise have them professionally laundered, pressed, and bagged so you can simply store them in your suitcase.

3. Choose clothes that are wrinkle free and versatile (Lycra, polyester, Tencel, etc). Think coordinating solids and comfortable/sensible shoes…but don’t forget the heels for dinner and dancing. Keep in mind that lighter colored clothes show stains more easily, but are also more comfortable and cool in the heat.

4. To prevent wrinkles, consider rolling or wrapping clothes in tissue paper or laying them out in the suitcase on their hangers and in plastic dry cleaning bags. Roll, never fold, wrinkle-prone clothes and pack snugly to minimize wrinkles.

5. Refrain from bringing unworn shoes or clothes.

6. Save space by packing socks and undies in shoes or purses. This can also help them retain their shape.

7. Pack a spare…. Bag that is. Consider packing an extra tote or duffel bag (flat) or placing a smaller suitcase into a larger empty one, to use to bring home any additional purchases or souvenirs.

8. Consolidate by bringing multifunctional items. Invest in a dryer that also has other essential attachments, a radio/alarm clock combo, etc.

9. Pack items you can share, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc.

10. Make extra room by tapping your (already full) bag on the floor a few times.

11. Refrain from overstuffing. Too much weight could cause the bag to burst, the handles to break, or to exceed weight limits and costing you extra cash.

12. Make sure to securely double and triple bag all glass and liquid items. High altitudes and abrasive handling of baggage can do some “serious” damage.

13. Pack your suitcase in the same order you’d pack grocery bags. Start with the heavier items at the bottom and finish with the lightest items on top.

14. Pack valuables along with an extra set of clothes, non-perishable munchies, a water bottle and some mini toiletries in a carry on bag, just in case.

15. Upon arrival, unpack and hang up all clothes and put away all other items to help prevent wrinkles and to ensure all you brought is easily accessible.

Remember to apply the same packing protocol when preparing to leave and always start a few days in advance.