Roll items as tightly as possible in order to save the most space. You can even use rubber bands or hair ties to keep rolled clothes tight in your bag. Rolled items will need to be packed tightly to stay organized, which is why this method is best if you’re trying to fit a lot into a smaller bag. [3] X Expert Source Julie NaylonProfessional Organizer Expert Interview. 18 December 2019.
Packing cubes are available from many department stores as well as major online retailers. You may be able to find some packing cubes that you can vacuum-seal. Be careful to account for space after you open the bags, though. Unless you will have access to vacuum to compress the bags again, the items will take up more space after the cube is open.
Is it going to rain? Pack a rain jacket or something that can get wet and dry quickly. If it is going to be hot, pack shorts. On the other hand, if it’s going to be snowing the whole time, you can probably leave your shorts at home, no matter how good they look.
If you can, try planning each day in advance. Pack in outfits, rather than singular items. This will help you decide exactly what pieces of clothing to take.
Instead of bringing a different dress for walking around during the day and going out at night, for example, try bringing one cute and comfortable black dress. Pair it with a cardigan or sweater to dress it down, or let it stand by itself for a night out. Save shoe space by opting to bring one or two pairs of neutral tone shoes that can go with multiple outfits. A pair of black ankle boots with a chunky heel, for example, can take the place of a pair of casual flats, formal heels, and sturdy trainers for walking around town.
If you are packing for multiple occasions, bring a few basic items like shirts or blouses. Then, dress them up with layers like jackets and blazers, or dress them down with casual accessories. Light layers are often helpful, but they aren’t the right answer for every destination. If you’re going to the Arctic Circle in the winter, you should pack one durable sub zero-rated jacket rather than several lighter sweatshirts.
Don’t forget to include things like underwear, socks, sleepwear, and toiletries on your packing list. These items can be easy to overlook.
If you prefer to sling your bag over your shoulder, carry it around with you, or want more flexibility in how you organize your bag, a duffel bag may be a better choice for you. Suitcases tend to be easier to pack and unpack and easier to organize. However, they are harder to carry with you throughout the day and can be more difficult to store in small spaces. Depending on your needs, you can find bags that have built-in toiletry kits, garment bags, shoe storage, laptop and tech storage, and other features.
Lower priority items like spare jeans and shoes can go on the bottom. Items you will need right away, including your toiletries if you will need to take them out for security screening, should be packed on top. For fragile items, you may want to purchase a smaller hard case that you can pack in your bags. Items like shampoo and lotion that are prone to leaking should be packed in water-resistant bags such as a toiletries kit or plastic bag.
Pack lighter items like dress shirts on top. This will help evenly distribute the weight and keep lightweight clothes from wrinkling.
