15+ Smart Packing Tips To Travel Lighter And Explore Further
None of us wants to carry a heavy and bulky suitcase when travelling. Not only can you bring away unused items, but you also have to carry more suitcases than expected.
In this article, we will share a few smart packing tips to help you organise things more effectively. These suggestions will not only help you pack less but will also ensure you bring all the essentials and conveniences on every trip. Continue reading for more insights!
1. Choose The Right Luggage
Your bag can make or break the entire experience, so choose wisely. The right carry-on luggage allows you to skip baggage fees and long queues, whether travelling on short notice or the long haul.
You also need to pay attention to the weight limit. Overweight fees are the worst because you will have to pay exorbitant fees for them. So invest in lightweight yet durable bags that you can actually pack it all in. Bags with multiple compartments will help you stay organised and have everything within reach.
Enter CabinZero, the travel solution that has been adopted by millions worldwide. The tried and tested carry-on comes with a tracking tag, quality design, and a no-hassle lifetime warranty. So you don’t have to worry about anything except the road ahead. Shop one now to change your life on the road for the better.
2. First Aid Kit Is A Must
This, along with good travel insurance, deserves a top spot in every travel smart packing hacks out there. Things not going as planned won’t happen all the time, but when it rains, it pours. Unless you are doing anything adventurous, a few simple basic supplies will do: tweezers, over-the-counter pain relievers, gauze pads, etc.
CabinZero tip: Don’t forget to bring your personal medication along with a doctor’s prescription as some destinations may require the latter.
3. Create A Packing List
Preparing a checklist of necessary items before taking a trip can significantly reduce the time spent getting ready, packing your bags and ensuring you have everything needed for the journey. You can use paper to write or a packing list app for convenience. There are a few factors to remember so you can create the most complete packing lists possible:
- The duration of your holiday
- Activities you will participate in (such as hiking, festivals, swimming, etc.)
- Expected weather at your destination.
4. Travel With Only A Carry On
A new and smarter approach to travel.
Bring only what you need, which is the packing wisdom we live by. No “just in case” item, no packing for fear. This means you can (and should) travel with a carry-on and a personal item only. Pack only half of what you need; you won’t change clothes as often as you think. When you bring a 7-day worth of clothing and do your laundry weekly, you can travel to anywhere in the world.
5. Pack And Test Drive Early
As with anything else, you should always prepare for the trip at least two days before. This includes checking and packing everything, keeping yourself healthy and fit, staying away from alcohol, and so on. The two-day grace period ensures you leave for the airport refreshed, charged, and fully prepared for the airport chaos (which we know could happen at any time).
Another extender hack of this tip is to live out of your smart packing list. See if you need or don’t need anything during your daily routine so you can make last-minute changes before the real thing starts.
6. Downsize Your Items
Don't just throw the entire bottle in your bag. That's a recipe for spills, plus it's impractical to lug around lots of big plastic containers. Use travel-sized toiletries or refillable containers to comply with TSA regulations and save space. Plus, if anything leaks, you'll only have a tiny amount rather than a massive mess. This works for cosmetics, toiletries, medications, toothpaste, etc.
7. Plan Your Outfits Ahead
Before you start packing, you should consider some outfits for each day of your trip. This simple step saves you from having to pack too much and ensures a versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe. Our favourite way to do this is packing a travel capsule wardrobe (it’s a game changer, we tell you).
8. Roll, Don't Fold
With some simple steps, you can keep your clothes neat when travelling.
Don’t just default to the traditional method of folding your clothes neatly in your suitcase. Instead, roll them up like a burrito - one of the smartest ways to pack any item. Not only does this save space, but it also helps prevent wrinkles. Plus, it's oddly satisfying to see your clothes neatly rolled up like little clothing sushi rolls (and very easy to identify and grab at a moment’s notice).
9. Stack and Sort Bras
One smart packing tip to avoid the bras from losing shape: sort them by size and style together and then stack them on top of each other. Next, you can roll socks or underwear inside the bra so that the bra cups are stretched to keep the bra from losing its shape. Finally, when you're done arranging your other items, you should place your bra on top. If possible, consider switching to sports bras as they are more travel-friendly.
10. Put The Items You Need Most At The Top
Getting to your hotel room exhausted after a delayed flight and spending an hour unpacking just to find your toothbrush and contact solution? No, we don’t do that here. The smart way to pack is to layer everything in this order:
- Ideally, toiletries should be placed toward the top of your suitcase for easy access during security checks.
- Items that you need to access frequently or quickly—like travel documents, passports, wallets, a brolly, or snacks—should go on top or in an external pocket if your bag has one.
- Finally, if you’re travelling to a cooler destination or need a change of clothes that is quickly accessible, place outerwear or a change of clothes on top or stuck to the compression straps.
11. Save A Small Space For Souvenirs
By leaving one section of your luggage or a separate tote empty, you have a dedicated souvenir space. That way, you're not trying to cram things into already stuffed bags on your return trip. Just a little pre-planning gives you the flexibility to store those all-important holiday keepsakes easily and safely.
12. Packing Cubes Are A Godsend
Packing cubes will help maximise space in your suitcase. You can compress your clothes here and divide them into neat little sections. A pro smart packing tip you should try is to use the smallest shapes for toiletries, accessories, and random items to stay organised.
Furthermore, you can also prepare packing cubes for clean clothes and dirty clothes separately. It's convenient not to have to worry about your clothes getting messy, right? So invest in a quality packing cube to elevate your packing game to another level.
13. Pouches For Everything
Yes, you could use packing cubes for your tech and toiletries besides clothes. But if you want to compartmentalise things further, you can use dedicated pouches for different categories of items:
- Pack electronics, chargers, and adapters in a separate tech organiser.
- Keep toiletries in a single, clear, quart-sized bag (and make sure you comply with TSA 311 rules).
- For jewellery, consider a compact zippered pouch or one of those travel jewellery organisers. You can even use a regular pill case.
- Important documents and cash/credit cards should be kept close to your body at all times. Invest in a great bum bag or a shoulder bag to keep them safe.
14. Use Sachets And Dryer Sheets
Packing can get musty if you're not careful. Therefore, you should invest in some sachets, scented paper, and dryer sheets to keep everything fresh. We also love carrying travel-sized laundry detergent to do some hand-washing or quick sink washes.
15. Toss In An Airtag
Leaving your bag behind at a cafe? Your luggage getting lost in transit? Clip an AirTag to them, and your problem will be solved. Consider a brightly colored case or loop attachment to make your bag even easier to spot visually in a crowded airport or train station. This tracking device is also handy for locating your passport holder or wallet within your backpack.
16. Carry A Packable Daypack
It’s a given that we are all temped to do some island hopping or last-minute hike at some point during our travel. A packable daypack lets you seize the moment without feeling weighed down. Packable daypacks often qualify as personal items on airplanes, freeing up valuable space in your carry-on for souvenirs or other travel must-haves.
Some daypack like the ADV Dry folds into a compact pouch or pocket, that disappears discreetly within your main backpack. When needed, simply unfold it to reveal a water-resistant backpack, perfect for stashing essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks for your beach escape or day trek.
17. Don’t Be Afraid To Borrow Or Buy
Unless it involves medication or anything too specific, you can buy almost anything with your wallet and money/credit card. So don’t stress yourself out of fear that you are not packing enough. You and the people you travel with can share essential items (toothpaste, hairdryers, or first aid kit). Renting equipment at the destination is also a smart way to lighten your luggage.
18. Keep Extras In Your Personal Items
Important items such as travel documents and personal mediciatons of course should always be close to you at all times. In addition, we advise packing 2 set of clothes and toiletries. That way, when there’s a long layover or luggage delay, you can freshen up and have clean clothes to change into.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, packing doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. It all comes down to getting organised and thinking ahead a little bit. But most importantly, don't just throw everything into your suitcase willy-nilly. With some smart packing strategies and insider tricks up your sleeve, you can breeze through it like a pro.
Do you have any further recommendations that you want to share with us? Please leave a comment to share your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends too.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check out our collections of traveller-oriented backpacks - designed to keep your essentials organised, and make your travel hassle-free.
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