My Packing Hacks

Today's packing lessons, brought to you by slogans found in Munich's BMW World. Step one: pick a small suitcase

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, “pack light” is a traveling mantra. I also say, "pack smart!" I’ve done a lot of reading online for various packing hacks to make the most of my suitcase space. I’ve also come up with one or two ideas of my own, and have compiled them all together to help any soon-to-be travelers out!

For toiletries:

• I’ve never seen this online before, but I can’t be the first to have thought of it. If you have carry-on toiletries that don’t fit the 3 oz rule, you can go to Target or a similar store and get small, plastic containers. For shorter trips, sometimes you really don’t need 3 oz though. For example, face moisturizer on a 3 day trip. I certainly don’t go through an oz a day! Enter: stackable bead storage containers. Not only do you save space by not having to carry full 3 oz containers, but they stack together so nicely! My extra tip though: label what is in each layer with a sharpie.
• Plastic bags are a godsend. When you are in doubt, double bag your toiletries. If you can, also use freezer quality Ziploc bags. The extra thick plastic is worth it in case any of your toiletries explode!

Space in abundance: something you will never find in a carry-on suitcase so plan accordingly

For shoes and clothing:

• Ever wonder why you see people wearing impractical high heels in the airport? Some of them may want to look stylish, but others are following the rule to wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Not bringing a pair of high heel boots? The same rule still applies, but you will be a whole lot more comfortable if you are late for your connecting flight!
• Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule for packing. For trips with multiple climates, start with this guideline for each climate, but focus on making your tops for the warmer climate work with cardigan tops for the colder climate. I’d also suggest exchanging the 1 bathing suit for a 1 warm jacket in much colder climates!

This includes packing your suitcase!

For everything else:

• Dryer sheets: such a simple sheet with so many uses. They can keep your clothes and suitcase smelling fresh on longer trips, they can clean the sketchy hotel irons to protect your clothes, and can even reduce static in your hair (this last trick saved me so much annoyance during dry Midwest winters). They barely take up any space, so why not add one or two to your suitcase?
• I love the idea for using straws to keep your necklaces from getting tangled while you travel. However, what do you do with today’s statement necklaces (besides find a giant straw)? What if you just don’t have the patience for threading jewelry through straws, like me? My approach has been to save the small, individual bags stores give you when you buy jewelry. Perhaps it’s the turquoise bag from Tiffany & Co., perhaps it is the mesh bag from Express; it really doesn’t matter! Pack one necklace per bag, and you will at least minimize multiple necklace tangles.
• If you have any prescriptions you need to take with you on a trip but are afraid to lose, talk with the doctor who prescribed them. They may be able to give you some small, travel sized samples to tide you over on your trip!
• For extended trips to places without hotel gyms, pack a resistance band. I have one from physical therapy and I am amazed at the variety of workouts I can do with one. The best part is it takes up even less room than a pair of running shorts.

Your turn: I want to hear your craziest, most unusual packing hacks in the comments below!