10 essential tips for packing light

Learn experts on how you can reduce the luggage load on your next trip.


One of the most stressful parts of Prepare for a trip is the packaging. How many times have you gathered everything you thought you need to realize that you would need five bags to transport everything? Then you try to reduce things and from Nix non-Essents, and end up with more than you can manage. This is a situation in which many of us are before leaving for a trip: the art of light is something that even the most frequent travelers find it difficult to master. But as the big airlines have started to increase their checkered baggage costs, more and more travelers are looking for ways to have a hand luggage with them. Need help? Read the rest for advice based on experts to travel the light on your next trip.

In relation: 10 clothes that you shouldn't wear on an airplane .

How to shed light on a trip

Whether you plan to pack everything in your racing luggage or seek to save space in your recorded luggage, there are proven tips that experts swear. To help you shed light when you also travel, here are 10 tips you can try.

1. Use the packaging method 5 4 3 2 1.

Young man in a bedroom packing and organising clothing for a trip into a suitcase
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It can be easy to get carried away with your wardrobe choices during the packaging for a trip. That's why experienced traveler Tsui hammer , travel expert and co-founder of the fun couple travel blog , said they always Adhered to the packaging method 5 4 3 2 1 when they want to travel light.

This clothing countdown helps you limit the quantity of each type of part you pack. As a general rule, this is broken down to signify that you can pack "5 highs, 4 stockings, 3 accessories, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 swimsuit, which is ideally all the clothes you should need for a vacation of a week" Ravi parikh , founder and CEO of Travel booking site RoverPass, tells Better life .

But some say that you can adjust the formula to better meet your specific travel needs depending on the place, the moment and the duration of your trip. For example, you can choose to make 5 tops, 4 stockings, 3 layers (like a jacket or a sweater), 2 pairs of shoes and 1 dress instead.

Anyway, the packaging method 5 4 3 2 1 is supposed to "minimize the clothes you pack", according to Alexandra Dubakova , A travel expert Work with freeoutour.com.

"Using this method, you create a capsule wardrobe where you mix and effectively associate the elements, which helps limit the overpass, and you can adapt everything comfortably on hand luggage," said She. "During the packaging, opt for a palette of neutral colors or a touch of color to make sure that the outfits coordinate."

2. Invest in light luggage (or simply respect hand luggage).

woman buying a suitcase in supermarket
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The packaging light is not only what you put In your baggage. The type of luggage you use can also play a major role, according to Audrey Kohout , CEO of Luggage .

"Although it may seem that hardy cases are in fashion right now, the outer shell can make them much heavier than a bag of fabric," she warns. "You can also be surprised to hear that, generally, you can also hold more in a soft side bag, because it offers more flexibility in articles of different sizes and in shape."

Many people are looking for bags with hard shell cases because they are announced as more durable notes, Kohout notes.

"But in reality, these shells can really crack and break more easily than a soft side bag," she said. "Thus, not only will a fabric suitcase make your trip less hassle, but it will also better protect your personal effects."

Going a little further, Tsui says that deciding between recorded luggage and hand luggage can also make a significant difference when it comes to light.

"Getting only to the size of the shed guarantees that I do not exceed," she shares.

In relation: 8 brands that sell the best quality luggage, according to experts .

3. Buy packaging cubes.

Cube meshed bags with rolled clothes, t-shirt, pants. Set of travel organizer to help packing luggage easy, well organized
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They are not a gadget - packet cubes "are really the life buoy with which everyone delirits," according to Kohout.

"They are great when you try to integrate more into your bag, but can also help you hold responsible when you are in the packaging editing phase and you try to determine what you really need" , she explains.

Kohout says that she likes to divide her packaging cubes by the type of clothing. So pajamas in one, beach clothes in another, beautiful dinner outfits in another cube, etc.

"Once you have everything in its respective category, it is easier to reassess and determine if you really need 10 outfit options for a three -day trip, or if there is something you can resume In different scenarios, "she said.

Dubakova also notes that there are two different styles of packaging cube from which you can choose: standard or compression.

"The standard cubes guarantee that the clothes remain contained and do not change or create shortcomings," she said. "The compression cubes have zippers that tighten our air, making your clothes compact and saving space."

You don't have time or money to go out and buy packaging cubes? Cody Candee , CEO and founder of Luggage storage locker The Bounce website, says you can always use Ziploc bags to separate clothes in the same way.

"We have all heard of the packaging cube, but this travel tool can cost a small fortune to buy. A budget alternative is the Ziploc bags without frills," he shares. "Not only do Ziploc bags facilitate the organization of clothes in your case, but they also condense clothes to allow more space in your suitcase. As they are entirely transparent, it is also much faster to locate clothes you" Research in relation to the use of solid packaging cubes. ""

4. Wrap light and versatile fabrics.

Wool fabric texture close-up background. Knitted warm beige, white sweater or scarf with folds. Top view, flat lay
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You may not have thought of paying attention to the equipment of the clothes you pack. But being determined and choosing a few parts that could work in any environment can certainly lighten your charge.

If you want to travel light, Parikh specifically recommends looking for clothes in light fabrics such as merino wool.

"It's soft and thermo-regulating," he says. "So you stay cool in the fire and warm up in the cold."

5. Plan to repeat the outfits.

Man packing luggage for trip
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It is not a secret that wearing the same more than once during your trip can help reduce the amount of clothes you need to bring. But if you are someone who likes to change things every day on vacation, repeating the outfits does not mean that you must sacrifice your desire for new looks.

"Get a simple color palette, so that you can mix and match different pieces and feel like wearing something new even when you are not," David Ciccarelli , CEO and founder of vacation rental platform Lake, advises.

Or you can consider trying what Ciccarelli dit has become his "best travel hack" in recent years: buy reversible clothes.

"Although the brands that offer reversible clothes, like Lululemon, are not cheap-you invest in versatile parts that last for long days of travel," he explains. "If you are on a relatively active vacation, be able to turn around for a new look and a new feeling is invaluable. And with reversible clothes, you can practically cut your travel wardrobe in half."

According to Candee, making a packaging list can also help you keep track of what you can reuse during your trip.

"Plan your outfits according to your route and weather forecasts for your destination," he recommends. "Take only the clothes you are going to wear and try to choose versatile items that can spend between day at dinner, the pool at the bar, to reduce the number of clothes you need to pack."

In relation: 5 ways to keep clothes without wrinkles in your suitcase, according to travel experts .

6. Plan to do the laundry there.

laundry inside machine
Singe Images / Shutterstock

Of course, you can easily wrap lighter for a long journey by planning to redo things, but that does not mean that you have to put dirty clothes just to save space. Instead, Parikh suggests that you think about your access to the whiten when booking your accommodation.

"It is better to stay in places with laundry rooms," he said. "This guarantees that you wrap less and plan to wash your clothes during your trip."

7. Overlap.

Woman putting on a gray cardigan.
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Do not underestimate the power that the superposition may have when you also want to wrap lighter, Public travel relations specialist Jennifer Maguire Add.

"The multitasking bases are essential and they are the key to packing up to 10 days in hand luggage," she explains.

Maguire recommends focus on lighter tanks and t-shirts as a base, then blazers and sweaters like parts that you can superimpose on top.

"It also helps to stay with basic colors like black and neutral tones, but you can hit an outfit with a layer, a scarf or colored outdoor clothes," she notes.

8. Bring versatile shoes.

hands put sneakers to valise. packing for trip. travel concept
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It's not just your clothes you need to reduce the workforce. Jessica SPROAT , founder of Next avenue said she thought she needed five pairs of shoes for a short trip. Shoes can easily add additional weight to your luggage and leave very little space for many other people.

Over time, SPROAT realized that it can get out of it much less by focusing on versatile shoes.

"These days, I stick to only two versions of versatile shoes-one for exercise and one to go out," she says Better life .

Depending on the trip you make, plan to opt for hiking boots that can be worn every day and during hikes, or flip -flops that you can use at the beach but which can also work as a daily shoe.

Candee also shares another tip that you can use to save space in your luggage: Store underwear in your shoes.

"If you are a shoe lover who cannot endure the idea of vacation with a single pair of shoes, use your coaches, boots or sandals to pack your underwear," he suggests. "To keep it sanitary, simply roll your underwear and place it in a light bag, then fill it inside your shoes. This tip saves space in other parts of your suitcase for D 'Other articles. "

In relation: 6 shoes to never wear on a plane, podiatrists say .

9. Leave most of the toiletries at home.

Bag of airplane items ready to be tucked into the suitcase. Liquids in containers less than 100 ml. Bag on the bedspread.
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Many Airbnb hotels and accommodation provide things such as soap, shampoo, revitalizing and bodily washing for customers to be used during their trips. Otherwise, "most destinations have stores where you can pick them up". Yulia SAF ,, travel guru And the founder of the Miss Tourist website, underlines.

"So plan to leave most of the toiletries at home," she offers. "It could save a significant weight in your luggage."

If you cannot imagine the jet set without your favorite products, leave at least the full-size toiletries at home.

"Packaging light means investing in small durable containers for your toiletries," explains Maguire. "If you are like me, you will keep them full and stored in your suitcase even after your return home, so they are always ready to leave."

10. Weigh your suitcase before leaving.

Weighing suitcase with a luggage scale
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No matter the number of these tips to pack the light you incorporate if you do not weigh your suitcase before leaving for the airport. There are home luggage scales that you can buy online for less than $ 15.

"Make sure you weigh your luggage in advance. You would be surprised at the speed with which books can add up with all your essential elements inside," Giacomo Piva ,, Travel industry analyst And co-founder of Radical Storage, a global luggage storage company, warns. "Staying under the weight limits for transport can prevent you from reorganizing painfully or checking the door bags."

Why is it important to travel the light?

Suitcase on luggage conveyor belt carousel in the baggage claim at airport
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From the continuation of meticulous rationalized packaging methods to investing in additional tools such as packaging cubes and luggage scales, learn to wreak lighter can be a problem. So why bother? To help you understand exactly why you may want to adopt these tips, here are four different reasons for traveling light.

1. This saves money.

Person putting carry-on bag in overhead compartment.
Yacobchuk / Istock

Luggage fees can quickly add up. As Ciccarelli explains, most leaflets seek to pay at least $ 30 at $ 35 for their first recorded baggage. Meanwhile, checking a second bag will cost you even more, between $ 40 and $ 45 according to the airline with which you travel. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Autors, you can save yourself about $ 70 by wrapping the light and stirring solo with your hand luggage," said Ciccarelli. "This little financial boost can finance another dinner, the admission of the museum or another fun supplement to your trip."

The packaging light can also help you avoid meeting other additional costs when you arrive at the airport, according to Mariana Montes , a travel expert working with vibe adventures.

"If your suitcase is too heavy, you may have to pay additional money at the counter," warns Montes. "This is a problem because it can eat in your travel budget and can spoil your travel plans."

2. Different airlines have different standards.

Low angle view of unrecognizable businessman in gray suit walking through airport terminal with briefcase and suitcase.
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There is no universal standard for luggage size. Airlines are authorized to set their own requirements, and although many American carriers have similar standards, most are not Exactly the same. Not only that, but if you are traveling internationally, you can be subject to even stricter limits.

According to The point guy , the standard hand luggage size for international carriers is slightly smaller than that of most American airlines, with an average of 21.7 by 15.7 per 9 inch, including handles and wheels.

Monitoring all the different luggage allowances and costs of different airlines can be difficult, which is why Parikh recommends reducing your load whatever happens.

"Travel light guarantees that you meet the strictest standards," he notes.

In relation: The travel expert reveals the Sneaky Reason Airlines made you check your hand luggage .

3. It is easier to move with less stress.

walking with carry-on bag
Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock

Thanks to her experience, Sprroat says that one of the most convincing reasons she found in light is the freedom she brings.

"When you embark on a trip with a minimum of luggage, you discharge not only physically but also mentally and emotionally," she explains. "The weight of excessive effects can restrict your movements, limit your spontaneity and hinder your ability to fully immerse yourself in new experiences."

When you are easier to move, you can also save more money, according to Ciccarelli.

"Without heavy luggage, you could even be able to jump Uber and taxi walks if the accommodation or your next stand at the stand are at walking distance," he adds.

4. This means less pollution.

a line of tourists getting on a bus with suitcases
Vgstockstudio / Shutterstock

If you try to be more environmentally friendly, lighter packaging plays too.

"Less luggage reduces carbon carbon emissions, contributing to less pollution," explains SAF.

And it is not only a question of pollution of aircraft.

"If you travel light, you can more easily take a train or a bus between the places in your trip," said Dubakova. "This will change your impact on environmental pollution, as a car that you take by yourself due to many luggage will add more to carbon emissions than if you use public transportation."

Wrap

This is all for our packaging light tips based on experts who will help you reduce the load during your next trip, but be sure to check soon with us for more travel hacks that can make all the difference .


Categories: Travel
Tags: / Travel Advice
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