1 – Roll your clothes
One of the simplest, yet most effective tips to fitting more into your suitcase/duffle is to roll your clothing. Although folding your clothing may seem to make the most sense, rolling saves nearly double the space! Start with your larger clothing items such as jeans and outerwear, and end with your smaller clothing items such as tee shirts and tank tops. Try out this tip while packing for your next trip, and you will not be sorry.
2 – Use packing cubes
If rolling your clothing still is not cutting it, consider using packing cubes. Many stores such as TJ Maxx and Bed, Bath and Beyond sell packing cubes in the checkout line! These zippered, fabric containers not only increase the amount of space available to you in your suitcase, but they allow for you to maintain organization throughout your travels.
3 – Bring travel-size toiletries
Traveling does not mean that you cannot bring your favorite shampoo and face wash from home, even if they do not sell your favorite brand in travel-size bottles (usually 3 ounces). Prior to your trip, try purchasing some empty travel-size toiletry containers. Check out this set we found on Amazon.
4 – Put things inside your shoe
Shoes are perfect for packing efficiently! Do not let the additional space inside your shoes go to waste. Whether you stuff socks or jewelry into your shoes, this is the perfect spot to squeeze what you just cannot seem to fit into your suitcase.
5 – Wear your pair of shoes that takes up the most space
Another tip that may seem obvious but wearing the pair of shoes that would take up the most amount of space in your suitcase will save a ton of space. For example, instead of trying to pack your Timberland boots into your suitcase, why not just wear them on the plane?
6 – Wear your heaviest piece of outerwear on plane/bus/etc
Just like you should wear your largest pair of shoes while traveling to save space in your suitcase/duffel, the same goes for outerwear. Instead of trying to pack your heavy winter jacket, wear it over your travel outfit.
7 – Pack plenty of neutral colors
Sometimes when you have packing restraints, it is not the time to bring your most colorful shirts and pants. Instead of being super adventurous in your outfit choices for your trip and packing clothes that you may not even wear, try packing mostly neutral tones. A pair of simple black jeans will match with anything. The same tip goes for shoes! Instead of packing multiple shoes for each outfit you’ve packed, try and stick to two pairs of neutral, comfy shoes.
8 – Zip your suitcase up, then add more to it
By zipping your suitcase up when it is full (or at least seems full), it will push everything inside of it down. After you zip it up, reopen it. Everything you packed should be compressed down, leaving more room for you to squeeze more on top!
We hope that these travel tips on saving space will allow for you to bring the three extra outfits that you do not really need on your trip! Even trying out one tip will save you space, so it is worth a try, happy travels!
Behind the Bricks, RIT
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