Best Travel Packing Hacks: Tips to Help You Pack Like a Pro
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an anxious traveller. It’s not that I’m not excited about the trip itself, I love traveling and feel totally at ease once I’m on the plane or in my destination, it’s actually getting ready part that stresses me out.
Preparing for a trip often comes with the dread of packing. How do you fit everything you need into a carry on? How do you make sure not to overpack?
If you suffer from packing anxiety, or just dread packing in general, then you’re in luck! Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend getaway or embarking on a month-long adventure, becoming a packing pro is easier than you think!
Since so much of my travel anxiety comes from the packing process, I’ve found that planning in advance as much as possible keeps me calmer while preparing for a trip. And when you give yourself more time to plan, that means you’ve also got time to find some pretty nifty ways to pack smarter.
With that being said, I’m sharing the 15 top travel packing hacks that will help you maximize space, minimize stress, and ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips! Say goodbye to packing anxiety!
Packing hacks to help you pack like a pro
From packing cubes to strategic folding methods, these packing hacks will transform the way you pack and make your travel prep a breeze!
Make a packing list
Making a packing list is a game-changer for any traveler. It ensures you remember every essential item, avoiding last-minute panic and overpacking, while helping you streamline your preparations and keep your luggage organized.
By itemizing what you need to bring, you can visualize your suitcase's contents before you even start packing, enabling you to prioritize and organize your items efficiently. This simple step not only saves you time and stress but also keeps your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.
Make digital copies of important documents
Making digital copies of important documents is a crucial packing hack for any traveler. It provides a safety net in case of loss or theft, ensuring that you can access your essential information like passports, identification, and travel reservations from anywhere. This simple preemptive step allows you to react swiftly and effectively in emergencies, minimizing disruptions to your travel plans.
I take photos of all of my important travel documents with my phone, and then upload them to my Google Drive as well. This way I have my documents even if my phone gets stolen or lost during my trip.
Start packing early
Packing early is a one of the number one packing hacks that all travel pros swear by. Starting the packing process well in advance gives you ample time to thoughtfully consider each item you're bringing, ensuring that you only pack what you truly need. This method also allows you to spot anything missing from your luggage, giving you enough time to acquire any additional items without the stress of last-minute shopping. By avoiding the rush, you can pack methodically and efficiently, leading to a more organized suitcase and a smoother start to your journey.
Which begs the question, how far in advance should you start packing for a trip? For short trips, 1-3 days in advance is fine. For a 7 day trip, try to start packing 3-5 days in advance. For longer trips that are over a week, you should start packing at least a week in advance. Now, you don’t need to pack everything in advance, start with the things that you don’t use on a regular basis, then keep adding more as your travel date gets closer.
Check the weather forecast
Checking the weather forecast before packing is an absolute essential hack for savvy travelers. It ensures that you bring appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions you'll encounter, preventing discomfort or the inconvenience of having to buy suitable attire at your destination.
Whether it's adding a raincoat for unexpected showers or opting for lighter fabrics in a heatwave, being informed about the weather allows you to pack both practically and efficiently. This proactive approach not only saves space in your luggage but also enhances your overall travel experience, making sure you're well-prepared for whatever the weather holds.
Choose the right luggage
Choosing the right luggage is a critical packing hack for traveling like a pro, as it can significantly influence your travel experience. The perfect piece of luggage is not just about style; it should align with the length of your trip, the type of travel, and the kinds of items you need to bring.
Opting for a bag with a robust design, useful compartments, and smooth mobility can drastically improve your travel experience. It helps you stay organized and agile, whether navigating busy airports or exploring new cities. Also, selecting a size that meets airline guidelines avoids last-minute fees and check-in hassles, making your travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Create a travel capsule wardrobe
Creating a travel capsule wardrobe is a fantastic packing hack for traveling efficiently and stylishly. This approach involves selecting a limited number of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, suitable for various occasions during your trip. By focusing on coordinating colors and multi-functional items, you not only save space in your luggage but also simplify daily outfit decisions, reducing stress while on the move.
A well-planned capsule wardrobe ensures you look great, feel comfortable, and can adapt to changing activities and weather conditions without overpacking, truly embodying the art of traveling like a pro.
Want to learn how to create your own travel capsule wardrobe? Check out this post:
Plan with outfits
If you don’t have time to create a travel capsule wardrobe just yet, planning your packing by outfits rather than individual pieces of clothing is a great packing hack for seasoned travelers. This strategy ensures every item in your suitcase has a purpose, eliminating unnecessary bulk and simplifying your choices when getting dressed on the road.
By visualizing and coordinating complete outfits—including accessories and shoes—you maximize the utility of every item, ensuring versatility without overpacking. This approach not only saves space but also time, making getting ready each day quicker and more efficient, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your trip and less time sorting through clothes.
Organize your clothing by day
Organizing your clothing by day is a strategic packing hack that streamlines your travel experience remarkably. By planning and packing outfits in order by each day of your trip, you eliminate the daily hassle of deciding what to wear, allowing you to enjoy your activities fully. This method ensures that every piece packed serves a specific purpose, reducing unnecessary bulk and maximizing suitcase space.
It also prevents overpacking and keeps your luggage organized and manageable, making it easier to find exactly what you need without rummaging. This level of organization is particularly beneficial for trips with multiple destinations or varying activities, as it keeps you prepared and efficient throughout your journey.
Roll your clothes
Rolling your clothing is a highly effective packing hack that many experienced travelers swear by. This technique not only saves space in your suitcase by compressing each item tightly but also minimizes wrinkles and creases, keeping your clothes looking fresh upon arrival.
By rolling garments, you can fit more into your luggage and organize your items more efficiently, making it easier to locate specific pieces without disrupting the entire contents of your bag. This method is particularly useful for maximizing space in carry-on luggage, allowing you to avoid checked bag fees while still bringing everything you need for your trip.
Use compression Packing cubes
Compression packing cubes are a fantastic packing hack for travelers aiming to maximize their luggage space. These specialized cubes work by squeezing out extra air, allowing clothes and other soft items to be packed more compactly. This not only frees up valuable space in your suitcase but also helps reduce the bulk and weight of your luggage.
Compression cubes keep your belongings neatly organized and easily accessible, minimizing packing stress and making unpacking a breeze. They are particularly useful for long trips or for travelers who need to pack bulky items like sweaters and jackets, helping you travel lighter and smarter.
I personally love and use this compression packing bag set from Amazon! Comes in a pack of 4/5/6, lots of color options and it’s under $25!
Wear your bulky items on the plane
Wearing your bulky items on the plane is a clever packing hack for seasoned travelers looking to optimize their luggage space. Bulky items like coats, boots, and heavy sweaters take up significant room in a suitcase, so wearing them during your flight frees up space and reduces the weight of your checked or carry-on luggage.
This strategy not only allows you to bring more essentials or keep within airline weight restrictions but also ensures that you are prepared for cooler temperatures at your destination or on a chilly flight. It's a practical approach that can make a big difference in how much you can pack and how comfortably you can manage your luggage.
Pack items inside shoes and bags
Packing items inside shoes and bags is an ingenious packing hack that maximizes every inch of your suitcase. This method involves utilizing the empty spaces within your shoes and any other hollow or bag-like items to store small, rollable items such as socks, underwear, or even electronic chargers and adapters. Not only does this save valuable space, but it also helps maintain the shape of your shoes while in transit.
This technique keeps smaller items organized and easy to find, preventing them from getting lost among your other belongings. It's a smart way to ensure you are using all available space efficiently, making your packing more streamlined and effective.
Use a toiletry bag
Using a toiletry bag is an essential packing hack for traveling efficiently and keeping your luggage organized. A dedicated toiletry bag consolidates all your hygiene essentials in one place, preventing leaks and spills from affecting your clothing and other items. It also simplifies airport security checks, as you can easily separate this bag from your carry-on during screening. Opting for a toiletry bag with compartments helps in organizing items neatly, making it quicker to find what you need without rummaging through your suitcase.
Use an electronics organizer
Using an electronics organizer is a great packing hack for anyone traveling with multiple gadgets. This organizer segregates all your electronic accessories, such as chargers, cables, adapters, and earphones, into one compact and accessible space. It prevents tangling and damage, making it easier to find the right cord or device when you need it. An electronics organizer streamlines your packing and keeps your essential gear neatly arranged and protected, saving you valuable time and frustration, particularly during travel where quick access to your devices and chargers is often necessary.
25 Must Have Travel Products from Amazon
Get a luggage scale
Using a luggage scale is an incredibly practical packing hack for avoiding the stress and extra fees associated with overweight baggage. By weighing your suitcase before you head to the airport, you can ensure it meets airline weight requirements, allowing you to redistribute items or remove non-essentials if necessary.
This not only saves you from last-minute repacking in the check-in line but also helps you manage your packing strategy more effectively, keeping your luggage within limits. A luggage scale is a small investment that offers peace of mind, ensuring a smooth start to your travels without the hassle of unexpected charges. This little luggage scale from Amazon fits in the palm of your hand and it’s under $12!
Pack an extra bag for dirty laundry
Packing an extra bag for dirty laundry is an essential packing hack for maintaining organization and hygiene during your travels. As clothes become used and potentially soiled, segregating them from clean items prevents the spread of odors and stains throughout your suitcase. Utilizing a separate bag for laundry—whether it’s a simple plastic bag, a fabric tote, or a specialized laundry pouch—ensures that your clean and dirty garments remain distinctly apart. This method not only simplifies the unpacking and laundry process once you return home but also makes repacking more efficient and orderly, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Bring a plastic bag to store dirty shoes
Just like bringing an extra bag for dirty laundry, packing a plastic bag for dirty shoes is also a clever packing hack that helps maintain the cleanliness of your suitcase's contents throughout your travels. Shoes can easily gather dirt, mud, or even snow depending on your activities and destinations. By storing them in a separate plastic bag, you effectively isolate this grime from your clean clothes and other belongings. This not only keeps your suitcase organized but also prevents your apparel from picking up unwanted scents or stains.
A simple plastic bag is lightweight and can be easily tucked away, making it an uncomplicated yet highly effective solution for keeping your travel gear neat and tidy. Unfortunately we live in a world where plastic bags are everywhere, we typically store plastic shopping bags in our pantry to reuse and recycle—which is perfect to use in this case! After unpacking your dirty shoes, just rinse the bag and reuse for your next trip!
