7 steps to pack your suitcase when traveling, so that you don’t miss a thing
When traveling, the act of packing the suitcase, for some, can be exciting and, for others, very frustrating.
For this reason, and so that a trip always joys you from beginning to end and choosing what you will take is not a headache, today we will teach you how to put together that perfect suitcase, whatever the destination you undertake.
First, it is necessary to determine the type of climate of the place where you are going. Since this will be decisive when choosing clothes, shoes, and even accessories to wear.
Another factor to consider is the destination and the number of days that your trip will last. Because, if we talk about going out on the weekend, then the number of things to take is less than when we speak about a transfer of more than 5 days and even outside the country.
7 steps to pack your suitcase
Make a list of what you are going to take
It is the first step to take. The organization will be much easier by listing everything you need to carry in your suitcase. So it would be packing the luggage itself.
Start by writing down everything you need. Such as items for personal use, hygiene, medications, documents or papers, if applicable, clothing, shoes, accessories, and handbags. And the amount of each depending on the days of the trip, food, and gifts if applicable.
Do not forget chargers, tablets, magazines or books, cards, money, keys; we know that they are very basic. However, if you are one of those forgetful people, it is better to write down even the most logical thing. In these cases, it is better to prevent than to leave forgotten at home something necessary.
Choose the type of luggage
Once the list of the previous point has been made, you will know for sure the number of things you are going to take. And based on this, choose the suitcase you should use.
Large luggage will allow you to store more things. However, you can also use two smaller ones and balance the weight.
One detail to keep in mind is the weight limit allowed by the airlines.
As a result of the pandemic, many airlines limited the amount of luggage and its weight. So, we recommend you check in advance what the airline you will travel with allows. In case you do it by plane and thus avoid a bad time when arriving at check-in at the airport.
Choose a suitcase with compartments that allow you to store what you do not want to be visible. Things like lingerie or personal items.
Do not forget the handbag within this selection, where you must carry the most important things. And to which you must have quick access during the trip, such as items for personal use, ticket or passage, passport, money, telephone, charger, book or magazine and perhaps some snack for the journey.
Put your outfits together in advance
How many of us have not made the mistake of storing all those clothes we like in the suitcase without taking them appropriately accompanied, and we have returned them without even taking them out of the luggage.
I know that many will identify with this situation. Therefore, it is necessary to organize everything we will use during our trip with intelligence. To carry what is necessary and not waste time choosing clothes on the spot.
To do this more efficiently, let’s first be honest with ourselves. If there is a garment that we rarely use because we don’t like how it fits or it doesn’t convince us at all, we probably feel the same somewhere else. Then, discard everything that doesn’t suit you.
Take what suits the weather, your body, and the events you will attend during your trip, including 2-3 spare outfits in case of an emergency.
Pack smart
Here the objective is to take advantage of the space. Therefore, an effective technique when packing and making the most of the space is to roll up the clothes.
In addition to the fact that the garments wrinkle less in this way, it is more efficient so that everything fits perfectly.
Pieces such as underwear, socks, t-shirts, and shirts are ideal for storing in this way. If possible, take a traveler’s iron (in case you have one). This one takes up little space and allows you not to know whether the clothes are wrinkled or not during the trip.
Another aspect to take into account is the way we store our shoes. These, because they usually have dirty soles, must be previously packed in bags. Or plastic that does not allow contact with clothing and prevents staining.
About small pieces of clothing that can be rolled up do not think about it and take advantage of the corners and the free spaces that remain in the suitcase. Let nothing go to waste.
Wear what has more volume
We have more freedom to carry luggage and lose things when traveling by car. As long as space allows it and as long as there are few companions, we can easily place those loose things in the back.
However, when we travel by plane, the situation changes drastically. The limits are clear, and we cannot take our house with us.
As we already mentioned, taking advantage of the spaces in the suitcase is key. And part of this is choosing those pieces that are not convenient to carry in your luggage due to their size or volume.
For this reason, it is recommended that, in the case of shoes such as boots that are large, you wear them during the crossing. As well as coats or overalls which usually take up a lot of space, carry them. Either in your hand or on your back.
Let’s remember that airports and airplanes are usually cold environments, and a coat is not too much.
Carry liquids safely and sealed
We recommend the kits for travelers that bring various containers to carry the products for personal use. Such as shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, creams, and others.
They are perfect for on-the-budget or limited trips, so you don’t have to be moving your massive rinse bottle.
Whatever your preference, the ideal is to seal them well. Since the containers usually give in to the plane’s pressure and end up spilling. Which will lead you to have a terrible time when opening your suitcase.
Another option is to attach a bag to the container’s nozzle and then put the lid on top to prevent spills as if it were sealed.
For greater security, wrap each container in a bag individually, and if you can, put tape on it to better secure it.
Extra Bags
It may seem like a silly fact, but you will appreciate it during the trip.
Carrying extra bags will help you store those dirty clothes. Pieces you do not want or should mix with the clean ones you have left for the rest of the trip and the ones you bring back unused. After all, the least you can do when you arrive is a wash. Well, we wash only what is necessary.
If you go to the beach, an extra bag will help you with those damp clothes of the day and towels or bathing suits and separate what requires special protection.
Handbag
This requires a separate category: the handbag is as essential as the luggage itself.
In it, we will transfer everything that, as its name indicates, we must have at hand when moving to another place. Even if we travel by road.
Imagine having put your passport or money in the suitcase that goes in traffic or the car’s trunk. It would be very cumbersome and difficult to resolve a need.
So, putting together this particular piece of luggage also requires attention and care.
What to carry in your handbag:
Documents
The main and first thing you should keep is your ID, passport if you use it, and ticket.
Since when you arrive at the check-in, they will ask you to show it, and you should have quick and easy access to all this.
Electronic Devices
Electronic items are delicate. For this reason, it is better to carry them in their cases or protectors in the handbag.
In the case of tablets, cell phones, and chargers, they must go with you at the moment. Because they will be your allies and companions on the journey.
Cameras and others, it´s better to take them in the place where they can least suffer a fall or blow.
Remember that suitcases are not treated with kindness and delicacy by airline employees. Therefore, do not hesitate to place electronic devices near you.
Personal Use Kit
When the trip involves long hours of waiting at the airport or several layovers, a personal use kit will help you clean up if you consider it necessary.
And keep you fresh just before arriving at your destination.
Do not forget to include toothpaste, toilet paper, and wipes or wet wipes.
Medicines
In the event of any mishap or discomfort on the trip, have basic medications on hand. To help you in the event of any breakdown.
Antacids, headache pills, cold discomfort, and digestives should be on hand in case of a sudden symptom during the trip.
Do not forget a water bottle or a drink you like for these cases to stay hydrated.
Change of clothes
We are not talking about anything extravagant or a lot of clothes.
Just take a simple change for long journeys.
This way, your appearance looks neat when you arrive at your final destination.
Entertainment
It can be a book, a magazine, or a hobby notebook.
Try to take some entertainment with you for the waiting hours.
Bonuses
When finishing with the luggage, one last recommendation is that it is worth placing a padlock that permanently secures your belongings. And, of course, keep the key close and do not lose sight of it. So as not to run into trouble when you arrive at your destination.
The organization of your trip and especially of your luggage is not synonymous with stress. Organize yourself and, above all, do it with time, and you will see how this task flows in a good way. Just imagine yourself at your destination, and you will see that it will be much more entertaining.