Travel Packing Hacks: 5 tips to Maximize Space and minimize stress

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but for many, packing can be a hassle. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, fitting everything into your suitcase or carry-on bag can be a challenge. However, with a few travel packing hacks, you can maximize space and minimize stress.

In this blog post, we’ll share five tips to help you pack efficiently and make the most of your luggage space. In other words, this is how you can fit all your stuff!

Tip #1: Start Packing Early

This is our tried and true method for reducing stress when packing!

If we are planning International travel we start packing 1 month prior to travel. This ensures we have plenty of time to try on clothes, shop for items we may need, and allow for shipping times. And if you love Postmark as we do, it gives you time to search for that favorite pair of shoes you’ll want to take! Packing early or at least laying everything out early and snapping a photo gives us peace of mind knowing what we will take without the last-minute hassle of what to bring and even worse, finding out something no longer fits!

Tip #2: Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for any traveler. These small, lightweight bags allow you to compartmentalize your belongings, making it easier to stay organized and find what you need quickly. Plus, they can help you fit more into your suitcase by compressing your clothes and reducing the amount of space they take up.

There are many choices for packing cubes. Our go-to has always been eBags! We’ve used them for years! They are always highly rated by reviewers and the quality is excellent.

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is an excellent way to save space in your luggage. Not only does it make it easier to fit more items, but it also reduces the likelihood of wrinkles. To roll your clothes, lay them flat, then fold them in half vertically. From there, roll them up tightly and place them in your packing cubes!

Tip #3: Pack Multi-Use Item

When packing for a trip, think about items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a sarong can be used as a scarf, beach cover-up, or even a picnic blanket. A lightweight jacket can double as a pillow or a blanket on a long flight. By packing items that can serve multiple purposes, you can save space in your luggage and reduce the number of items you need to bring.

There’s no need to overthink this, any item you can use more than once will help. Another way to look at this is to try not to pack anything you only plan on wearing once! Unless of course, you have a special outfit for a photoshoot or event.

Tip #4: Pack by outfits

One of the best packing tips is laying everything out and packing by outfit.  Try laying out your clothes before packing and grouping them into outfits. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re taking and can avoid bringing too much stuff (we’ve all been there!). Plus, you’ll only need to pack a shirt if it goes with a specific pair of pants and shoes you’ve already packed. I like to start with the essential outfits and then add extra items that can be mixed and matched.

Tip #5: Wear Your Bulkiest Items

If you’re traveling with bulky clothing, like boots, a blazer, or a winter coat, wear them on the plane. This will save valuable space in your carry-on bag or checked bags. Many times a blazer or coat can be stored in the overhead bin of the plane. If you’re lucky enough to be sitting in first class, the flight attendant will hang them up for you. If only every flight was first class!!

Bottom Line

Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be stressful! You don’t need a fancy ultimate packing list! By using these five travel packing hacks, you can maximize space and minimize stress, making your next adventure even more enjoyable. Remember to pack early, use packing cubes, pack multi-use items, pack based on the outfit, and wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Happy travels!