It could be a nightmare for some people when it comes to packing. How to
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more information.
What’s my number one packing hack?
My secret is that I combine multiple tricks and twist some packing rules; such as the rolling one. To me, packing is like playing a game of Tetris where I like to optimize my results and do it smartly. Here’s how I mix and match some super simple techniques.
Rolling vs. Folding
There’s always this dilemma of rolling V.S folding, something that confused many travelers and split them into two teams. You either end up being pro-rolling or pro-folding. And for some reason, a lot of people seem to think that rolling is the smartest way to do it, but they’re wrong. I actually don’t prefer one way; instead, I do both!
Rolling helps you capitalize on empty space caused by overlapping of folded garments. It’s pretty useful when it comes to summer-wear or light clothing, in general, but not when it comes to heavy garments. That’s where folding fits into the equation. Denim, jumpers, hoodies; I prefer to fold all garments of that sort.
Packing One Thing in Another
To even capitalize on more empty space, I pack small objects into other things. For example, for a pair of sneakers, I would put a bottle of perfume in one shoe and a pair of socks in the other one. If I pack an extra purse, I would also take advantage of the empty space inside of it by putting my toiletries in it for instance. By that, I don’t just save space, but I also protect the perfume bottle from breaking and my shampoo from being spilled onto my clothes.
Determining the Type of Luggage
Of course, your packing methods highly rely on the type of luggage you’re using. Some people only use travel backpacks and others just can’t manage to travel that light. For me, it really depends on the nature of my trip. If I’m traveling to a local beach travel destination, I would just take a travel backpack or a duffle bag. In that case, rolling is your go-to. However, when I travel abroad to certain destinations, especially if for a long time, or during winter, I go for wheeled luggage most of the time.
Check out some of my favorite picks below.
An Extra Backpack Won’t Harm
There’s that cool packing hack I did before on a 3-week Euro-trip; you’ll definitely find it useful if you’re more likely to go shopping. I packed a small backpack inside my luggage just in case I buy things on the road and it really came in handy!
If You No Longer Need It, Don’t Come Back With It
One thing you need to learn is giving up certain things. If you get rid of a few old things you don’t need by the end of your trip, you’ll save yourself a few pounds and you won’t have to pay for extra weight.
Bonus Packing Hack for Very Long Trips
Are you studying abroad or going on a very long trip? Well, when I came back home after my Erasmus exchange in France, I used a super cool trick that might be useful for you; I got a vacuum seal storage bag. That’s basically a plastic seal bag (which comes in sizes) where you can pack your garments and then suck the air out of it using a vacuum cleaner. You can’t imagine how much space this thing saves; it’s brilliant! Plus, you won’t have to throw it away afterwards. You can use it to store clothes from one season to another at home.
Sharing is caring!
You might also like:
If you like my content and would like to see more of it, subscribe to my newsletter here.
Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
