I'm one of those people who overpacks. It doesn't matter whether I'm going for a day or a week, it's a safe bet that I'll try to cram a month's worth of outfits into my bag.
While I'm always prepared for whatever comes along, my clothes don't always appreciate being packed in like sardines. More often than not, I've gotten to my destination and found my items are wrinkled, flat, or have become tangled.
As I've learned the hard way, packing everything you own isn't a great idea. Here are fifteen tips to help protect your clothing while you travel.
1 - Roll what you can
Some items travel better than others. Items like stretchy tank tops, yoga pants, and sleepwear can be rolled instead of folded since they are made of materials that are less likely to wrinkle.
Start by folding the item once, then roll it as tightly as you can. Try to pack them all into one corner of your bag to conserve space, and press them next to each other so they don't unroll.
2 - Use tissue paper
Finally, a use for the tissue paper your mom hoards from all gifts!
Not everything can be rolled. Items that are delicate, such as silk, satin, beads, or lace, should be folded. Before you fold these items, lay them flat and put a piece or two of tissue paper on top. Then, carefully fold the item so that there are layers of tissue paper in between the layers of fabric. This will prevent the fabric from rubbing on itself, which can cause damage.
Also, add a layer of tissue paper in between each item you put in your suitcase to stop the different fabrics from catching on each other.
3 - Invest in a garment bag
While this is another bag to carry, it will save your items that shouldn't go into a suitcase. If you're taking a fancy dress, expensive suit, or need the item for a formal event like a wedding, put it into a garment bag.
Fortunately, you can put more than one item in a garment bag. Hang each item individually, and place a regular, clear garbage bag over each hanger, poking a hole for the hanger to protrude. This will prevent the items from rubbing, which increases the chances that something will snag.
After the item has been worn you can hang it up in its bag without having to worry about it getting the other items dirty.
4 - Put toiletries in a plastic bag
If you've ever opened a suitcase to find your shampoo has exploded, you probably already do this.
Get a box of freezer size ziplock bags for your toiletries. These are big enough to hold full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, as well as smaller items like toothpaste. If something leaks, your clothing will be protected. The bags specifically identified for the freezer tend to have a double seal, so they're less likely to leak.
5 - Use other items as layers
Similar to using tissue paper, placing a piece of clothing flat in between other items forms a protective barrier. This works best with items like housecoats and hoodies, as they are larger and open on one side.
Once you have one layer of clothing packed, spread out a sweater or similar item over the top, and tuck the ends down the sides of the suitcase. This way if things slide around, they can only go so far.
5 - Get a mini steamer
A mini steamer will save you from ever again having to hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower.
This type of compact, hand-held steamer uses a minimal amount of water and takes up very little space. They're safe to use on almost all kinds of fabric, are fairly inexpensive, and are super easy to use.
My personal favourite is the Joy Mangano My Little Steamer. One canister water usually does two shirts, and it works like a dream. They're available at several stores, but at the time of this post, they're on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond.
6 - Use a shoebox
Shoeboxes are wonderful, and not just because they come with shoes in them. To keep fragile items safe, place them in a shoe box. Given that the box has a lid, these items won't be able to move around and break.
Make sure to pad the bottoms, edges, and top of the shoebox. If you're getting tissue paper, add some to the box. Alternatively, you have to pack socks and underwear anyway, so why not use those?
7 - Your old makeup bags can do double duty
Makeup bags are another great tool for organizing your suitcase. Be sure to wipe them down first to remove any eye shadow or powder left from when it was in use, then use them to store travel-size liquids, feminine products, or jewelry that can't tangle such as watches and stud earrings.
Since most makeup bags have zippers, they're your best choice for storing things you don't want to spread all over your bag. As someone who has had her luggage checked when travelling internationally, I can assure you that finding your feminine products strewn about your bag is not pleasant.
8 - Utilise twist-ties
For jewelry that can tangle, stock up on twist ties. I'm a huge fan of long chain necklaces, but they have a habit of becoming one giant mess when placed in a suitcase.
To prevent this, thread twist ties through the links in the chain. Leave a few inches in between each twist tie. For necklaces that have multiple strands of chains, wrap the ties around all of the strands as a whole. Being locked together will prevent them from mixing with each other.
This works for rings and hoop earrings, too. If you're concerned you'll lose one, or the pair will separate, loop a twist tie through the ones you want to keep together (you can then store them in your extra makeup bag!).
9 - Pack your dryer sheets
Ever open your suitcase after a long trip and find it not-so-fresh? This is a problem if you're just arriving at your destination.
Tuck a few dryer sheets here and there throughout your suitcase to keep your stuff smelling like it just came out of the laundry. You can also throw a few extra in a ziplock bag to use once you get to unpack - anything that has developed static can be rubbed down with one to remove that pesky clinginess.
10 - Plan ahead
A lot of these problems can be avoided if you plan ahead what you're (realistically) going to need for your trip. If at all possible, plan an itinerary before you go, even if it has some holes in it. Knowing the basics of what you'll be doing will help stop you from packing things you don't need.
For example, if you're going on a yoga retreat, do you really need a dress that you could wear to meet the Queen?
11 - Make a list
As you figure out what you'll need, write it down. Yes, actually write it, don't just make a mental note and pretend you'll remember. Either write everything down as you think of it, or make a separate list for each day, and plan your outfits.
Having a physical checklist gives you the opportunity to visually review what you've thought of, what you've removed, and what you aren't sure about.
As you pack each item, check it off your list. Don't forget to include things that tend to get forgotten, like phone chargers, medication, and hotel confirmations.
12 - Have a separate bag for hair supplies and shoes
If you're like me and require assembly in the morning, you're likely going to take at least some of your hair appliances with you.
As hard as it may be, the first step is to determine what is absolutely essential to bring and what can be left behind. For example, if I go anywhere without a curling iron my hair resembles that of Little Orphan Annie on a windy day after getting soaking wet.
Once you know what you need, pack them in a separate bag from your clothes. You don't want to get hair product on your clothing, or have something catch and create a tear.
To save you from having yet another bag, put your shoes in with your hair items. Just as with the hair appliances, determine which ones you absolutely need before packing any of them. Then, wrap them in a plastic bag so that they don't mix with your hair stuff (foot-hair blend, anyone?).
13 - Bring extra plastic bags
Yes, plastic bags are a packing necessity. Throw a few extras into your suitcase so that when some items get dirty or wet, they don't ruin your other clothes. Having more than one extra bag is important, as you can separate wet items from dirty ones, and items that simply need to be washed because they were worn (like underwear).
This is especially helpful if you're packing swimwear. As we all know, bathing suits get wet. Having them tangle with your dry clothes creates the perfect opportunity for mold.
14 - Pack a small amount of laundry detergent
While hotels have laundry services, they tend to be expensive. Fortunately, clothing can be hand-washed, and hung to dry. Having some detergent on hand means you can give your items a quick wash without having to pay for laundering services.
This also good for spot cleaning. Dampen a facecloth and rub a couple drops of detergent onto the area that needs cleaning. Rinse thoroughly, and you're good to go as soon as it dries.
Worried about wrinkles? Bust out your handy mini steamer.
15 - Check the weather before you go
To avoid packing things you don't need, check the forecast before you pack everything. If it's likely to be warm, you can probably do without that extra sweater.
Check the weather a few times in the days leading up to your trip. This way, you'll be able to see if the forecast has stayed pretty much the same, or if the predictions made a few days ago are completely wrong.
Having fewer items in your suitcase means there's more room for everything (duh), which in turn means your items are less likely to be squished.
Do you have packing tips you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments.
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