Q&A for How to Pack a Bag or Suitcase Efficiently

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  • Question
    How do you stay organized while traveling?
    Allyson Edwards
    World Traveler & International Consultant
    Allyson Edwards graduated from Stanford University with a BA in International Relations. Afterwards, she went on to facilitate International partnerships with agencies in over twenty countries, and has consulted for companies in industries across education, fintech, and retail.
    World Traveler & International Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Whenever I go on a trip, I love to make lists based on my schedule for each day, from what I'll need to wake up to what I'll need just before bed. For longer trips, I do this for a week's worth of activities. Making these lists helps me stay organized by day, and then I don't have to think a lot and can devote more time to having a great time on my trip!
  • Question
    What is the best suitcase to use? Duffle or hard?
    Community Answer
    If it's carry-on, you may want something more flexible if it's going in the overhead bin. If being checked, the durability of a hard case might be better to avoid damage to the contents.
  • Question
    If I roll all of my clothes, will they wrinkle?
    Community Answer
    Not if you roll them tightly and don't roll in wrinkles. If they are loosely rolled, they will likely wrinkle.
  • Question
    How do I fold pants?
    Community Answer
    You may find that they take up less space and fit better in your bag if you roll them instead. Starting at the cuffs, roll them up like a sleeping bag.
  • Question
    How do I pack books effectively?
    Community Answer
    Spread them out at the bottom of the suitcase and make sure there are no gaps between the books.
  • Question
    Will my clothes wrinkle if I fold them?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you use tight, secure folds, and your clothes shouldn't wrinkle. Before you fold an item, ensure all of the wrinkles and creases are out, and fold your clothes on a flat surface to prevent them from getting wrinkles.
  • Question
    Does the size of a suitcase include the wheels in the measurement?
    Community Answer
    Yes, all of the suitcase, plus the contents inside of the suitcase is weighed and is included in the measurements.
  • Question
    How long does this take?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on your efficiency an dhow much you have to pack.
  • Question
    How to pack if there are a lot of clothes and a small bag?
    Community Answer
    Don't bring unneeded clothes. Try bringing more lightweight clothes instead. Don't pack other unnecessary items. You might try vacuum-pack bags that can reduce the size of the clothes.
  • Question
    How do I roll bathing suits?
    Sianmay.x
    Community Answer
    Fold in the straps and the roll over them.
  • Question
    How should I fold a shirt for packing?
    Community Answer
    Fold it normally: Fold the sleeves inward. Then fold the shirt in half horizontally, based on how you would look at a shirt (having the neckhole facing upward).
  • Question
    How do I pack a bag in 10 minutes?
    Community Answer
    Have everything already laid out or on a list. You can also use packing methods that help you pack faster and with more room in your luggage.
  • Question
    Would it be best to put a jumper in my back pack so I can get it whenever I like?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Just be aware that your backpack has limited space, which you may want for other things.
  • Question
    Should I slot shoes into the sides when everything else is in, or should I place them at the bottom of the bag?
    Community Answer
    I find that it's easier to put them at the bottom of the suitcase. If you don't want them to get squished, you could stuff socks or other clothing tightly into the shoes.
  • Question
    How do I pack when I'm going camping?
    Community Answer
    Use the checklist in the article, and pack clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
  • Question
    What if I have a backpack? Will these tips still work?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how big your backpack is and how much you are packing. If you are packing light for a short amount of time, a small backpack would work. If you are packing heavy for a long trip, you might be able to use a backpack or need to switch to something bigger.
  • Question
    What if there is a hurricane, should I take my dog with me?
    Community Answer
    If the hurricane is short notice and you need to get out, save yourself. But if you are evacuating ahead of time, you should be able to bring the dog with you. Make sure to pack any supplies the dog needs as well, like food, a leash, medicine, etc.
  • Question
    I have had knee replacements. They do set off alarms. I have laminated cards from the doctor to carry. Where should I go to clear them when arriving at the terminal before boarding plane?
    Community Answer
    It would be best if you told the people at the X- Ray when you get there and show them the cards. There's no need to tell anyone before you get to security, just tell the TSA officers there so they will know why the alarm is going off.
  • Question
    What should I pack for a 5-day casual trip?
    Community Answer
    Anything you want to wear to look nice, but not too fancy. Wear comfortable clothes. Wear what you normally do, because it's a casual trip. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and bring elastics (for girls) or headbands.
  • Question
    How much stuff should I pack if I can only take a 10 kg suitcase?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where you're going, how much stuff you'll need, and how much you want to lug around. Try to err on the side of packing light. You can always buy something when you get to your destination or launder your clothes and wear them again.
  • Question
    Is it a good idea to pack toys for young children, like for a three year old?
    Community Answer
    You can pack a few so that they remain occupied during your trip, but not too many that they would be nuisance.
  • Question
    Can I bring makeup?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Make sure to put it in a plastic Ziploc bag so it doesn't get all over your clothes and whatever else you're packing. If you're bringing it on an airplane, make sure that any liquid makeup adheres to TSA standards (3.4 ounces or less).
  • Question
    What happens If I have no more room left in my suitcase after the trip than I did before?
    Community Answer
    Try to wear as many of your clothes as you can. Pick your biggest shoes and at least one jacket if you brought one. Wear layers. You may not be comfortable, but it's the best option if you don't have enough room in your suitcase. If you still can't fit everything in your suitcase, you may need to throw some things away. Pick what is really important to you and what is irreplaceable, and throw other things away. You can always buy more toiletries, and maybe it's time for a new pair of sneakers anyway.
  • Question
    How many pairs of clothes should I pack for a 6 week holiday to Pakistan?
    Community Answer
    If a washing machine is available, around 21 outfits will be sufficient. If not, then around 42 should work.
  • Question
    I'm going on a weekend youth retreat soon. It's at someones house, and I will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress with everything else. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    If you can, try to vacuum seal whatever you can to save space. Also if you can, take another bag, or if you don't need a carry-on to put other stuff in, take another bag for those items. If you're trying to pack lightweight and you don't already have the air mattress, get the kind you blow up, not the kind with a motor.
  • Question
    What shall I pack if I'm going to get my period on the trip?
    Community Answer
    The regular things: pads and/or tampons, extra underwear and extra pants.
  • Question
    Can l use a hard case duffel bag?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    What size plastic bag do I need for liquids?
    Community Answer
    Liquids shouldn't be kept in plastic bags. It is much safer if you keep them in small bottle containers or bowls with lids. If you think it is taking a lot of space, the use strong resealable bags to store the liquids and put the resealable bag into another plastic bag to keep it from spilling or leaking.
  • Question
    Why does rolling the clothing make it heavier?
    Allura Of Altaea
    Community Answer
    Instead of distributing the weight of the clothes when you fold them, rolling them centers all their weight, making it heavier.
  • Question
    What is a good packing list for a summer trip?
    Community Answer
    If you are going somewhere warm, use the beach checklist provided above. If you are going somewhere cold, use the winter weekend checklist. Also, if the quantities listed for any specific item don't match the amount of days you are going, just add or subtract the given number.
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