How to Personalize Luggage

Is there anything more monotonous and frustrating than standing at a baggage carousel watching identical bag after identical bag go by? Well, yeah, trying to figure out which one of the clones swirling in front of you is actually yours. Fortunately, all it takes is a little creativity and plenty of color to personalize your luggage and make it stand out in a sea of monotony. Read on to learn how to personalize luggage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric paint or fabric markers
• Colored duct tape
• Fabric glue
• Name tags (for the zippers and pockets)

Purchase Sturdy Luggage

1. Start by shopping at thrift stores. Purchase suitcases and bags that are strong and durable. They will need to be able to stand up to the rigors of decorating and travel. Buying used luggage is a great way to save money, especially with all the modifications you may make when you personalize it.

2. Move the search to discount and department stores if the thrift store well runs dry. Look for sturdy suitcases and bags that you can personalize.

3. Buy a couple of versatile pieces of luggage that have plenty of pockets and a way to lock them all. Locks deter thieves.

Get Creative and Have Fun

4. Choose a theme for your luggage. You can go whimsical, outrageous or just funny. It is your luggage and you can do what you want to. Personalized luggage is more difficult for thieves to walk off with, so be creative with your designs.

5. Use the fabric paints to draw designs, write witty messages or declare warning to all who pass by. Bright, fluorescent paints are readily available at craft and hobby stores and will stand out on a baggage carousel.

6. Give your luggage a tie-dye look. Glue swatches of brightly colored fabrics into place with fabric glue or another strong adhesive.

7. Consider colored duct tape. Make your solid luggage striped or cut pieces of the colored tape into various shapes and patterns and affix on all sides of the baggage.

8. Attach brightly colored name tags onto the luggage. Be sure to include one with correct contact information on the inside of the baggage so that airline officials can find you if the luggage gets lost.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, mail luggage that would otherwise be checked to your destination instead of hunting for it during your trip.
• Pack lightly to avoid checking luggage. Check with the airline, train line or bus service ahead of time for guidelines on carry on luggage.

[pappy537]

on 9/4/2008 Try going over seas with the ARMY. 400 duffle bags, ALL GREEN.

[taEYEra]

on 8/31/2008 I painted colorful butterflies and bugs on the outside of my generic black nylon bag with wheels (you know that one that EVERYONE has). I can immediately spot it on the carousel and get tons of compliments on it. It was easy! evane a simple pattern of swirls and shapes would be easily identifiable.

[librarylady]

on 8/31/2008 This is such a good idea. I lost my suitcase last June and still haven't got it back.

[Veesites]

on 8/31/2008 I've tied ribbons and bows to my luggage to try to make it more identifable in the luggage carousel. The duct tape ideas is a great one.

[DreamsInBloom]

on 8/31/2008 Dizzyhips, I think she meant for the fabric glue to be used on luggage that is made of fabric, as a lot of luggage nowadays are. Her other suggestion was for fabric paint, which made me think she was talking about luggage made of fabric as well. And not the plastic kind of luggage. I could be wrong though.