How to Pack Your Suitcase for Vacation

When you pack your suitcase; do you need an extra set of hands to help zip it closed? Is your suitcase rectangle shaped, yet looks like an egg with corners when you get done packing it? Follow the instructions below to pack your suitcase for vacation and eliminate the need for the extra pair of hands.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Put shoes in bottom

   Place shoes as shown in the photo in a gallon size plastic zip bag or any plastic shopping bag. This will help keep grime from the soles from getting on clothing. Place shoes in the bottom of the suitcase.

2. 
   Use travel size

   Put toiletry items in a plastic zip bag to keep leaks from occurring en route. For space saving, consider using travel size. Yes, full size products are less expensive; but for convenience and to save considerable space when you pack your suitcase for vacation, they can't be beat !

3. 
   roll belts

   Roll all belts and secure with a heavy duty elastic. Keeping them coiled takes up less space and keeps them from bending out of shape.

4. 
   Use a mesh bag

   Place all socks and undergarments in a mesh bag. If you have two bags, add the other in as you pack your suitcase for vacation. Using a second will allow you to place used pieces into it as you wear them. When it's time to wash, just toss the bag into the machine.

5. 
   Roll clothing

   Roll pants, shirts, sweaters and other fold type clothing. This helps to prevent wrinkling as well.

6. 
   No room for hair dryers!

   Add hair dryers, electric shavers, straighteners, and other appliances in between clothing items to prevent breakage when your vacation luggage inevitably gets mishandled. Remember, that many vacation destination hotels have dryers and it's not usually necessary to take one.

7. To pack a carry on bag for air travel: Pack one full set of clothing, appropriate sized travel accessories in a zip plastic bag, an extra pair of shoes, any medication you are taking, an extra set of glasses or contacts if you wear them, jewelry, and other valuables you don't want handled in the baggage area, and a couple snacks, books and magazines, in case you get delayed. Being prepared with items in carry on luggage is important in case your regular suitcase doesn't get to where you're going !

Tips & Warnings

• The photo of the correctly packed suitcase contains: 4 pair of pants, 2 pair of shoes, 3 sweaters, 2 sweatshirts, 10 shirts, and miscellaneous articles of clothing, and toiletries. And there's room for more.
• For air travel: see airline updated rules and regulations on what can be carried on the plane.
• Do not add valuables to luggage that will be stored away from you !

[sstew9]

on 5/22/2009 When flying, prep your toiletries. Loosen the cap of each container, squeeze a little air out, then re-tighten container. This allows the contents to expand in-flight (due to lower atmospheric pressure) without springing a leak.

[TobyLee]

on 1/14/2009 Excellent tips on packing a suitcase. 5*

[mosscampion]

on 1/14/2009 Great suitcase packing tips!

[joanhaines]

on 1/12/2009 Packing tips are always welcome. Thanks!

[PawPawFrankie]

on 1/12/2009 Another great tip that my wife uses is to pack clothes in vacuum bags. I rigged the air compressor/deflator from an inflatable bed to fit the bags so the items can be vacuumed when it is time to come home. 5*'s for a great article.