Things You'll Need:
- Separate plastic bags TSA-approved lock
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Step 1
Set aside any valuables or expensive items and reserve those for your carry-on luggage. This includes any jewelry, cameras, camcorders, electric toothbrushes or other electronics. A good rule of thumb: don't pack anything in your checked luggage that you cannot easily and inexpensively replace.
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Step 2
Make sure you are not bringing any prohibited items if you are traveling by air. Things such as matches, pool chemicals, bleach, flammable liquids and fireworks are not allowed in checked luggage. See the Resources section for a complete list of items prohibited by TSA.
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Step 3
Open your suitcase and place it on your bed. Place any heavy or bulky items into the suitcase first, including shoes. Place the shoes on their sides with the mouth of one shoe facing the laces of the other shoe. This will ensure that your shoes take up as little space as possible.
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Step 4
Put all your toiletries, including shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, shaving gel and any other liquids, into a separate plastic bag or case. Make sure the tops are tightly fastened on each product. Place this bag in your suitcase on top of your shoes and bulky items. Using a separate bag will help prevent any leaks from ruining your clothing. Only liquids in containers smaller than 3 ounces are allowed in carry-on luggage, so be sure to put all larger toiletries or liquids in your checked baggage.
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Step 5
Select the outfits you will be wearing during your trip and set them aside. Take one item of clothing and lay it flat on the bed. Fold one half of the clothing over on itself and, starting from the bottom, roll the clothing up. Place this rolled-up piece of clothing in your luggage, starting in the back corner.
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Step 6
Repeat step 5 with every item of clothing, except for small items such as socks and underwear. Rolling your clothes helps prevent wrinkling and ensures they take up less space in your luggage. If you have any breakable items you need to pack, roll them up in a piece of clothing and place them in the middle of the suitcase.
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Step 7
Collect any socks, underwear and bras you are bringing on your trip, and arrange them on top of the rolled clothing. If you have dresses or business suits that must remain on the hanger, fold these items in half and place them on top of the other items in your suitcase.
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Step 8
Close and zip your luggage. Make sure your luggage is properly identified with a luggage tag. If you decide to place a lock on your luggage, use a TSA-approved lock. See the Resources section for information on where to buy TSA-approved baggage locks.
