Comments on How to Pack a Suitcase

I found that the little ties that come with garbage bags great when it comes to traveling. I use the to hold the zippers closed, because mini locks are no longer allowed. It keeps your things from falling out and it also allows for easy access incase your luggage gets searched!

When packing for a trip, include a clean garbage bag. It will serve as a makeshift hamper during your trip, and the plastic does a decent job of keeping the dirty laundry from smelling up the unused, clean clothes you have packed.

Security searches of suitcases and carryon's can be embarassing with personal items. Put all personal items in a Ziplock bag. You won't have to worry about it spilling out of your bag in front of other passengers. It's also easier to handle. This also helps if you worry about your suitcase suddenly opening in the middle of a busy airport!

When you empty out your luggage, throw in a couple of scented fabric softener sheets. The next time you go to use the luggage, it will be fresh!

Most clothes can be rolled to save space. Start with items like jeans & put them in at the sides of the suitcase and then fill the inside with smaller clothes such as T-shirts. When you arrive, hang clothes in the bath for a quick, steamy touch up!

In a foreign country you need to have your pills in their proper containers telling what it is, who prescribed it, and who it is for, or you may be delayed in customs.

During these times of increased airport security, plan ahead to decrease your embarrassment at the airport. Pack all of your undergarments in plastic bags with 'zipper' closures. When the security personnel opens your luggage, they look through your belongings but aren't able to 'manhandle' your personal items as easily. Also, a great way to pack those items that you aren't willing for others to see in an inspection is to pack those unmentionables in between your undergarments so that only the unders are seen.

Because it is possible for luggage to get lost, pack one or two days worth of underwear and socks in your carry-on luggage. This should hold you over until your delayed luggage is delivered, or you get a chance to purchase more clothing. Pants and tops can be worn again, but the same underwear cannot. It goes without saying that medicine and makeup and shaving gear should also go into the carry-on.

When packing T-shirts or cotton shirts, lay the shirts on the bed and fold them in half (arm to arm). Then fold in half again, bringing bottom of shirt to top of shirt. Then roll the shirt as tightly as possible to save space and eliminate wrinkles.

Ask your dry cleaner to use lots of starch and box your dress shirts. Then you just have to pack the boxes and that doesn't take up too much space.

If you have any clothing that is getting worn out and you will soon be disposing of but is still "presentable," take it with you. When you're ready to leave, toss it out and you will have additional space in your bags.

Instead of buying the fancy vacuum bags to save space, use regular sandwich bags and just sit on them. This works just as well, but it's cheaper.

When traveling for a long period of time, take along your old underwear and t-shirts. Instead of bringing home dirty laundry, just toss them out along the way - your suitcase won't begin to smell, either.

Whenever there's a coupon for trial size samples, get them and save them for your trips. Samples may include hair gel, toothpaste, antacids, pain relievers, body washes, etc.

Make a packing list so you won't forget anything. Check things off the list as you pack them. Update as needed. I use three: One for overnight trips, one for 3-day weekends, and one for extended stays.

In a foreign country you need to have your pills in their proper containers telling what it is, who prescribed it, and who it is for, or you may be delayed in customs.

Some duct tape with your last name or other identifying information will help you spot your bag on the luggage carousel. Taking a roll of tape with you may come in handy for quick repairs of all kinds.

Go to the $1 store and get the micro zip lock bags. You can get 50 for $1 and they come in various sizes. Put each day's pills in a single zip lock bag...This way, you pick one bag up and put it in your pocket and you have your pills for breakfast. When you use pill cases, they have a tendency to fall. Put all medication in the micro mini zip lock bags. It's easy, convenient, and water proof.

If you have any clothing that is getting worn out and you will soon be disposing of but is still "presentable," take it with you. When you're ready to leave, toss it out and you will have additional space in your bags.

Because it is possible for luggage to get lost, pack one or two days worth of underwear and socks in your carry-on luggage. This should hold you over until your delayed luggage is delivered, or you get a chance to purchase more clothing. Pants and tops can be worn again, but the same underwear cannot. It goes without saying that medicine and makeup and shaving gear should also go into the carry-on.

Pack a pen and sheet of paper on which to note items you regret not bringing on your trip, or items which have been used up or lost during the trip.

Instead of buying the fancy vacuum bags to save space, use regular sandwich bags and just sit on them. This works just as well, but it's cheaper.

Security searches of suitcases and carryon's can be embarassing with personal items. Put all personal items in a Ziplock bag. You won't have to worry about it spilling out of your bag in front of other passengers. It's also easier to handle. This also helps if you worry about your suitcase suddenly opening in the middle of a busy airport!

Rather than using locks to keep your bags closed, use a key ring. Loop the key ring through the two zips of your case to keep it closed and also make it difficult and timely for would-be thieves to open.

Be careful, mercury thermometers will look like a sharp pointed instrument, such as a knitting needle, on an x-ray machine. We got stopped twice in New Zealand, and had to have our carry-on searched manually (twice). If you do have to carry one, put it into an outside pocket so that it can be located easily.