Pack Smarter, Not Larger

DISCLAIMER: Red Solo Traveler is a reader-supported publication. This page contains affiliate links and banners. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Is there anything worse than sitting on an airplane and watching someone attempt to shove a very packed suitcase into the overhead compartment on an airplane? We have all been in that spot, including yours truly, and it’s nerve wracking. You can feel everyone looking at you shaking their heads, making comments under their breath and wondering why you didn’t just check in your bag? Maybe it’s the $30 and up price tag to check in your bag. Maybe you wanted to save time waiting at the baggage claim. Maybe you’re afraid of losing your bag. All valid concerns, but there is a better way to pack.

According to an article on the Travel + Leisure website, you should be packing smarter. Some interesting takeaways for me:

Pack for a week or less and include a laundry bag in your luggage: If you're staying at a hotel or renting a cabin, home, or apartment, chances are high that there's a laundry room equipped with a washer and dryer. In fact, some hotels go the extra mile and offer laundry services for their guests! While you'll need to allocate some time to get your laundry done, it's definitely worth it as it allows you to save space in your bag and keeps everyone's sanity intact.

No more than three pairs of shoes: This can be done, no matter who you are. I tend to pack a pair of gym shoes in my suitcase, but the shoes I wear on my feet tend to be the shoes I generally wear. You might be going on a business trip on your own, so maybe you pack a pair of dress shoes and gym shoes? Or you wear a pair of loafers for the flight and pack dress shoes and running shoes in your suitcase? I also use a backpack that has a “shoe compartment” on the bottom, I don’t need nor use it but it’s good to know it’s there if it’s needed.

Know what to roll and what to fold: This is essential! Packing your suitcase is very much like packing a moving truck or even a truck in general. The key is to make the most of every inch of space available. Don't forget, you can neatly fold your socks and underwear. Remember when I mentioned having no more than 3 pairs of shoes? Well, here's a clever idea: fill the soles of your shoes with pairs of socks and underwear to maximize space! You can also utilize the area around the shoes for this purpose (just make sure your shoes are clean, of course). The article suggests rolling synthetic clothing, while cotton fabrics should be folded. And don't overlook the need to reserve space for toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.) and any accessories you'd like to bring along (phone chargers, tablet chargers, etc.). Lastly, make sure to leave some room for souvenirs or anything you plan to bring back home.

Closing Thoughts:

Although I usually opt to check my luggage, I can empathize with those who prefer to carry their suitcase on board. It's understandable, especially with the rising costs of air travel, including the fees for checking in your bag. Carrying your luggage on board saves time and eliminates the need to wait at the baggage claim. Additionally, there's less risk of losing your belongings since you have them with you at all times. Both checking in and carrying your suitcase have their pros and cons, but we can all agree that packing smarter is key.