VI
EN
1. Mode of transportation
"Your mode of travel dictates the size and weight of your luggage," Mansel observed. She explained that how she packs depends on her travel style. For example, if she drives or flies but only carries carry-on luggage, she allows herself a little extra. Your mode of travel will help you easily determine the feasible amount of luggage you can pack and the appropriate luggage size.
By mastering these tips, you can save a considerable amount of time and effort when packing your luggage.
2. Airline weight limits
You need to be aware of the weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage.
"If I'm flying, I know the weight limit is 50 pounds (22 kg) and I'll need to be mindful of how much I'm actually packing," Mansel said, noting the average weight limit for checked baggage on airlines.
She added that, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds, she would typically balance clothing, shoes, and other accessories at around 47 pounds. The remaining amount would be reserved for souvenirs and gifts after the trip.
3. Don't worry too much about folding your clothes!
"I've researched the pros and cons of rolling versus folding clothes, and found no major difference," Mansel asserts. She usually folds everyday items like jeans and t-shirts. For delicate or wrinkle-prone clothing, she rolls them up.
However, folding or rolling doesn't actually make a significant change to the amount of space you can fit in your suitcase. So, choose the packing method that suits you best and don't stress about whether you should fold or roll your luggage.
Folding and rolling clothes doesn't actually make a difference in terms of storage space.
4. Maximize space in your suitcase.
"No matter which packing method you choose, it's important to make the most of every inch of space you have in your luggage," Mansel emphasized.
Each piece of clothing should be folded or rolled as tightly as possible and stuffed into "every square inch of extra space, including inside shoes." If possible, try rolling up smaller socks, underwear, or t-shirts and tucking them inside your sneakers. The small amount of extra space can really make a big difference.
5. Use a travel bag.
Using travel bags makes everything more organized and efficient.
Mansel switched to using travel storage blocks about a year ago. She says, "Even for a short weekend trip, the storage blocks work wonders." These travel storage blocks make organizing and maximizing space in your suitcase easier, allowing for more efficient sorting and balancing of personal belongings.
6. Prepare a few extra empty bags.
Preparing a few extra empty bags to hold all the dirty clothes is a good idea. When you get home, just put the used dirty clothes in the washing machine instead of wasting time searching for what needs washing in your suitcase. This way, your clean clothes won't be affected by the used dirty clothes.
7. Plan your outfits.
Writing down the items you need will save you time searching for them.
Mansel planned her trip outfits by creating a list in the Notes app. She visualized what she would wear each day and noted down specific items she needed to bring, such as an adapter, toothbrush, or contact lenses, or anything else that spontaneously came to mind.
Mansel added that initially, this list might include more things than you actually need. But it's the perfect way to start choosing essential items. "When you write it down, you might find that you don't actually need three different pairs of jeans just in case," Mansel said.
8. Consider what you've packed.
Thanks to the list made in the previous step, Mansel was able to quickly pick out the items, put them into individual travel bags, and pack them into the suitcase.
"When packing items into my travel bag, I wonder if I'll actually wear this." Often, we tend to pack too much unnecessary luggage. You can challenge yourself by cutting out 2-3 items you don't really need.
9. Don't forget to bring an iron.
No matter how you pack—rolled, folded, using cubes, minimalist, whatever style—your clothes are bound to get wrinkled during transit. And that's why Mansel always leaves room for an iron in his suitcase.
An iron doesn't take up much space in your suitcase, but it gives you confidence and saves you time on laundry.
She suggested preparing a travel iron. To deal with wrinkles in clothing, a travel iron is really necessary. You'll also save time and money because you can handle it yourself without having to take your clothes to a dry cleaner. And they don't take up much space in your suitcase.
