Tips and Tricks for Packing

As many of us have done before or for the first time, packing for a trip, especially one for so long, can be hard. I've read packing list after packing list and videos on how to fold clothing items so they are more compact. There's a lot that goes into it. As someone that tries to fly with as few bags as possible especially to not pay for extra bags I have become well versed in how to pack. So here's my summarized version of all the most useful tips and tricks that I have used that work.

The biggest tip I have for folding clothes is trying military rolls, mainly on smaller garments. There are multiple videos on YouTube on how people in the military roll their clothes to fit in there bags and it has been a big space saver for me since I've learned it. It is also good to learn how to fold things you may have not folded before. This was my first time packing a blazer and would have never guessed it is folded almost inside out. Folding clothes is essential to how much you can take. Without a good method you could have less space for clothes and items. I once folded over 10 shirts and five pants and undergarments in one carry on suitcase for a friend moving out of their dorm. 

A good trick is to find a good organizer and toiletry bag that can be used for anything. Packing cubes are great and help keep those smaller items in a confined space. Along with those packing cubes, an organizer for things such as cables is also helpful. I have this cable organizer and it fits so much while still being compact. The same goes for my black toiletry bag that has fit two sets of travel size body wash, shampoo, and conditioner container. Finding that perfect bag that fits so much but takes little space helps especially when trying to not have everything crammed I to a small back pack. The cable organizer I have has five different cables rolled up, two charging cubes, a disassembled phone stand, and a compact multi-charging adapter. It has two compartments, one on each side and something so simple is so helpful.

My next trick is to get a good bag, whether it be a carry-on, duffle bag, or backpack. My OGIO and JenniBag have been a life saver for my things this time around. I decided to place as much of my clothes as I could into my JenniBag and the list of clothes in it that fit while not being too heavy to carry around is impressive to me. I had seen many ads on social media and decided to buy the JenniBag. It currently holds about 14 shirts, all of my undergarment in a packing cube, five pants, and two toiletry bags. It weighs 20 pounds but is manageable to carry around. While my OGIO laptop bag has most of my electronics and personal items since it goes under my feet. It has three compartments and each are very useful. Especially the laptop compartment which has two sleeves allowing you to place a laptop on one side and any documents in the other. I have used the OGIO bag on many short travels and it has always held a lot of space while being counted as a personal item.

My last tip is to know when you don't or do need something and where it should go. While packing for this trip I had to think about not taking too many items with me and what I can buy or be without. I knew I'd need a winter coat and because of how big and thick it is I decided it was best to place it in my checked bag. And since it was so puffy I used a packing cube to contain it I a smaller space as if it was just filed it would take up too much space. Things like this is something you should think about as you pack your things away. 

So whether this is your first time flying or just a longer trip then usual I hope these tips and tricks help you with your packing journey.

I hope you'll read my next blog and enjoyed this one. Hasta llego amigos.