How to pack carry-on luggage correctly when everything is bulky
There's nothing worse than arriving at your destination and rushing off the plane, only to wait forever for your luggage to be checked out. This is one of the main reasons why many people choose to take only carry-on luggage whenever possible.
But if you're heading to a cold weather destination, such as a ski resort where you'll need sweaters and jackets, or on a long vacation where you won't have access to laundry facilities, it can be challenging to fit everything you need into your carry-on. Organizing and packing experts share tips and tricks to help you fit even the bulkiest items in your carry-on. This information was reported by huffingtonpost.co.
Check the weather at your destination
You won't know where to start packing if you're unsure whether it will be hot, cold, humid, or rainy. Be sure to check the weather as your first step.
"Next, make a list of activities and plan what you need for each one. Opt for layered clothing to keep you warm instead of packing lots of bulky items. Down vests and coats don't compress well, but they provide warmth and comfort and can even serve as a pillow on the plane," advises Anne McAlpin, a travel expert who circumnavigated the globe for 21 days with just a carry-on.
Create a packing list and double-check it to ensure you have all the essential travel items you'll need.
"Then, organize everything and categorize it by type of item to get a good idea of how much you have for each category," says Marie Kondo, a cleaning expert and founder of the KonMari Method.
Drea Montalie, owner of Dream Organization and ShelfGenie West Brooklyn, suggests using labeled bags for toiletries, hair dryers, curlers, etc. to keep things organized and easy to find.
Carry bulky items onto the plane
If you're traveling to a cold destination and need to bring many large, warm items, consider wearing as many layers as possible on the plane.
Use packing cubes and shoe bags
Not only do these tools help organize your belongings, but they also keep everything in your suitcase tidy. If you don't have packing cubes, experts suggest using plastic compression bags.
Fold bulky items to reduce their size
Kondo explains that by employing her KonMari folding technique, you can easily fit two or three bulky items into large packing cubes. "This ensures that your selected items will be stored vertically rather than stacked in a pile. This tactic will allow you to maximize the space in your suitcase, and you can easily see all your clothing options when you open your bag or suitcase," the expert adds.
Here's how she recommends folding long sleeves and sweaters:
Fold one side to the center.Fold the sleeve so that it fits the width of the rectangle.Fold the sleeve back flush with the edge of the rectangle.Fold the other side in the same way.Fold in half lengthwise - and don't forget the gap at the edge.Fold in half or in thirds.Stand the sweater upright.
You can also try the Kondo method for folding jeans or sweatpants. Fold the legs in half. Fold the legs up to the waist, leaving a gap around the edge. Fold in half or in thirds. Stand the pants vertically. Place hard objects at the bottom.
"Pack heavy, bulky items like irons, straighteners, or curling irons at the bottom of your bag. Utilize the awkward space between the handles for smaller items like underwear and tank tops, too," advises Anne McAlpin.
Ensure to pack these items on the opposite side of the suitcase from your clothes, and if the bag has clasps or compression straps, use them to prevent things from shifting or falling out when you open the bag. Toiletries can also be placed on this side.
Don't overlook any space
When you're striving to use only carry-on luggage, there's no need to waste extra space - that includes even the insides of your shoes. "Pack your socks in your shoes to save space," McAlpin suggests.