Read these secret travel packing tips and travel packing hacks before your next trip!
Veteran travelers share top travel packing tips and travel packing hacks so they can say no to overpacking while having all the essentials.
1. Create a checkoff list before packaging.
It’s never too late to start a packing list before your trip! Your packing list should include everything you need and what you need to buy. Start the list a week or two in advance to ensure you don’t forget about your essentials.
If you’re unsure where to start or download a printable international packing checklist, use our online packing template!
“One thing I always do to minimize packing is to create a list of what I need! I always think about how much time I run out and write down the number of each clothing item I need that week. Be careful not to overpack this!” – Ali, hipside kick
2. Do not pack bulkier items. Please wear it on the plane instead.
Make sure you wear the biggest items to the airport! Yes, that bulky jacket and giant sneakers pair your new airport outfit! You can also always tie the jacket to your waist if you don’t actually want to wear it.
3. Rolling wear is one of the ultimate travel packing hacks to maximize space!
Rolling clothes will make the most of your suitcase space and organize things too. To avoid wrinkles and wrinkles, consider rolling delicate clothes like satin or silk around other soft t-shirts.
Keep in mind that rolling bulky clothes like sweatshirts and jackets may have the opposite effect!
4. Use these packaging organizers!
The packing cubes and organizers act as travel versions of the drawers. It separates all clothes while organizing them, and they are lightweight and versatile. Plus, unpacking is even easier!
Consider a Collin compressed packing cube to maximize your space.
“In general, packed cubes are very convenient. They are lightweight and group different essentials like toiletries and clothing. Each category comes in separate bags, making them perfect for organizations. I store my swimsuits in one, in another electronic code, in the next shoe, etc.” – Lina, Hipside Kick
5. Compression bag gives more bang for your money.
Compression bags (as opposed to cubes) are another smart way to maximize packaging. This is especially great when you are limited to things that can be packaged, such as when traveling via planes or via hiking. This type of bag is usually more affordable and perfect for bulky items that take up other space.
6. Make a plan to turn the weather while traveling and bring only staples.
Don’t unexpected weather ruin your trip. According to that, check your predictions and plan your daily outfits. Use layers and neutrals to easily mix and match, saving souvenir space while planning your outfit!
“I always check the weather I go to and plan my outfit accordingly. The staple food is essential to me so I can mix it and match it. I aim to bring two pairs of shoes, a jacket and other clothes that I can wear over and over again. By doing this, I was able to avoid checking the bags for my flight too!” – Sarah, Hipside Kick
7. The organizer of the hanging shoes is a travel hacking hack that benefits the whole family.
This hack is an inexpensive solution for purchasing new packing cubes and is even more suitable for small children’s clothing. Pack one outfit per pocket, including underwear and socks. Plus, it will probably make them dressed up on vacation.
If you want a shoe organizer for Walmart, Amazon, or even this packing hack, there are plenty of affordable options.
If you plan to use one organizer for everyone, consider assigning one line to each person and adding a name tag. (Adults may need to use two pockets, one on the top and one on the bottom, as one on the bottom is larger).
Get the visuals of this hack on YouTube!
8. Fresh your suitcase with a hair dryer sheet.
Don’t want a musty suitcase or smelly shoes to dim your clothes! Place a dryer sheet during your trip and apply the clothes fresh and clean. You can also leave a hair dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep it fresh while you wait for your next trip. A magazine paper perfume sample also creates another modest idea.
As a toxic or more sustainable alternative, you can also drop some of your favorite essential oils on felt or paper to hide them in a place that doesn’t rub your clothes.
9. Bring a comprehensive first aid kit!
Doll Tree and Target have affordable first aid kits with band-aids, gauze, antibacterial ointments, tweezers and preservative wipes. Everyone has different medical needs, so you can refine them regularly by what you and your family need. Sorry, it’s always better to be safe. 🤕
Other useful things:
10. Grab some Ziploc bags to pack small items.
These are holy grails for storage! Whether you want to separate items, bring snacks on the go, or place your electronic cord in one place, carrying a spare Ziploc bag can be extremely helpful.
Toiletries can spill or overflow, especially due to pressure when flying. Ziploc bags can come to the rescue and avoid anything spill on your other belongings!
These mesh waterproof bags in various sizes make them a very versatile and more environmentally friendly option!
11. Keep a portable power bank on hand.
Power Bank is a more travel-friendly and convenient wireless charger. You will be restricted while you find outlets at the airport or exploring new cities.
Hip Tip: If you are flying on a plane, please make sure you place your power bank in your personal carry-on vehicle, not in your check-in luggage as freight is prohibited.
12. Fill the toiletries at the end when using.
Fill empty containers using full-size products. In this way, you have not purchased a mini version of what you already own. These containers can be held and reused. If you have a beauty box full of samples, you can also use them instead!
All carry-on toiletries must be less than 3.4 oz.
“For toiletry essentials, I always stuff them right before I leave. When ready, I made sure I didn’t forget them, so don’t forget each one. – Sarah, hipside kick
13. Bring an empty reusable water bottle.
If most domestic destinations have safe drinking water, save money by purchasing a water bottle and fill in reusables that are easy to pack instead. This packaging tip is environmentally friendly and a great way to store it.
We highly recommend this comelback foldable water bottle, which takes up minimal space.
“Before you leave for the airport, you’ll fill up your water bottle and drink it while on board. You’ll complete it before you push the security line and fill it up right after that, so you’re ready to go before boarding. This will allow you to get plenty of water to avoid dehydration and headaches before the flight. And you can avoid a water bottle worth over $5 at the airport store. That’s a victory!” – Emily, Hipside Kick
14. Use carry-on to instinctively limit overpacking and make flight easier!
Simply bring your car on board and travel to the airport much faster and care about packaging.
If it’s a short trip, my hip teammate Ally said she always travels with a duffel bag, as it’s even easier to pilot and less space. There’s only one thing you can fit in, so you’ll often think about hiding in a bulky cardigan that you know you can’t wear. 😉
15. Carrying it around inside a checked bag is a genius packaging tip to fly and take home souvenirs.
This packaging tip is only for long trips where you plan to bring home items and souvenirs. If you’re planning on grabbing lots of things from your adventure, pack your belongings into your bring. Next, pack your carry-on inside the checked bag and use the extra space around it to use more essentials.
Many international airlines offer free carry-on space, so take advantage of it! This is especially great for week-long vacations or for long-distance family visits. Basically, it’s two suitcases for one price.
“Every year when I travel to Germany, I put my empty carry-on in a checked suitcase. On my way home, my mother sends me home with something insurmountable, so I have a full suitcase.” – Chrissy, hip-leader
16. Use envelope pillowcases to hide more outfits without paying additional baggage fees.
Some airlines allow you to bring a comfortable pillow without competing with you. These airlines are limited, but other airlines can bring them as long as they fit in their carry-on backpacks or suitcases. If the flying airline can bring pillows, then at the end of the day, they may be able to bring those extra sweaters. With zippered pillowcases prevent your belongings from falling off and are one of the ultimate travel packing hacks.
17. Use AirTag to track checked packages.
By placing an air tag or another TSA approved tracker inside your luggage, you can keep your belongings tabs convenient even when you are not visible. The photo above is shown outside, but for safety reasons, we recommend that you put your tracker in your luggage.
18. Knowing the weight of each suitcase is an important packaging tip.
If you plan to check your bags, all airlines have weight limits. Usually it’s 50 pounds, so measuring your suitcase before you leave is a great tip if you know you’ve filled it up. This allows you to shuffle your belongings in the middle of the TSA, or even worse, be forced to throw away something.
Breakfast scales are a surefire way to ensure you stay within the airline’s weight limit. Or, as a free tip, weigh yourself at home, while you’re holding your suitcase, and subtract the difference. Do it twice to ensure that the scale is accurate. 😉
19. If you hit the road and need extra space, put your winter gear in your space bag.
My family of five recently went on a ski road trip. These space-saving bags allowed us to fit all of my things. In fact, I was able to fit all my ski gear (except helmets and goggles) in one bag! This year we brought a friend of our teenage son, so we had very limited car space between people, food and all the gear we needed for our trip. Without these, I will never set off on a big trip again!
20. Use a shower cap to cover your shoes.
If you don’t have a travel shoe bag, using a shower cap on second-hand shoes is a great travel packing hack that allows you to pack your shoes without worrying about ruining your clothes. As a bonus, if you’re going to camp, you can reuse the shower cap to get in your tent and keep it clean.
Hip Tips: Stuff your shoes with socks and take advantage of the wasted space!
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