While I'm surely not an expert at everything, I have packed a few suitcases in my day. And, through the years, I have learned that "rolling" is the key to maximizing my suitcase space and fitting all my travel needs.
To start however, I use the following criteria for deciding "Carry On" vs. "Checked Bag":
- If the trip is three nights or less, I carry on
- If the trip is more than three nights, I check my bag
Pre-packing:
Choose one outfit per day if possible. I lay each outfit on my bedroom floor so I can visualize each day of my itinerary. If a different outfit/look is necessary for the evening, ask yourself if you can get away with just changing your shirt. Or, ladies, can you glam up your day outfit by adding jewelry, a scarf or blazer?
One of the most important things to remember when packing is to try and limit the number of shoes you are bringing. Shoes = Extra Pounds! And, while I understand that your red sneakers may look great with your navy pants, they may not go with anything else you are planning to bring. Tip: Don't bring a pair of shoes that ONLY match one outfit. Be sure to pack shoes that are versatile and can be worn more than once.
Packing:
1) Start by packing your shoes on the bottom. Then, put small items like socks and underwear inside them. Lay belts and scarves around the walls of the suitcase.
2) Roll your clothes — dresses, shirts, slacks/jeans — to maximize the space. Then put them in your suitcase like you're playing Tetris--leaving no nook or cranny open. This works 90% of the time. It's only when you have bulky items like ski pants or fleece sweaters that it doesn't work. Those items can be left until the end and laid flat on top of everything.
3) Toiletries: If you don't have a toiletries case that lays flat, then use a gallon-sized freezer bag. The freezer-type bags are generally more durable than regular storage bags and will have less risk of puncture. Purchase travel-sized products only if your hotel doesn't provide them. Just like shoes, toiletries also add to your suitcase's weight, so bring only what you need and what your accommodations won't provide--razor, comb, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, hair-styling products, etc. Remember, if you're carrying your suitcase onto the plane, you can only have liquid products that are 3.4 oz. or less in size. See TSA rules below.
4) Pack a plastic grocery-style bag to bring home your bathing suit, gym gear and/or dirty laundry.
5) Don't forget your meds! Not just prescription medications, but over-the-counter as well. It never fails that after flying I need something for a headache and/or something for my sinuses. It might also be a good idea to bring something for tummy trouble in case the food or water don't agree with you. The last thing you'll want to do when not feeling well, is pay $3 for two aspirin at the hotel's gift shop. Keep in mind that the TSA requires all prescription medication to be in its original container. ALSO, I advise you to carry all medication in a carry on in case of lost or delayed luggage.
Hope this help. Happy Travels!
TSA Rules
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, consider putting your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.
