Use garbage bags – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Next time you pack, line the bottom of your suitcase with a new, large trash bag. Add your clothes, shoes, and accessories, and just before closing the suitcase, top it off with another new, large trash bag, making sure you wrap the bottom bag’s excess over the top bag.

Now, when your baggage is left on the tarmac during a downpour, your clothes have a better chance of staying dry.

The plastic bags also does double duty on the return trip: one bag holds dirty laundry, and the other covers the clothes again.

Make a staging area – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

The most efficient way to pack all your stuff and not have wasted space (or run out of a very limited space) is to make a staging area.

To make a staging area, simply do this —
1.) Gather ALL the items you wish to take with you on your camping trip (or road trip, or day trip, etc.) and set them next to your vehicle.
2.) Open all the doors, trunk, etc.
3.) Simply eyeball your available space and imagine where the items will fit best.
4.) Load the vehicle.

Having a staging area next to your vehicle allows you to pack items in the best spaces possible, as opposed to packing them randomly and wasting space.

Keep important items accessible – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you go on your road trip, make sure to pack your car so the most important items are easily accessible.

Many people make the mistake of packing their essential items first — so as not to forget them — but this means those essential items wind up underneath multiple bags and other supplies. In case of an emergency, you need to be able to find your important items quickly and easily.

If you’re bringing food and water, place them in a position that is accessible by the driver and the front passengers seat. This will help you refrain from having to crawl to the back of the car or take your eyes off the road.

Prepare for an overnight – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

No one wants to sleep in an airport, but it may be unavoidable if your plane is grounded. Pack the following items in your carry-on to improve an emergency overnight airport stay:

  1. a tightly folded fleece blanket and inflatable pillow will provide comfort and warmth;
  2. snacks (granola bars, 100-calorie packs) are essential since some airport restaurants close at night;
  3. prescriptions, as well as some cough drops and aspirin, should be in a carry-on because checked bags may not be accessible;
  4. include a cell phone charger and spare change for pay phones;
  5. bring something to do such as a crossword, laptop or book.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be stranded in an airport overnight, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Stuff your shoes – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make use of the “dead space” within shoes by packing underwear, socks, or anything small inside them.

Shoes are bulky and take up precious suitcase space. However, this space shouldn’t be lost! To conserve even more space, chose underwear and socks made with lightweight fabric. Remember to roll underwear and socks tightly before placing them inside the shoe.

Also consider stuffing other smallish items — like batteries, phone charging cables, spare camera lenses, etc. — inside the shoe until it’s full.