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Packing Tips: Tried and True
I'm an overpacker. I read the missives about how to pack less, but my adage is, better safe than sorry. Here are some things I've found that help when I'm packing to deal with my excess.
With the number of allowable pounds per bag dropping, for instance on Sky Bus it's 50, if you are going to be buying souvenirs, presents and great deals you can't pass up while on vacation, pack an extra duffle bag. This way, if you get to the airport and find out you are overweight, you can unload some of the items and repack them in your extra bag. Last year, I used this method in the Denver airport. I have no qualms about repacking at the side of the check-in line.
- When packing toilet paper, take out the tube. That way it squishes down to a smaller size. Put toilet paper in a ziplock bag though so it doesn't shred.
- Stuff socks into shoes. Put shoes in plastic bags and place them, soles out, at each side of the suitcase.
- Roll up T-shirts as tightly as you can. They take up less room that way. Rolling up underwear works too. Underwear can also fit inside shoes.
- Buy travel size shampoos and lotions so you can throw out the bottles as they are used up. Put them into small ziplock bags so that if they leak you won't have a mess.
Here are some other packing tips from Travel Sense. And one last tip, when zipping up a suitcase, I always find sitting on it helps.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
cbct Jun 8th 2008 8:58PM
I can only assume Stan has never been to China either!
cbct Jun 8th 2008 8:59PM
Putting breakables and even liquids in or between your shoes (after first placing in a ziploc bag) will minimize damage, and placing them soles sideways and out will add to the stiffness of the walls of the bag.
steven Jul 16th 2008 2:31PM
You and others like you should be made to work as a luggage handler for 1 day in August in Phoenix! (Or any other airport at 100 degrees, no shade, and a 700 degree APU blowing at you)Morons like you would then learn you don't have to bring the kitchen sink and the rest of the house with you every time. IF THE BAG IS HEAVY FOR YOU... TRY HANDLING ABOUT 2000 MORE JUST LIKE IT. DON'T PACK 7 DAYS OF CRAP FOR A 2 DAY TRIP!! Next time, pack what you THINK you need, walk around with it 4 hours, then take all the junk you DON'T need out, walk around another 4 hours again, and take more out and it'll be just about right. Better yet, since you probably aren't going to take my advice, GO GREYHOUND!
Sparki Sep 22nd 2008 2:07AM
I don't feel sorry for you. That is your job. Don't like it, find a desk job, unless of course, you have to lift the desk. You knew when you took the job what it entailed. I'll take what I want when I travel. So there.
TravelMan Jul 16th 2008 4:33PM
To BaggageHandlerSteven,
Love the fact that you want to dictate what people travel with in their suitcases....The day we allow handlers to dictate packing requirements is the day I stop traveling.
What would be nice is to have handlers not steal things out of travelers luggage. Handlers are trusted to move the baggage not remove articles without authorization. (Note: A long time handler confirmed that this happens frequently.)
BTW - If you find the luggage weight limits too great for the hot AZ workdays then perhaps a different vocation is in order.
steven Jul 16th 2008 11:32PM
I'm not trying to dictate what you carry, just asking for a little common sense, which anymore seems to be all too uncommon with the travelling public. As for baggage pilferage, it unfortunately does happen, BUT, I can assure you, 99.95% of lost items from luggage is from overstuffed luggage popping open, broken zippers, zippers/latches not closed by the passenger which we don't have the time to close, worn out/broken luggage etc, etc, Things completely out of our control! You wouldn't believe the stuff laying around in the aircraft bins, cell phones, jewelery, cameras, I-pods, valuable things which with over 100 bags in the bin, we have no clue which one it came out of. We turn them into lost and found at the Police Dept. But of course, it's just too easy to blame the baggage handlers. Very, very few are thieves like your friend! Think about it, little man, the very LAST thing we want to do is reach into a bag full of dirty underwear!!
Tom Jul 16th 2008 5:23PM
I hand-carried, among other things, an almost empty can of shave cream thru security at Memphis, boarded a ship in Miami, and checked it thru customs upon returning to Miami. When going thru security at Miami, it was confiscated.
Why the discrepancy in security?
Deb Jul 17th 2008 11:18AM
Idiot. Toilet paper? Stay where you are, No one wants you WHERE EVER ----OMG. What an IDIOT!
Jamie Rhein Jul 17th 2008 11:22AM
Deb,
Have you even been to a place that doesn't have toilet paper? Plus, toilet paper can double as napkins.
nukediver Jul 25th 2008 8:42AM
Toilet paper is a no-brainer. I've needed it in Belarus, Papua New Guinea, some Caribbean islands, and even here in the States. Never underestimate toilet paper. Ever. As far as other things, I'm always amazed at how much CRAP people pack. I spend a lot of time scuba diving and doing underwater photography. I've never checked more than 2 bags (each about 35 pounds), and taken more than a small daypack on the plane. You don't need 3 outfits a day and 8 pairs of shoes. Granted, men have it a little easier, and we ladies have to be a little more creative with our wardrobes, but c'mon, do we REALLY need that much stuff??
JettSetter Sep 29th 2008 7:58PM
Pack for the trip you're taking... I believe that's ultimately the point everyone is trying to make here. Be prepared as best you can, because "you never know". With that said, there is also such a thing as "bloody ridiculous".
12 days into my 2 day trip to Houston, TX. The toilet paper thing came in VERY handy.
Originally the t.p. was brought for the drive from Los Angeles & the inevitable "emergency pit stop" 100 miles from nowhere, as well as some of the gas station restrooms along the way. Reasons enough I'm sure we'd all agree. To those who don't: remember to use your left hand.
Where it really came in handy was about 3 days after Ike rolled through. Then those who criticized the very idea were begging for me to spare a square. Lesson shared and learned, along with a side of humility and embarrassment.
Do I take a roll to London? No. Phenom Phen? You’re damn right I do. As well as driving through the endless deserts, gross truck stops, and of course… Texas sized hurricanes in Texas.
Then of course there’s the anticipated Bladder Reduction Act, because 2 ½ ounces of virtual terrorist pee is way too risky, so you’ll soon have to check you bladder… more for all you baggage handlers out there in the hot sun all day.
Be smart, Pack for the trip you're taking...
Or one day you may find your self doing that dance while looking at http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/289192730_5a6118419f.jpg?v=0
Betzie Oct 13th 2008 3:31PM
Buy the roll of TP when to your destination and before you start your car, walk or bike trip. Most hotels have extra so you could always grab one of theirs, take napkins from a fast food place or use leaves! Just not poison ivy.
Jackie J Jan 19th 2010 1:33AM
You can buy little travel rolls of toilet paper. I agree that it is a good idea to have a couple of these in case the place you go is "rationing" it. They pack easily and are like carrying an umbrella. If you have it, then you won't need it.
J.M. Rodriguez Oct 16th 2008 12:03AM
Make sure your checked luggage or checked backpacks are in good condition. I work in an airport and notice that people like to pack 50 pounds into 35 pound bags, this is asking for lost items due to bag failure. Seams and zippers explode from over packing. You would not believe how many of the bags and backpacks are torn, broken, tied together, taped, or not fully zipped or latched shut when checked in. Stuff is already falling out and the tied on ribbons for identity, and straps longer than six inches are asking for automated baggage systems to rip them off or tear the bag apart. Do not put cameras, laptops, game systems, DVDs, CASH, fragile / high value items , or prescription drugs in checked baggage. Put a card with your identification for bag return inside the bag as well as a tag outside of the bag. Do that at home to prevent delay at the airport. Forget the vacuum bags, if they have to be opened for inspection your suit case or backpack is going to be taped shut as best as possible since it will not close. Better yet, since airlines are now charging for checked bags, ship your bags via FedEx or UPS a few days ahead and avoid the airport bag check in.
Chica Dec 19th 2008 5:52PM
I agree with the poster who said most bag damage/lost items are the result of the traveler using a worn bag, overpacking that bag, faulty zippers, no ID inside as well as outside the bag, items popping through the bag's material and etc. I worked for a major air carrier answering paxs' inquiries through the Lost Baggage Dept's 1-800 number. And believe me, most "lost bags" are simply delayed until the next flight out. As far as pilferage is concerned, most missing items are the result of the bag itself splitting open during handling or running the conveyor belts. Sure, there's probably some stealing but the vast, vast majority of personal property is diminished by careless packing procedures.
John Feb 16th 2009 1:39PM
I always pack my old sox and underclothes. At night, when I take them off, I throw them away.
Jackie Mar 16th 2009 12:47AM
Don't laugh about the toilet paper. I got on a flight & was one of the first people to use the restroom on that flight; absolutely no TP to be found. I suggest carrying a pack of Kleenex in your carry-on or handbag in case they've run out before you even reach flying altitude. I also understand that in many countries they only give out 1 sheet per person; can't even wipe a babies butt with that.
Jackie J Jan 19th 2010 1:36AM
You can buy little travel rolls of toilet paper. I agree that it is a good idea to have a couple of these in case the place you go is "rationing" it. They pack easily and are like carrying an umbrella. If you have it, then you won't need it.
Marilyn Terrell Jul 6th 2007 7:49AM
If you're concerned about luggage weight allowances, ditch the wheels and use a backpack, which travels better over cobbled streets, says packing guru OneBag:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2007/02/ahead_of_the_pa.html#more
Stan Michael Jul 7th 2007 9:05AM
Who in the world packs toilet paper in their baggage?