Preparing For A Long Journey: 5 Tips For Packing

Preparing for your departure on a long journey can be a little discombobulating. Between the excitement of the trip, the specifics of tickets and accommodations, and packing, there is plenty of room to forget something important.

The most effective tool for perfect packing is to make a list, but you must first know what needs to go on that list. Take a moment to check out this helpful summary full of a bunch of excellent tips for packing before heading out on your long journey.

Think of the possibilities

The first step to formulating a perfect packing list is to think of what could happen along the way. Bring a power adapter if you are traveling out of the country, and make sure you have all the charging adapters you need to keep your devices up and running.

You will also want to become familiar with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) standards for what you are allowed to bring on a plane. Any liquids or medications you pack will be subjected to strict standards for traveling via flight. You want to avoid the TSA making you throw your shampoo away.

Roll clothes instead of folding or use a vacuum sealer

When you roll your clothes, instead of folding them, you make better use of the space in your suitcase. Rolling your clothes will still keep them from getting all wrinkled, too. Besides this, you can also take the help of a clothes vacuum sealer, which can double your capacity and compress clothes faster. This device is so small yet so powerful that you can take it with you anywhere. Additionally, it can both pump air out and inflate clothes, which can save 50% more suitcase space.

Pack heavy items towards the wheels

Pack the heavier items towards the wheels on your suitcase, so when you start rolling, your belongings will not get tossed around. Packing heavier items towards the wheels on your suitcase will also make for easier rolling. When the weight in the luggage is oddly distributed, you may have more trouble rolling it around.

Use shower caps for your shoes

Placing shower caps on the bottoms of your shoes will keep your clothes cleaner while traveling. There is no telling what could be on the bottoms of your shoes, and a simple shower cap is the best solution.

Pack charging cords in a sunglass case

Any random cords you need to make your trip more comfortable can be rolled and tossed into a sunglass case for easy storage. Not only will it make it easier to keep up with your cords, but packing them in a sunglass case will keep them from getting all tangled as well.

Pack a laundry bag for dirty clothes

You may not always have the ability or the desire to do laundry on the road. You will need a separate space for your dirty laundry while in transit. Pack a laundry bag for storing your less than fresh clothing until you have the time to wash clothes.

Put dryer sheets in your suitcase

Put dryer sheets in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling great. Retain that comfortable smell of home while you are away with a simple solution, and keep a stock of dryer sheets.