So you have that big trip coming up and it is time to pack. The problem is, every time you try to pack your suitcase, you always end up with five different bags and half a dozen carry-ons. While this might have worked a decade ago, you'll end up with thousands of dollars in luggage fines if you try to fly with all of this. Instead, to avoid all of those annoying luggage fines, you need to know a few tips about packing and how to get the most out of your suitcase. After all, you want to have enough clothing and items for your trip, all without having to bring along multiple suitcases.
For starters, collect everything you plan on taking and place them on your bed, floor, or other clear open space. This way, you can see everything you have with you. Now that you have it all in front of you, pick up 25 percent of it and put it away. While this might sound like a lot, you really don't need everything you put on the bed. You don't need multiple outfits depending on your mood. Unless you're willing to drop $100 or more just to be able to dress by mood, you're better off bringing only the essentials. Besides, wouldn't it be much more fun to spend that $100 on a new outfit when you get there?
Now that you have eliminated a good deal of the items, it is time to turn your attention to shoes and styling items. This is where most of your space disappears. Try to only bring one of the pairs you really need. If you need high heels for an event, bring one, and if you are in need of athletic shoes, simply wear these when you go to the airport. It is always better to wear the bulkier items to the airport in order to cut room from your suitcase. Also, when it comes to hair dryers, curling irons, and other items, just remember that the hotel should have you covered. You don't need a hair dryer or a regular iron as the hotel is going to have these. And even if the hotel doesn't have an iron that works with your clothing, and good alternative is to simply hang up the clothing in the bathroom and run the show on hot with the door closed. This essentially steams your clothing without any equipment at all.
For packing, the most important thing is to keep the wrinkles out of your pants and long items. To do this, lay your pants half way in on the bottom of the suitcase and have the other half hanging out, then neatly pack in the rest of your clothing. After you have placed your clothing in you can fold the top of the pants over the top. This way, there is no folded crease in the pants but a rounded edge and it prevents any sort of ugly crease from occurring.
