The BEST Way to Pack a Suitcase (carry-on only made EASY)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ค. 2024
- Packing Cubes vs. Compression Cubes vs. Vacuum Seal Bags. Side-By-Side Comparison to Uncover The Ultimate Travel Packing Method to Fit 3X More in Your Suitcase!
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Join me as we compare the pros and cons of three popular packing tools: packing cubes, compression packing cubes, and vacuum seal bags. Discover the versatility and organizational benefits of packing cubes, how compression packing cubes can maximize space (with a few trade-offs), and why vacuum seal bags are both a blessing and a hassle.
I'll reveal the best packing tips and travel packing gear that will save you so much space you'll be able to pack everything you need in just a carry-on, even with just ONE bag! 2024 is the time to travel light with just carry-on luggage and avoid the hassle of checking a bag at the airport.
I'll share my personal experiences and insights, debunking myths along the way. Plus, I'll reveal the clear winner that combines the best of both worlds. This is the packing method that I used to pack for two weeks in Europe in only a carry on suitcase. Stick around til the end to ensure you make an informed decision for your next vacation to organize your suitcase and maximize space.
Are you Team Packing Cubes, Team Compression Cubes, or Team Vacuum Seal Bags? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button for weekly travel tips and hacks. Happy travels, my friends! 🌟✈️
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Welcome to Portable Professional, your go-to resource for stress-free travel.
Megan here, Hello! I’ve taken well over 300 flights and countless trips in the last decade. I have learned how to have seamless travel experiences without unnecessary stress and anxiety. I’m here to help you also feel confident about your travels while making the most of every trip.
Ready for stress-free travels? Subscribe and join us every Wednesday and Sunday for informative videos full of practical tips. You'll learn how to navigate airport security, pack like a pro, identify scams, and even uncover little-known hacks to take your travel to the next level. (these are my specialty!)
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00:00 Introduction
00:12 Packing cubes for travel
00:37 Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes?
00:52 Packing a suitcase (hack!)
01:09 Disadvantages of packing cubes
01:34 Compression cubes for travel
02:04 Disadvantages of compression cubes
02:27 Keep clothes wrinkle-free (hack!)
02:43 Vacuum seal bags for travel
03:26 Disadvantages of vacuum seal bags
04:09 Comparing 3 packing methods
04:42 Bottom line: BEST for travel
05:10 Recommended on Amazon
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FREE Guide with packing cube hacks here: bit.ly/PP-packingcubes
I use packing cubes to keep my clothing organized but I always pack an empty plastic vacuum bag for the flight home.
At that point wrinkles don’t matter and it give me the extra space I might need for purchases abroad
Taking an empty plastic vacuum bag for the trip home is an excellent idea. I would use it for dirty clothes.
Great idea, especially when weight doesn’t matter!
@@PortableProfessionalmisleading title while advocating use of packing cubes?🤔🤔
@@PortableProfessionalwhat brand are those white compression cubes @4:22?
@@PortableProfessional The plastic vacuum bag I use weighs nothing. When not in use, I roll it up and stuff it at the very bottom. That way the weight of the clothes keeps it mashed down.
I went to Peru and knew I wanted to buy yarn so I brought a vacuum seal bag with me. It worked really well and I was able to bring home lots if yarn, taking up very little space!
Ah yarn! Will we ever have enough?
Good idea! I always end up with extra yarn to bring home! How does it do after being vacuumed? Does it expand back to normal well?
I use a combination of compression packing cubes and folding. Being a plus size woman I have been long accustomed to watching out for weight as my clothes are larger, bulkier and heavier. The compression cubes help reduce the size of many of my items so that I can adequately fit others in. Combining both methods seems to have struck a nice balance for me for being able to manage my clothing size/volume and weight of my luggage. I found your tips and info spot on!
I used regular packing cubes for the first time last October for a 10-day Cruise. I loved loved loved the fact that I could just put the cubes in the drawers, and not be concerned if those drawers were sanitized after the last passengers use that cabin. Yes, you need to organize them and I certainly did
I used to travel a few times a year for work and I would stay in a hotel for one to two weeks at a go. The ease of moving the cubes into the drawers for the stay and then just zipping them up and putting them back in my bag when I was leaving was pretty revolutionary for me!
I travel a lot. I use regular, albeit oversized, plastic bags. I sit on them as I zip them closed. Been working brilliantly for years.
Buy one of those hand held pump bag sets. It is amazing the difference, even with zipper bags. Best part is they become kinda hard so you can move around sets of stuff real easy.
The last time I flew, was for a work trip. My part-time job I'm a photographer, and was the lead for an event out of state. Being lead I'm responsible to bring safety vests for all the photographers. I had about a dozen safety vests in a compression packing cube. They were compressed so well, that it showed up as one big blob on the TSA scanner, and therefore got my bag searched! My flight home I adjusted how I packed that packing cube to prevent another bag search.
I think I have a mix of regular and compression packing cubes. I started using them recently, and love them. I started off by packing stuff by type, like socks and shirts, before realizing that was the wrong way to do it. I repacked, this time dedicated three cubes for specific purposes; emergency clothes, the overnight, and the cruise embarkation day. Emergency clothes were in my carry on, with sweats and clean underwear, socks, and a t-shirt. When I got to my B&B, I only had to open my overnight (sleepwear, toothbrush / paste, razor). The next day, I only had to open the cube with the clean clothes for embarkation, as well as things like my contact lenses, a case with my sunglasses (where I put the prescription eyeglasses away in it; I don't like to fly with contacts in).
I also had a bag for swimwear related items I moved to the carry on I had for embarking the ship.
Super smart way of doing it !
Thank you for sharing this.
Regular packing cubes for me. I roll things tightly and get a lot into one. I feel that compression bags leave you with an oddly-shaped item. I prefer actual "cube" shapes. Easier to organize the overall luggage space. Even if I don't use packing cubes for all my clothes, I will use one for underwear, bra, and socks. It keeps them all together.
I have all three. I will use the vacuum bag style to compress the air out of my winter coat. The wrinkles don't matter much with that item (also pack my hats and scarves in the pockets of my coat). I use my smaller compression size for socks and underwear. I use my standard packing cubes for everything else, but I fold outfits together so all is ready. A small packing cube goes in my personal bag with a change of clothes. I agree with your ideas in this video very much 👍 ❤
Thanks, Tammy! I can see how the vacuum cubes work well with the winter clothes!
Smart idea with the hats and such in the pockets!
@Yeah Thanks! I don't lose my stocking caps, gloves, and scarves!
After a harrowing couple of trips wth checked bags (delays/canceled flights-rebookings) early in my sudden flurry of flying starting about 7 years ago, I said never again and went to all carry-on all the time, I have always used the regular packing cubes and love both the organizational aspect ant the fact that I can cram a whole lot of stuff into the cubes. I use my carry-on bag for both flying and driving trips and I always use these cubes because - even though they aren't compression cubes per se - I can squeeze lots of extra little tidbits into them and make them compression-adjacent...
A friend gave me a fabulous hack. Instead of spending money on compression bags, she told me to buy gallon size ziplock bags and place clothes in them. They worked perfectly and compressed nicely. Was great to see what was in them as I unpacked.
That's my plan for my next trip.
Always the best travel advice from you Megan!! Not going to lie...when you leaned down and said NO on those compression plastic bags, I couldn't stop laughing. You are 100% correct!!
Thanks for sharing Nik and Allie's channel too! Until your next video....
Glad you enjoyed the video! I also had fun doing it!
I have come up with a hack for plastic compression bags where I never roll them. I simply put all of the clothing I want in, then zip the bag up to where I have three fingers of room left in the zipper. Keep my fingers in the bag and slowly sit on the bag. The air goes out immediately and then I take my fingers out and zip up the remaining 3 inches to seal. I have popped a bag or two not putting my fingers in the bag to vent the air properly so always keep 2 or 3 fingers in the bag to prevent this. Works wonderfully much less wrinkles and stack just like cubes but better and makes packing soo much faster.
Appreciate the video. No one is talking about hanging packing cubes:
Organization
Pack at home, when you reach your destination, hang the cube, no need to unzip multiple bags.
Multiple stops for sleeping? Easy to pack again and hang at your next stop.
Dirty drawers or limited space? There's always a closet to hang the packing cubes
Thanks for mentioning these! They are very practical.
I used packing cubes for my recent trip to NYC from the UK and I only really found them useful in terms of organisation and privacy. Coming home it was handy to be able to put all my worn socks and underwear in one cube and thus keep clean and not as clean items separate. I don't suppose it really matters truthfully but I did find it useful. Honestly if I rolled my clothing properly, I could fit more in my case as there's nooks and crannies you can fit things like socks in which are less so with cubes. I didn't worry too much about it though as the checked bags have a 23kg (when you fly econ or prem econ) limit and it's really easy to go over that with a checked rolling bag if you cram it full.
I've subsequently purchased packing compression cubes for the same trip in 2024. Where I'll be staying for a longer period but taking less clothing as the hotel has a 24/7 self use laundry in the hotel. One of the things I will be trying is seeing if I can get my full sized Winter jacket in the largest packing cube and pack it down. I wore it last time as it's a bulky item but not especially heavy and it was horrific navigating roasting hot airports with a jacket that kept me toasty warm in minus 18 weather in NYC during a storm at Christmas 2023. I know the practical advice is to just wear it and suffer but people were fainting in the 30c+ temps wearing Winter clothing and having to stand up queuing for 3 or more hours. Plus you had to get rid of your drinks before joining the queue. Never again! My carry on bag this time is a hybrid backpack convertible to a 2 wheel bag with handle to pull. It's the future for a trip abroad. Wearing a 16kg pack and carrying a big jacket as well as 10kg camera shoulder bag in that heat, never, ever again! I of course over packed in every sense of the word.
My plan is to bring one less bag to check in and put a day bag inside my check in bag which can double up on the trip as, well my day bag and also if needed be an additional bag I can check in when going home as I travel Premium Economy and thus I have the option of 2 checked bags. It also gives me a nice buffer for bringing home gifts, bags of coffee etc. Options are good to have.
I use one of those compression vacuum bags at home to keep my expensive wool items in. I live in an old Victorian building and moths are an issue. So it keeps them off my wool.
I like cubes both compression and regular. If I am going on vacation and we are driving there, compression cubes are the best for me as we are 5 people going and weight isn't an issue but sometimes space is. As for flying. I choose regular packing cubes to help us all stay organized and allow me to be mindful of what we pack. :) Each has a different color and cube and it works perfectly
Welcome to the channel!
I needed this video last week...I just ordered more packing cubes.
I really like your idea of getting compression cubes and using them as normal packing cubes except when you need the space.
Sorry this was a little late for you! Happy travels!
A smaller packing cube is good to carry something like a cardigan or coat in your personal item bag without compromising on space. It also makes a comfy back cushion!
I use a double sided packing cube and this really organizes things at the destination. Everything ready to pop in the drawer or hang up. It also saves a lot of space since I only use the 1 cube with both sides packed. More room in the suitcase!
I tried compression cubes, but I found that packing the clothing loosely allowed me to tuck small items around the clothes in those weird little spaces that are too small for another cube. The only time a cube is useful is for carryon when you want a specific outfit that you'll need immediately.
Love finding corners to tuck those extra items in! Happy travels, Abigail!
Regular packing cubes for me. Organize just fine... the most user friendly. Thanks...and love your videos...quite helpful
Recently we took an Alaskan cruise. I used a combination of all 3. My preference is standard packing cubes. Compression packing cubes are great for less bulky items such as socks, underwear, PJ s, bathing suits, etc. On our recent trip, I used vacuum seal bags for our bulkier clothes. They came in especially handy at the end of our trip for our dirty laundry. I was able to compress all our dirty clothes and pack them in one carry on, reserving the other carry on for clean clothes, purchases, etc.
That is very organized packing, Christine! Alaska must have been beautiful!
I’ve used regular packing cubes for years. And this past year I have added compression packing cubes to my packing arsenal. I only use the compression cubes for certain things. I also do not use the cubes to save space, but rather to keep me organized, and to easily put things away in a hotel room, or a cruise ship cabin.
I have used the packing cubes for years. They help me organize. This is the first I have heard of the compression packing cube. I may need to get some.
I LOVE packing cubes. I used a compression bag on the dress that I was planning to wear to a wedding because I wanted to make sure that it got to where we were going without anything getting on the dress. It did the job so I will continue to use the bag until it wears out. I will definitely try to grab some compression packing cubes.
I used compression packing cubes for the first time on my recent trip to Spain. I could not check any luggage, so the cubes kept my things organized. Also, I was not embarrassed when I had to open my suitcase at the airport to retrieve something. I will definitely use them for all my upcoming trips!
That’s great! Happy travels, Alison!
On a recent trip to stay with a relative we had no hanging space or drawer space, not enough space to open a suitcase either so my packing cubes were invaluable, they kept all my items organised and I just stacked them one on top of each other. I must remember to take a spare one next time for diety clothes. X
For my next carry on trip I will use your excellent rolling method from a month ago as well as folding.
I have a set of both packing cubes and compression packing cubes. The compression cubes I use are also the Cipways that you have but the packing cubes I use have mesh all along the outsides so you can see through them though, so that's a nice little feature. I have found both handy depending on what I want put in them.
Traveling in June! Thank you Megan :)
I love compression packing cubes (Tripped brand) and folders (Eagle Creek). I've only used carry on since 2007, after my checked luggage arrived two days later! Never ever do I check in bags even if I've traveled for up to 21 days in Europe. Great channel, advice, and info for travel☆
Thanks so much, Tina!
In the end I’ve preferred regular packing cubes (Eagle Creek for about 25 years). They also make a garment folder I use for tops. But it’s designed more for a checked bag than a carry-on.
I love the compression packing cubes. They keep me organized and although I don't add extra stuff, it leaves room in my bag for souvenirs or other things that may get picked up on my travels.
That's my strategy too....try to leave a quarter to a third of my carry on free to bring back stuff.
I travel about 2 weeks a month for business, I have used packing cubes and I agree that the compression packing cubes work the best for me. (I do use a wrinkle release spray as well.)
Useful video. Packing cubes are a must.
Everything is organized with packing cubes, with less wrinkles.
I will be using regular packing cubes on my trip to Europe. I already have them and just use them for the organization. I'm not using a carry-on though I am using one checked bag and a daypack and a small purse. Thank you for the tip about labeling the cubes. Good idea! Aloha
Big thumbs up. You always deliver. Thanks for sharing.
I used the same compression cubes 2 weeks ago in Paris. I will use a mix of both next year.
I like the packing cubes for organization. I will sometimes bring a clear roll up bag for rolling up a coat, or maybe for something that got wet or overly dirty.
I use packing cubes and love them for their organizational capabilities. Wife and I have tested them - they don't really save space. But I still love'em! Easy to unpack right into the drawers of the hotel dresser or ship dresser!
Great! Thanks for watching!
I wanted to thank you for featuring Away Together, great channel.
Just returned from a trip where I used oversized freezer bags (for food) with a slide lock. They were fantastic. Super affordable, easy to use and see what's inside, kept stuff dry and concealed odors. To compress, I did not roll the bag (some items within were rolled, some folded), I simply laid down on top of the bag on the bed to apply even pressure across the whole bag. Didn't find wrinkles to be a problem, but perhaps it was also due to the fabric of the clothes I brought.
Great use of the freezer bag!. Thanks for sharing that, Nadia!
Great advice. I’m heading to Malaysia in a week. I have only 7kg total (including my handbag!!) on Malaysian Airlines. So space saving isn’t the issue 😑😑😑 (Sorry, I should say that I choose to carry on only for my clothes and toiletries as I don’t want them lost!) I’m checking a suitcase was a mattress topper and allergy-friendly foods for the first time (massive amount of food allergies popped up for me in the past few years and the topper is because I need to get some sleep and the beds can be awfully firm in Asia!)
great comparison with all these kinds of cubes. 👍👍👍
I use packing cubes in my dresser at home to store seasonal items and items in frequently used. So much easier to access active items and reduce crowding.
Super way to use packing tubes besides travel!
Your logic at 4:50 was exactly mine when I went with compression cubes 👍
Pretty much "none of the above" for me, except a vacuum bag for a winter coat if I'm not wearing it. I've found the cubes difficult once you start wearing stuff and they're no longer full. I prefer folding and stacking my clothes with socks and underwear stuffed in the nooks and crannies of the suitcase. I always travel with only carry on and have no problem with weight (except my own😂).
I love packing cubes and use both regular and compression. I don’t care if my underwear, sleep clothes or swimsuits are wrinkled. I also have a few dresses, tops and pants that are made with a gauzy wrinkled look so if they’re compressed it’s no big deal. For clothes that wrinkle, I actually prefer the Eagle Creek packing system where you fold your clothes around a thin plastic sheet, then put this sheet on top of the clothes and the system folds over the clothes and Velcros around them. This actually sort of compresses the clothes and keeps them from moving around and becoming more wrinkled. I use this for clothes I need to look nice for meetings or nice dinners. I can pack for a 7 day meeting using this and packing cubes in just my rolling carry on. I can go on vacation for 2 was easily this way carryon only with nice outfits and not having to do any laundry or ironing. Who wants to iron?
I decide on my clothing first - not much of it, no chance of being over the weight limit - and put the things that don’t wrinkle or matter if they’re wrinkled in one small vacuum bag. I’m too old to care if someone sees my undies in the bag. I put the rest in packing cubes for organization. Mine are compression cubes, but if I fill them up, there’s not room to compress, so I rarely use that feature. Clothes that don’t wrinkle much or visiting people who have an iron are my tricks. Thanks for the comparison!
Regular packing cubes work well for me since I don’t need to fit a lot into my carry-on. I really appreciate not having to handle and arrange every piece of clothing every time I want to take something out.
Hoped you enjoyed watching, Susan!
Compression cubes with a mesh panel are the best so you can see what’s inside of the cube. I roll my clothes inside of them and don’t have a problem with wrinkled clothes.
I found that it I had a 1 night stopover - I packed the change of clothes including fresh socks inside in a packing cube to ease getting ready the next day. Nothing worse than needing to unpack & repack for 1 night. I had a co-worker use these on her overseas tour as they hotel hopped so her & husband had 2 days of fresh clothes ready to go.
I've used packing cubes for years. I've used compression cubes (along with packing cubes) for the last couple of years.
I have used regular and compression cubes for years and find them indispensable. I even found them at dollar stores in Japan for about ¥300 ($2.15)!
I love to travel; whether for family get togethers, mission trips or going on a cruise with a friend. There's different reasons why I enjoy travelling but nonetheless it's always a good times. I am a planner I guess. I enjoy organizing functions (like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the community) and so I think that's when I realized I actually enjoyed planning lol. I'm saying that, 4 years ago when I started to go on mission trips, I started planning my luggage packing like 3 months in advance in my head! Crazy right? Lol. It's nothing I get stressed over, it's just fun to me lol. Anyways I have packed things loosely in my bags via rolling or folding. I have tried the plastic air compression bags, didn't like it. Then the compression cubes, wasn't thrilled about them. Then the regular packing cubes and that I enjoyed. My clothes and other items were neat and tidy and organized. It's all a learning process of learning the more we travel huh.
I love packing cubes. I have several sets and I like the ease of unpacking cubes instead of each piece of clothing.
Me too! Happy travels, Terri!
I use compression packing cubes and I love them. They are the perfect size for correctly folded tshirts as well as socks. I find that they work much better than rolling and are much easier to use. In addition, I have a couple of gadgets that are designed for packing dress shirts. I have found that some overseas destinations are challenging to do laundry, so I do tend to over pack when traveling for a month at a time.
Happy travels, Matt
How do you pack dress shirts??
Maybe one day there will be a method better than rolling and folding...until such time, I'll rely on both.
It always served me well, so there is no need to change.
Nonetheless, thank you for always trying to come up with ways to help.
Safe travels and happy journeys 🙏✈😊💖
There is a better method. These bags comes in multiple sizes and a hand pump. She only showed the "carry on" roll up size. I travel with the vacuum bags often and never have an issue. Most resorts have irons if i dont pack my portable steamer.
When we had a camper van, we used packing cubes without a suitcase as they were easier to get in and out of the overhead cabinets. I kept sets of clothes in them and one small cube with a loop for taking to campground showers with only what I needed. When we flew to Mexico for several months I used the packing cubes, but when we got there I used them for socks underwear and t-shirts ieach in separate cubes since we didn't have drawers. The rest was hung up, I keep one in my backpack for headphones, kindle, charger and snacks, that I can grab for under the seat, and stuff the laptop backpack in the overhead bin (room permitting).
Consistant good info! Thanks!
Thanks so much! Good to hear you enjoy it!
When I'm travelling to multiple destinations I really like packing, or compression packing, cubes as I can mix and match items easily. Compression cubes help me squeeze things down for the trip home because I have found some cool local clothes I want to bring home. Not a vacuum seal bag person for travelling. Fine to use at home to store more things in the linen cupboard though.
I do regular packing cubes, but you can actually compress quite a bit in a regular cube too and that is not shown enough. I load the cube, zip 3/4 of the way, squish stuff further down and add more. I fit 1-2 more outfits this way and really do think they actually use the space better than compression cubes because you don't have the odd shape.
Think Im gonna get a set of the compression bags. THANKS
Your welcome! Happy packing!
I use packing cubes all the time. They do keep outfits organized and wrinkle free. They revolutionized the travel experience.
Plastic compression bags are great if you're doing a multi-climate trip where you won't need those warm clothes for an extended period
I use compression bags for travel..I don't roll my clothes but pack them flat in the bag. I found that I can pack alot more in the bag while still staying under the bag/carryon allowances. I put socks and shoes in the gaps between the ribs on the bottom. Lay my pants over them with ends out. Put the compression bags in and fold the pants over them. The pants add as another "compression". I can easily pack for a week or more doing this with my TravelPro 21" carryon. Love your ideas and comparisons!
My husband and I have used 3 gallon zip lock bags for years ever since the TSA rummaged around my suitcase and left everything messy and out of order when we got to our destination. I can get excess air out of them, lay them flat, and if the TSA needs to take a look, they can see what I have and not mess it up.
Officially flying out to Hamilton from Winnipeg on Swoop airlines! yasss as mentioned this I’ll let u guys know what this looked like after my flight! Definitely checking out those packing cubes on my next trip else where 😂
I've been rolling and using zip lock bags to compress. They even make 2 gallon bags and those are the best for packing pants.
That’s what I do.
Me too. I fold items to match the size of the bag, sit on the bag while pressing the edge seal. Contents are visible and not excessively wrinkled.
compression stuff sacks (like the ones used for sleeping bags) is the answer - massive compression of large volume of clothing. Reduces volume by 50% to 75%. Beats by a mile several compression packing cubes that take up enormous additional space.
I use a combo of regular packing cubes and HiBags compression bags. Due to my allergies, I have to drag some bedding with me and the vacuum bags are the best at compressing them.
I use different kinds of compression cubes .... I love the organizational factor.
Happy travels, Elizabeth!
Using all 3 for my next trip.
That’s great, Annabell!
Packing cubes are really good and organized.
I agree! Great to have you on the channel, Mimi!
Another great video Megan
Thank you, Leo!
@@PortableProfessional you're welcome Megan your great at making videos like this. Hopefully we meet one day
I’ve tried all of those over the years and I tend to go for packing cubes inside a vacuum bag, the ones with a small hand pump. Yes they crease your clothing more than just packing or compression cubes. But I find they save the most room.
Maybe it’s different from a guys perspective than a female as I only tend to have the wicking t shirts and shorts when I travel, so I quick run over with a travel iron and they are ready to go.
I like to give each family member a different color of packing cubes. Also I used the plastic vacuum bag for my puffer jacket. After rolling, I flattened it back out. If fit perfectly in the front pocket of my soft sided carry on.
Great ideas, Cindy!
The light weight see through part mesh brand name packing cubes we can buy in outlets like Big W in Australia are not particularly durable. The seams tend to give out after a limited amount of use.
I've been using the netted side of my carry on (travel pro) to house all clothing. That leaves the main compartment for everything else 😉
Which model/size do you have?
@Erin McKee it's the travelpro maxlite 5 rollaboard, the carry on size.
Love this video! What bag do you usually bring for travel? I always think that travel is made easier when you have the best travel gear and essentials too. The bento bag from Nomad Lane is my best carry-on bag for travels like this. Thought I'd share it with you, too! Can you please do a review on the Bento Bag by Nomad Lane?
I use the vacuum bags for two things: bulky items and laundry. By using the vacuum bags for used clothing, I can keep it away from what is still clean, and I can compress it to make room for souvenirs.
That's a great idea! Happy packing!
I don't technically use any of these methods. I typically roll all my clothes and line them up in my suitcase, and on the rare occasion I have anything I'm super worried about getting wrinkled, I lay it flat on top of everything else that is rolled up. I do use a simple 2 gallon zip top Ziplock bag to keep my undies, bras, and socks together (And untouched by TSA if I have to check my bag) that I close most of the way, then roll like the "real" vacuum bags, and close the last itch with the air out. It gets most of the air out, but not all of it. And some air will go back in, but not in the time it takes me to finish packing my suitcase and close it up.
No matter what packing style you use, the bottom line is DON'T OVER PACK! If you don't over pack, you won't have issues getting everything in. I'm going to Spain, France, and Italy for 2 weeks in Sept. Going carry on only so I can be flexible with changing flights or other delays. Just taking less, and planning to do a little bathroom sink laundry session midway through my trip. Its going to be great!
Some good packing tips here! Have a great trip!
Non of the above...I go the old customed way and I travel a lot....I have a method of packing my things in such a way that when I open my suitcase or carry on bag, my things remain as I originally packed them and I can use them from inside there without having to unpack except for my toiletry bag that will be used and put back inside the suitcase or bag as soon as I leave the room or place I am staying at. This way I save packing time when I am ready to leave and I don't over shop souvenirs.
✨The secret is to not overpack things that will not be used and always spare a couple of kilos in case I do some shopping. ✨🌹
Good planning, Eirini!
Regular packing cubes for me. Love them. I fit more in my suitcase.
Thanks for watching, Laura!
I always roll my clothes up then squish them into my large army backpack, been doing that since 1997. It works .
I use the vacuum seal bags for my dirty clothes. It is great as it keeps the smell and dirt confined and takes up,less room as you fill it up. Give it a try, i bet you will be impressed. Imuse packing cubes for my regular packing.
I just Marie Kondo my clothes in the side of the suitcase with the cloth top, so it’s basically one large cube. I use two small cubes in the other side for socks and underwear. Then nice cloth makeup pouches I get for free with gift-with-purchase to organize other categories of stuff. Sometimes various sizes of ziplock bags.
I use a set of compression cubes, with a translucent window that allows me to see what is inside. I can simply toss the cube in the drawer in my hotel room when I arrive. One problem I have that many don't is traveling with tools and equipment. I come a lot closer to my checked weight limit than most people. In the winter, when I have a lot more clothing, I often have to remove and hand carry an item. A TSA agent at one airport about a year ago almost confiscated a bag of expensive specialty adjustment jigs for the equipment I work on. He asked another agent for an opinion and they let me through with them.
Regular packing cubes for me
Im going to try compression packing cubes
Hope they work well for you! Happy packing!
On my recent trip using carry on only, I used one packing cube, one compression packing cube, and one vacuum seal plastic bag. The plastic bag I reserved only for my dirty clothes on the trip home, since it didn’t matter if things were deeply creased, and it gave me room to bring back a couple of souvenirs.
Try using umbrella bags. You can stuff them like a sausage casing. Great for some items when you leave, and for dirty clothes when you return, when wrinkles are irrelevant.
I only use regular cubes for organization, I find packing them loosely instead of jam packing them full allows me to pack fragile items between cubes. Honestly the only reason I even use them is after seeing TSA pull out handfuls of underwear and random clothing from bags they're searching and then try to stuff them all back in. I had to have my bag searched once because I had a low-brain moment and packed a metal nail file, it was so easy for them to reach exactly where it was without disrupting the rest of my bag. (I got to keep my file, but not without the agent shaking his head at me.) Also a friend of mine had a zipper break on a checked bag once, we laughed because someone's underwear was littering the conveyor belt... until we realized it was HER underwear!
Haha!! Thanks for sharing!
I have packing cubes with mesh on the top so it's easy to see what's inside. I need to get some new ones and I can't remember where I got them!
I throw compression packing cubes into my suitcase & use them for my dirty clothes. This gives me some extra room in my suitcase for items I purchase on my trip.
Compression or regular cubes when I'm staying at one place for a while, since I can just leave all the clothes in the cube and put it in the drawer or leave in suitcase. It usually opens up easier than compression cubes
Great video as always Megan! I’m team #compressioncubes all the way! Appreciate the shoutout.
Woot woot, compression cubes for the win!
I do a mixture of compression cubes and plastic bags. One plastic bag containing a pair of shorts, undies, a top and slacks with blouse go in a bag into my husband's suitcase, and a bag containing similar men's items into mine so if one suitcase gets lost, we still have some clothes to get by for a day or two. The rest of my clothing goes into compression cubes by daily outfit so it's all together without having to search through the cubes or suitcase. We once met a man onboard a cruise who had come from England - without his suitcase. He was stuck for 10 days wearing whatever they could find for him in the boutiques and amongst the crew. I felt badly for him as he was obviously uncomfortable not having his own clothing and his suit and footwear on formal night especially.
You certainly have the packing organized and under control! Others could learn from you!
You may as well take a large compression packing cube full-stop and leave the case. I prefer the plastic packing when going on holiday, but these are only good if you're planning to go away for 3-4 days, but I certainly wouldn't wrap the clothes in plastic bags as this will cause splitting - just roll the clothes tightly and place them in the bag and extract any excess air. Job done. I prefer this method as my case is small (due to hand luggage regulations) and you never know if these cubes are too big for my size case.