Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1470856
PACKING LIGHT LIKE A PRO There's nothing fun about lugging a big, heavy suitcase through an airport or in and out of a vehicle. One of the best pieces of packing advice? Pack like you're going on vacation, not moving. Only bring the necessary items to get you through a short trip, not a lifetime. An airline's baggage-fee policy may also be a big incentive to pack light, as most carriers have a weight limit and charge per bag. Whether you're hitting the road or flying high, here are packing tips to save you time and space. A More Efficient Carry-On With a rush to get out the door, packing a carry-on usually becomes an after-thought. However, a well-stocked bag is essential for a comfortable airport experience. Include these items in your carry-on to make your airport downtime more relaxing: • Get luggage that bends. Consider a soft-shell suitcase or duffle bag instead of hard-shell cases, which are heavier and take up more cargo space. • Be organized. Create a packing list of clothes, accessories, and other essentials. Then check off items as you pack. • Evaluate what you're bringing before packing it. Lay out the clothes you want to bring before loading them in your suitcase to visualize outfits. Opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched so you don't have to sacrifice valuable space. • Use packing cubes for compression. Group similar items in the same cubes, like undergarments and socks in one cube, PJs and bathing suits in another. • Lean on lightweight fabrics. The lighter your clothes, the lighter your suitcase. If you're heading to a cooler destination, wear your heavier pieces on the plane and pack lightweight layers. • Instead of folding clothes, roll them up. Store each piece of rolled-up clothing upright to save space and make it easier to see what you've packed. • Take a small container of laundry detergent. Hand-wash items in a bathroom sink or do a quick load of laundry at your destination to make better use of your capsule vacation wardrobe. • Don't pack extra bags. A hotel's plastic, disposable laundry bags work well for transporting wet bathing suits and dirty clothes back home. • A form of identification, like a passport or driver's license • Entertainment basics, such as headphones, a tablet, or a book • Medications • Valuable jewelry • Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes • Extra clothes in case of overnight stays or lost luggage • Chargers for electronics • A reusable water bottle • Snacks 18