Packing for a trip may seem like a simple chore, but it’s a science that travelers learn the hard way. Often, people learn the rules of packing after taking multiple trips with excessive baggage by train, bus, or flight. Packing is one such chore related to traveling that is anything but fun. But it’s the only thing that will decide whether you have a happy or a stressful journey.
If you pack things strategically, you’ll have a happy journey filled with adventures. On the other hand, if you pack things haphazardly, be prepared to make countless detours to local stores.
To ensure you have a pleasant journey, here are four packing tips that road travelers swear by:
#1 Bundle Your Outfits
Starting with one of our favorite packing hacks, bundle outfits before storing them in your luggage. You’ll be surprised at how much space you’ll save in your carry-on suitcase. To bundle your outfits, decide on a color palette first.
Want to pair your favorite red tank top with blue jeans? Cool. Spread your jeans, place your top or shirt on them, and your bundle is ready. Don’t forget to place a matching pair of socks and undergarments before you form a bundle. Likewise, form as many clothes as you intend to take in a bundle and stow them in your luggage.
A pro tip: roll each bundle of clothes instead of folding them. As rolled clothes occupy less space than folded ones, you can pack more stuff. Besides saving space, rolling prevents clothing pieces from wrinkling. This way, they will be ready to wear, and you won’t have to spend time ironing them during the trip.
#2 Use Packing Cubes
Sure, rolling and bundling clothes minimizes wrinkles and maximizes space. But what if you’re still short of space? In that case, packing cubes will save the day.
Packing cubes come in handy for efficient packing, as they allow you to compress clothes and separate them. One significant upside of packing cubes is that they are made of durable fabric and can stack neatly in both your suitcase and backpack.
What’s the best way to organize content in packing cubes, then? Well, there are two ways to organize cube content: by type of apparel or by day as per your travel plan. Whichever way you organize packing cubes, rest assured that you’ll be saved from the hassles of unfolding clothes or displacing everything just to locate an outfit.
#3 Pack Bulky Items in a Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Whether going on a camping trip or heading to a nearby beach for a small staycation, a rooftop carrier bag is a must-have. After all, you cannot pack every item in your suitcase when setting out on a road journey.
Rooftop cargo carriers are great for awkwardly shaped and bulky items. Tent? Check. Camping furniture? Check. Sports equipment? Check. You can store all the extra stuff in rooftop cargo carriers that you’ll need during the journey or at the destination.
Do you know what the best part about rooftop cargo carriers is? You can put your suitcase up, too. If you travel with multiple small bags, you can store them side by side. In regard to large suitcases, one large suitcase can easily fit the rooftop cargo carrier.
RoofPax advises travelers to pack things such that the weight is distributed evenly. That way, the bag will remain stable and balanced throughout the trip. It also recommends using waterproof covers to make sure the bag remains protected from the natural elements.
#4 Be Selective About Footwear
Packing the right pair of footwear is tricky. Deciding which footwear you should pack while going on a hiking trip or a short getaway is never easy. On top of that, shoes are among the bulkiest items. No wonder they occupy a lot of space in the suitcase.
Two pairs of shoes would be enough for both short and long trips. One should be a comfortable pair, whereas the other should be a decent pair of formal shoes, perfect for evening wear.
Wrapping Up
It doesn’t matter whether you’re setting on a road journey or an international trip, packing is always a hassle. After all, it isn’t easy to decide what to take and what to leave behind. But with these four tips, we are sure you will be able to pack for road journeys efficiently.
Just make sure you opt for a medium-sized suitcase because the larger the bag, the more unnecessary stuff you’ll pack. Start with clothes, move to shoes, and then toiletries. Once you’re done packing your suitcase, load bulky items like tents in the rooftop carrier bag and ta-da! You’re ready for the trip.
