subject: Tips For Packing Your Luggage The Proper Way [print this page] That amazing island vacation you planned a year ago is finally about to happen and you're going crazy packing your luggage. It seems like you have way more stuff than your luggage can handle. How are you going to get everything packed without sacrificing essentials?
Most of us think we are pretty good at packing our luggage with clothes. But what some people don't know is that rolling your clothes means they won't come out as wrinkled. This also creates more packing room in your luggage. Also, it's smart to color-coordinate; you bring less. What you can do is try to coordinate your tops with your pants and shoes and even hats. You'll be able to pack lightly if your items are not only coordinated with each other but also mix and match. If you want to protect your shoes, slip a sock over each shoe and pack small items inside each of them.
Don't forget to put your return address and phone number on electronics you're packing in your luggage, such as cameras, radios, cell phones, camcorders and pack film, chargers and batteries. Before packing your children's luggage, write your name and phone number on the insides of their clothing. This way, the authorities can contact you if they are lost.
Create an emergency information file to take packed into your carry-on luggage, including passwords, account numbers and other information you may need. Save it onto a disk or flash drive and write-protect the document.
Don't pack essential medications or other things into checked luggage, but in your carry-on luggage. Your carry-on luggage should also include a change of underwear, a copy of your passport, reading material, several heavy weight zip-lock bags and a high-energy food like trail mix or power bars.
For proof that it's your luggage, you can itemize the items on a written list and take pictures after it's packed. This way, even if your luggage is stolen, you'll be able to prove it's yours by what you've packed. These should also be stored in your carry-on luggage.
You might spend a lot of time reading when you're traveling far away. You can begin with magazines then leave it behind for someone else when you've finished. Doing this will also lighten your carry-on load. Save book reading for later on in the trip and if there's room in your luggage pack finished books into your luggage to further reduce your carry-on burden.
