Are you packing your best?

For most people, packing a suitcase for a trip is a dreaded chore put off until the last possible second without much thought. For others, there’s an art, a science and a precision to packing. AAA is here to help you sift through all the tips, tricks and suggestions with our Top 5 Picks to make a difficult chore a little more stress-free.

1. Pick the right bag.

Let’s start at the top. Whether you prefer hard-shell or soft-side bags, and whether you prefer to carry on or check, the most important first step is to pick the right bag. With so many airline weight restrictions, the last thing you want to do is lose precious pounds to the bag itself. Make sure to check your particular airline’s baggage policies prior to packing, as they all have different restrictions on weight and number of allowable bags. Having a bag that’s lightweight and easy to move around is essential.

Dimensions are also very important, especially if you prefer to carry on. It’s important to make sure your bag fits the size criteria (22 inches high by 14 inches long by 9 inches wide) before you arrive at the airport, to prevent any unforeseen charges or change of plans. Not all carry-on bags are made alike or made the same size.

2. Pack smarter.

While taking as many outfits as possible may seem like the best idea when packing for your next getaway, packing fewer and more multipurpose items is much more beneficial. Items that can be worn in several combinations with a variety of pieces will serve you best. Basic items in neutral colors, such as black and white tops and dresses, can pair with jeans, leggings and khakis to provide multiple mix-and-match outfits. Items that can be easily layered are important as well. Multipurpose travel clothing is becoming increasingly popular. For example, a man’s jacket that also doubles as a shoulder bag is a key space saver.

And for serious travelers, washing your clothes while on the road allows you to re-wear several of those key pieces and really stretch your wardrobe potential over a longer length of time.

Lastly, it may seem obvious, but making a list ahead of time can make a big difference not only in helping you prioritize what to bring but also in making sure you don’t forget any essential items.

3. Roll or fold?

Rolling or folding your clothes, perhaps one of the more controversial topics when it comes to packing, has been tried and tested by all the packing-industry experts. While it’s up to personal preference, the overall consensus tends to indicate rolling your clothes gives you more space than folding, especially for more casual items such as jeans and knits that don’t wrinkle. Rolling is also better for certain bags, such as duffels or tote bags. Just make sure to get a tight roll to maximize the space in the suitcase. There are many online videos to see a variety of techniques.

4. Maximize your personal item.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item aboard the plane, and the personal item is a great place to take advantage of additional free space. There are still size restrictions on the personal item, and it has to fit under the seat in front of you, but having a bag large enough to pack additional items you weren’t able to fit in your suitcase is a great opportunity.

Your personal and carry-on bags are also the best place to pack all your essential and valuable items. These items should never be checked and should always be kept in your possession. If you’re including liquids, make sure you’re familiar with the 3-1-1 rule, as with any carry-on. You’re allowed to take as many 3.4-ounce or smaller containers that will fit in one sealed, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. There are many travel-size refillable containers on the market to help you stay within the 3.4-ounce limit, and there’s always shampoo at the hotel.

5. Packing aids actually do work.

There are a lot of packing gimmicks, tools and aids. Compression bags are the one packing aid people consistently praise. They’re typically made of nylon or similar synthetic materials, and you’re able to suction the air out of the bags after packing your clothing. There are multiple brands and sizes to fit your needs and to really maximize the amount of clothing you can squeeze into your bag. Packing cubes and envelopes are also popular options worth looking into if you’re looking for other ways to maximize space.

Whatever packing methods you decide to use, we wish you safe and happy travels!