Q&A for How to Pack a Bag or Suitcase Efficiently

Whenever I go on a trip, I love to make lists based on my schedule for each day, from what I'll need to wake up to what I'll need just before bed. For longer trips, I do this for a week's worth of activities. Making these lists helps me stay organized by day, and then I don't have to think a lot and can devote more time to having a great time on my trip!

If it's carry-on, you may want something more flexible if it's going in the overhead bin. If being checked, the durability of a hard case might be better to avoid damage to the contents.

Not if you roll them tightly and don't roll in wrinkles. If they are loosely rolled, they will likely wrinkle.

You may find that they take up less space and fit better in your bag if you roll them instead. Starting at the cuffs, roll them up like a sleeping bag.

Spread them out at the bottom of the suitcase and make sure there are no gaps between the books.

Make sure you use tight, secure folds, and your clothes shouldn't wrinkle. Before you fold an item, ensure all of the wrinkles and creases are out, and fold your clothes on a flat surface to prevent them from getting wrinkles.

Yes, all of the suitcase, plus the contents inside of the suitcase is weighed and is included in the measurements.

It really depends on your efficiency an dhow much you have to pack.

Don't bring unneeded clothes. Try bringing more lightweight clothes instead. Don't pack other unnecessary items. You might try vacuum-pack bags that can reduce the size of the clothes.

Fold in the straps and the roll over them.

Fold it normally: Fold the sleeves inward. Then fold the shirt in half horizontally, based on how you would look at a shirt (having the neckhole facing upward).

Have everything already laid out or on a list. You can also use packing methods that help you pack faster and with more room in your luggage.

Sure. Just be aware that your backpack has limited space, which you may want for other things.

I find that it's easier to put them at the bottom of the suitcase. If you don't want them to get squished, you could stuff socks or other clothing tightly into the shoes.

Use the checklist in the article, and pack clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

It depends on how big your backpack is and how much you are packing. If you are packing light for a short amount of time, a small backpack would work. If you are packing heavy for a long trip, you might be able to use a backpack or need to switch to something bigger.

If the hurricane is short notice and you need to get out, save yourself. But if you are evacuating ahead of time, you should be able to bring the dog with you. Make sure to pack any supplies the dog needs as well, like food, a leash, medicine, etc.

It would be best if you told the people at the X- Ray when you get there and show them the cards. There's no need to tell anyone before you get to security, just tell the TSA officers there so they will know why the alarm is going off.

Anything you want to wear to look nice, but not too fancy. Wear comfortable clothes. Wear what you normally do, because it's a casual trip. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and bring elastics (for girls) or headbands.

It depends on where you're going, how much stuff you'll need, and how much you want to lug around. Try to err on the side of packing light. You can always buy something when you get to your destination or launder your clothes and wear them again.

You can pack a few so that they remain occupied during your trip, but not too many that they would be nuisance.

Sure. Make sure to put it in a plastic Ziploc bag so it doesn't get all over your clothes and whatever else you're packing. If you're bringing it on an airplane, make sure that any liquid makeup adheres to TSA standards (3.4 ounces or less).

Try to wear as many of your clothes as you can. Pick your biggest shoes and at least one jacket if you brought one. Wear layers. You may not be comfortable, but it's the best option if you don't have enough room in your suitcase. If you still can't fit everything in your suitcase, you may need to throw some things away. Pick what is really important to you and what is irreplaceable, and throw other things away. You can always buy more toiletries, and maybe it's time for a new pair of sneakers anyway.

If a washing machine is available, around 21 outfits will be sufficient. If not, then around 42 should work.

If you can, try to vacuum seal whatever you can to save space. Also if you can, take another bag, or if you don't need a carry-on to put other stuff in, take another bag for those items. If you're trying to pack lightweight and you don't already have the air mattress, get the kind you blow up, not the kind with a motor.

The regular things: pads and/or tampons, extra underwear and extra pants.

Yes.

Liquids shouldn't be kept in plastic bags. It is much safer if you keep them in small bottle containers or bowls with lids. If you think it is taking a lot of space, the use strong resealable bags to store the liquids and put the resealable bag into another plastic bag to keep it from spilling or leaking.

Instead of distributing the weight of the clothes when you fold them, rolling them centers all their weight, making it heavier.

If you are going somewhere warm, use the beach checklist provided above. If you are going somewhere cold, use the winter weekend checklist. Also, if the quantities listed for any specific item don't match the amount of days you are going, just add or subtract the given number.