Batch fees are a common but despicable cost for travelers, especially as budget airlines always tighten their size and weight limits for Strikers. For those who want to save both money and space, it is essential to pack in an efficient way, as suitcases and last-minute repacking sessions may not work.
So, Rebecca Harley, Marketing Manager at Journeyscape, a North American Travel Specialist, shared a strategic choice to avoid oversized suitcases. Organizational consultant and author Marie Condo credits the first hack, experts say:
“This is a game changer, not only to save space, but to make each item more accessible without ruining the rest of the arrangement.”
Another popular space savings are vacuum seal bags that are especially useful for bulky items. Rebecca recommends:
Even small adjustments can have a big impact when you're really struggling to fit everything.
“Don't overlook the free space in your shoes. To maximize the space in your suitcase, stuff it with socks, underwear and electronic stuffing like shaver inside your shoes,” she advised. “This has the advantage of helping you maintain the shape of your shoes while traveling.”
When packing the entire case, Rebecca recommends getting close like a puzzle. “Place heavy items such as shoes or toilet bags at the bottom, followed by neatly folded clothes that are placed vertically. Fill in small items and make sure you use every inch of your suitcase.”
She added: “This method helps to distribute weight evenly, preventing clothes from wrinkled while traveling.”
Rebecca suggests a more minimalist approach, as toiletries are one of the most common products that push the bags to limit.
She said: “Most hotels offer these free, so you save valuable suitcase space by skipping bulky toiletries like shampoo and shower gels, or even many hotels accept online delivery before you stay.
Organizations are also important when it comes to accessories and electronic devices. That's why Rebecca recommends getting jewelry and an electronic organizer. This means “we don't have to find small items through suitcases by keeping accessories and wires intertwined and close to each other.”
To avoid overpacking traps completely, Harley recommends planning your wardrobe in advance.
She explained: “We reduce overpacking by planning your outfit with a simple spreadsheet before a trip. We even strategically plan in the middle of a trip laundry so we can map what we wear every day based on our activity and revamp our favorite pieces.”
Finally, one of the easiest wins is to get digital, something most people already do.
“Instead of packing physical copies, we download books, maps and guides to our mobile phones and e-readers,” Rebecca said. “It also helps you invest in Ziplock bags for cables and accessories to keep your small electronics organized and easy to find. This is also the ideal place to pop air tags in your case.
