Whether or not it’s your first time traveling out of the country, you still have to go through the tedious and mind-boggling process that is packing. Indeed, nothing else is as time-consuming as choosing the items you need for the journey and making sure you have ample space in your luggage.

Then again, packing your bags is probably the most fulfilling part of preparing for long-distance travel. You just have to know the right approach.

Here are some of the best (mostly known) tips you might want to consider.

Make a list

This one’s an obvious tip any first-time traveler will have to learn by heart. And that’s because anyone can make the mistake of packing the wrong stuff in a bag with limited capacity. By making a list, you eliminate the risk of including items you don’t actually need or forgetting the items you do! That said, it always helps to have a checklist so you don’t accidentally forget your toothbrush.

Wear your heaviest clothing

Especially if you’re going somewhere that’s cold, you might want to wear layered clothing before you head for the airport. This will significantly lighten the load so you won’t have to worry about packing scarves and winter jackets in your already packed luggage.

This is a mistake we made when we went on our honeymoon to South Africa and forgot to wear our heaviest clothes. We clearly overpacked that we actually had to remove items at the airport as we went overweight. Don’t be that guy, girl or couple.

Carry only the grooming essentials you need

As per TSA regulations, you can bring a handful of grooming items with you in a carry-on bag. Safety razors are also acceptable, so you might want to organize them by keeping them in a ziplock bag.  Make sure to pack your Edwin Jagger shaving essentials to keep your beard looking good throughout your stay. Still, there are certain products you just can’t bring, so you might as well buy shampoo and moisturizer in the place you’re traveling to. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite fragrance on your travels!

Roll your clothes

When packing your clothes, folding them simply won’t do as they take up too much space. We all know the technique of rolling clothes by now. But even to that, there is a trick and the right way of rolling your clothes. That way, you are left with enough free space for other important items.

rolled-clothes

This is one that we try to do sometimes but its typically hard on the return journey. Our return packing is usually very chaotic. It helps to plan or start packing the night before.

Keep your essentials in your carry-on

So, you’re in the airport lounge and you accidentally spill coffee on your suit. You rummage your suitcase and spend a lot of time looking for a spare until you realize that you only have minutes left to board the plane as you desperately repack everything you have taken out. Indeed, this is one of those worst-case scenarios that travelers wouldn’t want to experience. Obviously, the best way to get around this problem is to pack extra clothes in your carry-on for easy access. It saves you a lot of time trying to find an emergency shirt whenever you need it.

One thing’s for sure, common sense is always an important factor when it comes to packing your luggage. You just have to be practical and learn how to manage space wisely. It’s easy to forget these tips but hopefully, this post will be a constant reminder. Even for us.