Traveling in winter can become quite a challenge when it comes time to pack your suitcase. Unlike summer, when light clothing fits almost effortlessly in your luggage, winter requires including more voluminous and heavier clothing, as well as accessories and footwear prepared for the cold. Everything takes up more space, and the same suitcase that we previously considered spacious now seems to have shrunk.
The task of keeping your suitcase within the space and weight limits imposed by airlines, especially if you travel on a low-cost company, is not easy. Therefore, it is advisable not to take it lightly. Putting everything we can think of without control is not going to work, and if we want to save time and stress at the airport, it is advisable to follow some planning. Only in this way will we be able to carry everything we will need during the trip.
While it is true that when traveling in our own car or by train we can allow ourselves a certain freedom when packing our luggage, when it comes to traveling by plane, and even more so with cabin luggage, it is essential to optimize space as much as possible. . Unless you are flying to a warm destination, facing a suitcase that doesn’t seem to fit your things can be a bit frustrating, and when you see that sitting on it to close it no longer works, then the time has come. to take into account a few tips to travel without having to leave anything important at home.
Choose a suitable suitcase
First, select a suitcase of appropriate size. For a trip of a few days and especially if you opt for cabin luggage, it is important to have a rigid suitcase made of light materials or an expandable soft suitcase, which allows a little more flexibility. Look for models with good compartments and internal organizers, since in winter you will need to take advantage of every corner and separate bulky clothes from lighter ones in an organized way.
Make a list of essentials
Making a list before starting to select your luggage may seem basic, but it is crucial in winter, as it helps avoid falling into excesses that end up taking up valuable space. The list also allows you to prioritize the essentials and avoid duplicate clothing or unnecessary accessories. In this way, also, with everything well organized on the bed before you start putting it in the suitcase, you can visualize in advance the volume of everything you want to take.
Wear the bulkiest clothing
A classic trick to save space in your suitcase is to wear the bulkiest clothes. This includes not only the coat, but also the most voluminous footwear (boots, for example), and any thick garment such as a wool sweater, which you always want to wear – until you discover what it takes up in a suitcase. When you travel by plane, no matter how restrictive the airline is with hand luggage, there is never a problem with carrying a coat in your hand, so don’t try to put it in your suitcase and, even if it isn’t the most comfortable, take it outside. with you. In addition, many coats have large pockets that can help you carry gloves, hats or small accessories, maximizing their usefulness.
Opt for technical clothing and light layers
When choosing what to wear, prioritize technical clothing and garments that allow you to dress in several layers. These garments, designed to retain heat without adding too much bulk, are perfect for winter and take up less space. In addition, the layering system allows you to better adapt to changes in temperature without carrying thick sweaters or coats. A good mix of thermal tops, thin sweaters and a quality coat should be enough for most cold destinations.
Shoes are hollow, take advantage of them
Shoes are one of the objects that take up the most space, especially in winter. Take advantage of its interior to store socks, underwear or small objects such as chargers or cables. This trick helps optimize space and prevent shoes from leaving empty space in the suitcase. Consider not carrying more than two pairs of shoes, the bulkiest ones on and the lightest ones in the suitcase, and always choose the ones that best adapt to the different needs of the trip.
Check the weather at your destination
Before you start packing, check what the weather is like at your destination to adjust your clothing choices. Depending on the weather, you should add or remove some specific clothing, such as gloves or hats, and this way you will avoid wearing clothes that you will not ultimately use. Waterproof clothing is always useful in winter, but if the forecast shows little chance of rain, that’s what you save.
Roll up, organize, compress
Rolling clothes instead of folding them is an effective technique for saving space and reducing wrinkles. You can roll t-shirts, pants and underwear into small cylinders that you can then place in the compartments of the suitcase. Another interesting option is compression bags, which help reduce the volume of bulky clothing. Vacuum bags are also effective, although it may be easy to use them when closing your suitcase at home but not when packing your suitcase back. Suitcase organizers are equally useful, as they allow clothes to be divided into sections and the contents to be more accessible and organized.
Plan your outfits
Thinking in advance about what you are going to wear during the trip is not only practical, but it also helps you carry only what you need. If you select versatile clothes that are easy to combine with each other, you can reduce the volume of your luggage a little more.
Don’t fall for the ‘just in case’
In the context of a winter suitcase, ‘just in case’ may be tempting, but they are, in most cases, unnecessary. It is preferable to only carry what you know you are going to use and that adapts to the weather and the activities you have in mind to do. If an unforeseen situation arises, the normal thing is that you always have the option of purchasing it at your destination.
Use the ‘puzzle method’ or ‘tetris’
Place the bulkiest items of clothing first, such as pants and sweaters, spreading them in layers along the base and sides of the suitcase without folding them completely. Then, fill the gaps with the small rolled-up items. In this way, empty spaces are reduced to a minimum and, in those nooks that remain, you can always put socks or other small items of clothing. As if you were doing a puzzle or playing Tetris, make sure everything fits together perfectly without leaving any gaps.
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