Three Flight Attendant-Approved Packing Tips To Keep Your Suitcase Organized

Just the thought of traveling can be thrilling. Exploring someplace new, experiencing the culture, and seeing new sights is an exciting prospect. However, packing for it can be a little bit of a headache, especially for those of us who have difficulty packing light. You have to consider the weather, the activities you'll partake in and what's appropriate to wear for them, which personal hygiene products to bring, whether you will need to dress in layers, how many pairs of shoes will you be able to squeeze in your suitcase without going over the weight limit, and the list goes on. It can be overwhelming. Luckily though, there's the internet.

Using these TikTok packing hacks can ease the stress surrounding packing, and help you easily fit all of your items in your bag without having to go to extremes to get it closed. You can begin by taking into account your luggage's weight. Start by packing your heaviest, bulkiest items first, as flight attendant @katkamalani suggests. This is most likely going to be your shoes.

To prevent dirt and germs from escaping your shoes and seeping into your clothes, wrap them up. You can use a single-use shower cap, a plastic bag, or a cloth bag to do this. Next, consider how many pairs of shoes you need. People tend to overpack when it comes to this. Chances are you won't need five or six different pairs. Choose three that are versatile and stick with those. For example, one pair of sneakers for walking and exercise, a pair for going out, and a neutral pair that can be worn for any event — be it coffee with a new friend or a meeting.

Next, roll your clothes instead of folding them and put them in packing cubes. Like @katkamalani, you can organize them by separating shorts from pants and labeling them. There are vacuum packing cubes that eliminate the air from the bag to make for even more space. If you have a lot to pack, this could be your answer. "Packing cells have changed my life," an anonymous travel expert told Travel Insider. "[I use] one for tops, another for pants and skirts, one for underwear, one for belts and scarves[,] and a small one for chargers."

Finally, @katkamalani reminds travelers to bring an extra, sizable plastic bag to put their dirty clothes in. Like with shoes, this will keep your dirty clothes apart from your clean clothes. It'll prevent the smell and bacteria from escaping. You can take it a step further by packing them in a separate part of your suitcase altogether. The part zipped up on the top layer of the suitcase's inside is a great place to store them.

To make even more space and simplify the packing process, either fold, roll, or stack your dirty clothes into your laundry bag. While it might be annoying to take the extra time, it'll make the packing process significantly smoother.

Packing can be a headache, we get that. These packing tips can make it a little bit less stressful and can help you maximize space in your bag, be it carry-on or checked. Try them and see just how simple and effective they can be.