The INSIDER Summary:
• Packing correctly takes a lot of practice.
• Common packing mistakes include over packing, forgetting TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids, and leaving your bathing suit at home.
• To fix packing mistakes always leave yourself enough time, pack neatly, and check the weather before traveling.
While you won’t be seeing anything about it at the Met or the Louvre anytime soon, packing a suitcase is a true art form. Mastering any skill requires practice and a lot of trial and error—not to mention plenty of mistakes. Unfortunately, when you’re learning the correct way to pack a suitcase—and what to pack in it—it can mean spending your Aspen ski vacation wearing shorts. Luckily, unlike photo-realistic painting or textile sculpting, everyone can learn to pack a bag properly.
Ahead: ten of the most common packing mistakes that everyone makes, and how to fix them.
Forgetting TSA Guidelines for Carry-On Liquids
There’s nothing more disheartening than reaching the airport’s TSA checkpoint and realizing you packed a full bottle of your favorite shampoo that measures in way over the limit for liquids. As evidenced by the large bin of full-sized hairspray, perfume, and cleansers at every TSA checkpoint, this is a common occurrence. Before you head to the airport, double check that your liquids are under the 3.4 ounces (100mL) limit and fit into a one-quart plastic bag—or, better yet, are checked into your luggage.
Not Properly Wrapping Containers of Liquids
As an airplane takes off and lands, altitude and air pressure changes at a rapid clip. That variance in pressure makes the air in your bottle of sunblock or lotion expand and contract, too, which can lead to a major mess. Don’t let a leaking bottle of shampoo ruin your vacation (and your cashmere sweater). Plan ahead by making sure your liquids, whether in carry-on or checked luggage, are tucked into zip-top bags, wrapped in plastic, or otherwise kept separate from your clothes.
Over-Packing
As any Boy Scout can tell you, it’s good to be prepared. That doesn’t extend to bringing a ball gown to a camping trip, though. There’s no need to pack for every situation when you travel. To avoid over-packing, pre-plan outfits, don’t give yourself a choice as to what to wear each day, and stick to a basic color palette where everything works with everything else. Try sticking to the general rules of three tops for every bottom, and if you wear your basics—jeans, sweaters, shorts—a few times on the same trip, no one will notice. Also, think about what clothing can be layered, such as tank tops and long sleeve shirts to help your wardrobe adapt to changing weather. For more ways to avoid over-packing, use a packing checklist.
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