Your suitcase is full before you've even packed everything. This is the problem for most travelers. The good news: with the right techniques, you can easily double your luggage capacity. Here are 10 tips that really work.
1. Use a travel compression bag
This is the most effective tip. The BagSlim compression bag reduces the volume of your clothes by 50% in seconds, without a vacuum cleaner. You can fit the equivalent of a checked suitcase into a simple carry-on. It's also useful at home for storing duvets and off-season clothes in your closets.
2. Roll your clothes
Instead of folding, roll your clothes into tight cylinders. This technique saves up to 30% more space and reduces wrinkles. It is particularly effective for t-shirts, pants, and underwear.
3. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane
Coat, jeans, boots: wear them rather than putting them in your suitcase. This frees up to 2 kg and a lot of volume in your luggage, without any cost.
4. Fill the inside of your shoes
Shoes take up space, but their insides are empty. Slip in rolled socks, underwear, or small accessories. Every inch counts.
5. Choose versatile clothing
Black jeans, a white shirt, and a blazer can create 6 different outfits. Prioritize neutral colors and wrinkle-free fabrics. Fewer items, more possible combinations.
6. Limit your beauty products
Liquids and cosmetics are often the heaviest. Opt for travel sizes (100 ml max in carry-on), solid products, or buy them at your destination. A solid shampoo replaces a 250 ml bottle.
7. Use the bundle packing method
Wrap your clothes around each other in concentric layers, with the bulkiest items on the outside. Result: fewer wrinkles and better use of the central space.
8. Exploit the corners and edges of the suitcase
The corners of your suitcase are often unused. Slip in rolled socks, coiled belts, or small accessories. Leave no space empty.
9. Plan your outfits in advance
Prepare your daily clothing list before packing your suitcase. You'll avoid unnecessary items packed "just in case." This is the number one source of luggage overload.
10. Plan to wash your clothes while traveling
For long stays, wash a few items along the way. A laundromat or hand washing at the hotel allows you to halve the number of clothes to bring.
Bonus: the compression bag, also useful at home
The BagSlim compression bag isn't just for travel. At home, it frees up space in your closets by compressing duvets, pillows, and off-season clothes. One purchase, two concrete uses.
FAQ: optimizing space in your suitcase
What is the most effective technique for saving space in a suitcase?
The combination of a compression bag + rolling clothes is the most effective. It can reduce the total volume of your belongings by 40 to 60% depending on the clothes.
Does rolling clothes damage fabrics?
No, provided delicate clothes are not rolled too tightly. For shirts and jackets, prefer classic folding or the bundle packing method.
How many clothes can you fit in a carry-on with a compression bag?
With a BagSlim compression bag, you can fit 5 to 7 days' worth of clothes into a standard 55 x 40 x 20 cm carry-on.
To learn more about baggage organization, consult the advice of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Ready to travel light on your next flight?
The BagSlim compression bag is the tool used by frequent travelers to never pay for checked baggage again. Waterproof, reusable, no vacuum needed.
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