Lightweight Suitcases - 5 Tips For Packing Lightweight Suitcases

When you pack up your lightweight suitcases for a vacation or for a trip, how you pack matters just as much as what you pack. The tips below will help you to pack your suitcase so it doesn't cause unnecessary trouble during your trip.

Pack Lightly -- While a lot of stress can come from underpacking for a trip, overpacking can be just as problematic, leaving you managing a lot of items you don't need. The next time you pack, place everything you want to bring on your bed or on a table. Then remove half of what you have out. Another thing to do is to make sure you have plenty of time to pack up, as we tend to overpack when in a time crunch and in a hurry.

Do Not Fill The Case Too Fully -- The TSA conducts some random inspections of checked luggage. If it's your case that is pulled and checked, then you want to make sure it goes through as easily as possible. Overpacking your suitcase makes it harder to inspect and close afterwards, so avoid stuffing your case full. Also, if you fill a case too fully and it ends up being inspected, some of the loose items in the case can fall out and become lost.

Conserve Space By Rolling Your Clothing -- To prevent wrinkling and to save some space, roll your clothing instead of folding it. And if you roll outfits together, it makes them easier to pull out of your suitcase later while you are on vacation.

Stuff Underwear And Socks In Packed Shoes -- There is a lot of space wasted by packing shoes with nothing stuffed into them. Also, you may feel more comfortable knowing your personal things are stuffed in your shoes if your bag is opened for a random security inspection.

Limit The Size Of Toiletries -- The TSA requires that liquid, gel, and aerosol toiletries are limited to 3 ounces each in containers stored in a single 1 quart plastic bag. Because of this limit, bring as few toiletries as possible in small containers. Many different travel size products are available so you don't have to go through the trouble of filling empty containers with soap and shampoo. Or, to pack even lighter, take advantage of the hotel's provided toiletries and leave yours at home. You will have to bring fewer things with you, and bring fewer things back, too.