Military-Style Packing Tips

When it comes to packing a bag for a long getaway, there’s rarely enough time to prep, plan and ensure you pack everything you need. Often, travelers end up cramming random clothes and necessities into a duffel bag at the last minute, completely forgetting travel essentials and air travel rules. Luckily, we’ve assembled a few military-style packing tips for your next vacation to help you improve your packing process and head off well prepared.

First, lay out your clothes and other items. Also known as “staging,” laying out your clothes in advance will give you a visual indication of just how much you plan to pack and whether the amount will fit into your suitcase. Once you have packed, proceed to unpack and the re-pack, eliminating a bit of bulk each time. This also will help you remember where everything is located in your bag, making it easier to access when in transit.

As you pack, think about what you will need when you first arrive at your destination. In other words, pack in reverse. Doing so will put your most-needed items at the top of the pile so you can retrieve them first upon arrival.

To stay organized, separate your clothes into smaller bags. Whether you choose to divide them by outfit or by clothing type (e.g., sweaters, socks, t-shirts), categorizing bags will (yet again) make it easier to unpack and assemble desired ensembles.

Finally, when the actual packing begins, fold and roll your clothes. Not only does this save space in your luggage, it also lessens the likelihood of wrinkles when you unroll each article of clothing.