How to Pack a Suitcase for More Room

By Sarah Dray

With most airlines now charging for a second bag, it makes sense to travel light. Whether you're on vacation or making your way to a golf tournament, knowing how to pack properly will save you time and money, since you won't have to search several bags to find what you're looking for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Don't bring too much of anything. You probably won't need five different shirts, three pair of pants and four pairs of shoes. Choose clothes that can you can mix-and-match to form several outfits, including a basic pair of dark pants, a white shirt and colorful accessories.

Step 2

Roll up whatever is made out of cotton and can be easily ironed once you get to your destination. Rolling clothes is likely to reduce the chances of wrinkling anyway and it saves a great amount of space in your suitcase.

Step 3

Choose clothes that can serve more than one purpose. The same pair of dark jeans can be worn with a polo shirt for casual day trips and with a light shirt at night for dinner.

Step 4

Put aside anything that can be rolled into a ball or stashed in corners and empty spaces, such as shoes, socks and books. Pack your clothes first and then fill out any empty spaces with the extras. Instead of putting all the toiletries into a single bulky bag, use smaller plastic bags and distribute items to fit whatever open space that remains.

Step 5

Wear your bulkiest item. If you're bringing along a heavy jacket, sweater or pair of boots, wear them on the plane, so there's more space in the suitcase.

Step 6

Put golf accessories, such as balls, gloves and putter, in the middle of the suitcase. Not only will they fill out empty spaces, but they will also be protected during transport and movement of bags.

Step 7

Don't bring items, such as towels, that can be easily found at the local golf course at your destination. If you're bringing just a few golf balls, pack them. Otherwise, consider buying a bag once you get there.

Tips & Warnings

Delicate accessories, such as a GPS, should not be packed in your suitcase. Instead, bring them on the plane in a handbag or make space for them inside your laptop bag.

About The Author

Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.