If you are a hyper-organized, visual person like me who often makes a mess of their room but still knows exactly where everything is, my packing tips may be helpful for you. This grouping of tips is for any kind of packing: 1. Stuff sacks are everything. My shirts are in one, pants in another, and underwear in the other. They are color coded. Can be purchased at a Dicks, Cabelas, etc. Or Amazon. 2. Put your lotions and potions in plastic baggies to prevent disaster if they explode. Place them on the top of everything to reduce the amount of pressure they will undoubtedly experience. 3. You can't see in this picture, but if you are traveling with books, line them up at the base of your suitcase. This distributes their weight and boxy shapes evenly. 4. Utilize your suitcase's built in compartments. In mine, I packed socks, bikinis, feminine products, medicines, and plastic school folders. I also sectioned off my shoes at the base of my bag. They deserve their own pocket, they're going to get nasty. 5. Shift things around until you figure out what fits best. Packing is Tetris. This particular arrangement was my third go. I hope some of these pointers are helpful in your future travels! (I may make another list later detailing what I've learned about packing for a semester in sub-Saharan Africa as a young woman. For example, how to make a quality homemade first aid kit) |