Traveling in winter can be quite a challenge when it comes time to pack. Unlike summer, where lightweight clothing fits almost effortlessly into your luggage, winter requires including bulkier, heavier clothing, as well as accessories and shoes prepared for the cold. Everything takes up more space, and the same suitcase that was previously considered spacious now seems to have shrunk.
The task of keeping your suitcase within the space and weight limits imposed by airlines, especially if you are traveling with a low-cost airline, is not easy. It is therefore advisable not to take it lightly. Putting everything we can think of unchecked will not work, and if we want to save time and avoid stress at the airport, it is advisable to follow some planning. Only in this way can we take everything we need during the trip.
While it is true that when traveling with your own car or by train, you can allow yourself a certain freedom when packing your luggage, when it comes to traveling by plane, and even more so with cabin baggage , it is essential to optimize as much space as possible. Unless you’re flying to a hot destination, finding yourself faced with a suitcase that doesn’t seem to hold your belongings can be a little frustrating, and when you see that sitting on it to close it no longer works, then the moment came to take her. Here are some tips for traveling without leaving anything important at home.
Choose a suitable suitcase
First, select an appropriately sized suitcase. For a trip of a few days and especially if you opt for cabin luggage, it is important to have a rigid suitcase made of light materials or an expandable soft suitcase, which allows a little more flexibility. Look for models with good compartments and internal organizers, because in winter you will need to take advantage of every corner and separate bulky clothes from lighter ones in an organized manner.
Make a list of essentials
Making a list before you start selecting your luggage may seem basic, but it is crucial in winter, as it helps avoid falling into excesses that end up taking up valuable space. The list also allows you to prioritize the essentials and avoid duplicate clothing or unnecessary accessories. Also this way, with everything well organized on the bed before you start putting it in the suitcase, you will be able to visualize in advance the volume of everything you want to take.
Wear the bulkiest clothes
A classic trick to save space in your suitcase is to wear the bulkiest clothes. This includes not only the coat, but also the bulkier shoes (boots, for example) and any thick clothing like a wool sweater, which we always want to wear – until we discover what’s in a suitcase. When traveling by plane, no matter the airline’s carry-on baggage restrictions, there is never a problem carrying a coat in your hand, so don’t try to put it in your suitcase and, even if it is not, more comfortable, take it outside with you. Additionally, many coats have large pockets that can help you carry gloves, hats or small accessories, maximizing their usefulness.
Opt for technical clothing and light layers
When choosing what to wear, focus on technical clothing and clothing that allows you to dress in layers. These garments, designed to retain heat without adding too much bulk, are perfect for winter and take up less space. Additionally, the layering system allows you to better adapt to temperature changes without wearing sweaters or thick coats. A good mix of thermal tops, thin sweaters and a quality coat should suffice for most cold destinations.
The shoes are hollow, take advantage of it
Shoes are one of the items that take up the most space, especially in winter. Take advantage of its interior to store socks, underwear or small objects like chargers or cables. This tip allows you to optimize space and prevent shoes from leaving empty space in the suitcase. Remember not to take more than two pairs of shoes, the bulkiest and the lightest in the suitcase, and always choose those that best adapt to the different needs of the trip.
Check the weather at your destination
Before you start packing, check the weather at your destination to adjust your clothing choices. Depending on the weather, you should add or remove specific items of clothing, such as gloves or hats, and this will help you avoid wearing clothing that you ultimately won’t use. Waterproof clothing is always useful in winter, but if the forecast indicates little chance of rain, that’s what you save.
Roll, organize, compress
Rolling clothes instead of folding them is an effective technique for saving space and reducing wrinkles. You can roll t-shirts, pants and underwear into small cylinders which you can then place in the suitcase compartments. Another interesting option is compression bags, which help reduce the volume of bulky clothing. Vacuum bags are also effective, although it may be easy to use them to close your suitcase at home, but not to store it. Suitcase organizers are just as useful, as they help divide clothes into sections and make contents more accessible and organized.
Plan your outfits
Thinking ahead about what you are going to wear during the trip is not only practical, but it also helps you pack only what you need. If you choose clothes that are versatile and easy to combine with each other, you can reduce the volume of your luggage a little more.
Don’t fall into the “just in case” trap
As part of a winter suitcase, “just in case” items can be tempting, but in most cases they are unnecessary. It’s best to only bring what you know how to use and that suits the weather and the activities you plan to do. If an unforeseen situation arises, it is normal that you always have the option of purchasing it at your destination.
Use the “puzzle method” or “tetris”
Place bulkier items of clothing first, such as pants and sweaters, distributing them in layers along the base and sides of the suitcase without folding them completely. Then, fill the gaps with the small rolled up objects. In this way, empty spaces are reduced to a minimum and, in the corners that remain, you can still put socks or other small items of clothing. Like doing a puzzle or playing Tetris, make sure everything fits together perfectly without leaving any gaps.
