How to Pack a Hard Shell Suitcase

How to Pack a Hard Shell Suitcase

Introduction

Packing your luggage may seem like a straightforward process. However, this may not be the case when you are packing a hard shell suitcase. In the latter case, there are some rules that you ought to earn. The rules will help you strategically put your things so that they can all fit in one pack. Here is a shortcut on how you can pack a hard shell suitcase.

Create your Packing list

Write down a list of all the necessary items that you will need for your trip. If possible, visualize how you will spend your vacation and all the things you will need. These will include shoes, clothing, toiletries, accessories, gadgets, among other things. The packing list will help you not to forget the essential items. If your hard-shell suitcase is small, you will be able to prioritize what you need most and only pack these.

Pack Less…only what is Necessary

Generally, there two types of travelers; the travelers that are always packing light and the ones who wish they packed light. If you are not used to traveling so much, you might want to cater for all the possible settings. Even the unnecessary things will be in your case. If this describes your packing style, remember that it is a hard shell suitcase that will not expand to accommodate your unnecessary items. Always know that when you are out for a vacation, and you notice that you lack something, you can buy what you need at your destination. There may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but for the sake of the limited space in your suitcase, you will need to limit yourself.

Pack with a plan

There are very many strategies to pack your Hard case suitcase. In all these strategies, there is no perfect method.  You need to be flexible and choose the plan that suits your preferences. The first step is to put the luggage into categories. For instance, if you have shoes, clothes, water-resistant items like rain-jackets, jewelry, medication, and accessories differently. The importance of making this separation is that you will be able to pack everything strategically.

Dealing with Heavy Things and Shoes

After knowing all that you will need, start packing the heaviest of them all. First, vertically place the suitcase: when it is standing. Then, put the heavy items at the bottom parts of your suitcase. This method makes the bag not to be top-heavy. Distribute all the heavy items uniformly on both sides of the hard shell suitcase to ensure it does not become off-balanced when standing. When it comes to packing shoes, do not waste any space. Place your socks, shower caps, undergarments, and other small items in the boots. In the cases where the shoes are dirty, place them in a clean plastic bag.  The plastic bag will help to protect the other items in the suitcase from being dirtied.

Roll and Fold the Clothes

Some travelers prefer rolling their clothes while others prefer folding their clothes. However, the best way of packing your hard-shell suitcase is by mixing the two styles. The clothes that easily wrinkle tend to have a better shape when folded. On the other hand, for the clothes that you choose to roll, they can be placed into the exterior crannies and pockets around your bag. After placing the heavy items and shoes at the bottom part, let the rolled and folded clothing be the second row.

Use Packing Sleeves or Cubes

Packing cubes will help you know the territories. They will also help you remain as organized as possible. With packing cubes, you will save plenty of space in the hard case suitcase. If you are sharing the hard shell suitcase with your partner, friend, or sibling, use packing sleeves in a different color. This way, you will know where to put each person’s gear. For the items that need easy access, place them on the outside pockets. These can be things like sleepwear(s).  Avoid over-stuffing your suitcase. If you notice that the zippers strain, open the case and remove what you can do without. If you don’t do this, the zippers of the bag might break. You wouldn’t want such a scenario, right?

Be Sure to Leave some Space

Whether you are going for your honeymoon or a backpacking voyage, you are likely to buy some souvenirs. Therefore, when packing your luggage inside your hard shell suitcase, leave some space. This space will also prevent your bag from bursting along its seams. With space, the suitcase will be light to pull along, thus making your journey lighter and easier.

Separate the Liquids from Other Items

Don’t just throw your shampoo, toiletries, toothpaste, nail wash, and any other liquid item in the suitcase. Who knows when the bottles will unexpectedly leak, spill, and soil your clothes? Instead, you can purchase a toiletry bag and place all these items together. If you do not have this small bag, consider having it, and make the environment of your suitcase safe. They are a wise investment, especially for regular travelers.

Carry Out a Final Check

You wouldn’t want to find out that you did not pack what you desperately need. After you have packed everything, it is time to ensure that you have done all your work correctly. Go back to the first step and cross-check what you wrote on the list with what you have packed. Upon realizing that the zip of your suitcase cannot close up, reduce some items, especially those that have are in two’s or more. For example, if your case is full and you have taken two sandals, consider removing one pair of shoes.  Start with a packing list and end with a packing list.