One of the most rewarding experiences in your life is to explore the world and broaden your horizons. What’s not wonderful is figuring out how to pack. If you have never traveled internationally, it can be tough to pack for everything you need and still have enough space for souvenirs. It’s also challenging to make sure your house will be looked after when you’re on a long vacation. Here are our favorite tips that will make packing feel effortless and some helpful suggestions on how to take care of your house while you are gone.
1. Plan Ahead
When packing for an international trip, it’s absolutely necessary to plan ahead. It can be tempting to bring lots of fun outfits on your trip, but it’s better to pack clothes that serve your needs and not your photo album. (Trust us, your arms will thank you in the long run!) Consider the following scenarios before you pack:
- Weather
- The number of days and nights you’ll be gone
- Outfits for specific events, like a special dinner
- Access to a washer/dryer
- Space for your shopping and souvenirs
- Your surroundings, i.e. pickpockets in crowded cities
- Clothes that will support your physical needs, like sturdy walking shoes
Once you are prepared for your trip, you can focus on getting the most out of your suitcase. We’ve come a long way from sitting on our luggage and zipping it up! These space-saving tactics can help.
2. Roll your clothes
If you’re going on a long trip and there’s no laundry service in sight, add extra space in your suitcase by rolling your clothes instead of folding them in the usual bulky squares. The more clothes in your suitcase, the more options you have before needing to wash your outfits.
The best way to roll your tops is to lay them facedown and fold in the sleeves. Roll your shirts or long-sleeved blouses from the bottom up. For pants, fold the legs together and then roll from the waist down. You can now pack your pants in one area of the suitcase and the tops in another, or match the clothes by the outfit.
3. Packing cubes
Packing cubes are another great way to save space as they neatly stack together in your luggage. Use them to sort all your clothes, shoes, and toiletries into the individual cubes and stop your suitcase from looking like an unsolvable puzzle.
4. Compression Bags
Compression bags are a resourceful idea for maximizing your suitcase space. Some bags require a special vacuum but squeezable bags are simple and affordable. All you have to do is pack your clothes, seal the bags, and roll the extra air out of the one-way air valve.
5. Dryer sheets
If you are going on a long trip and don’t have instant access to a washer or dryer, toss a dryer sheet in your luggage. Dryer sheets keep your clothes smelling fresh, no matter the occasion. For sensitive noses, stick to an unscented dryer sheet. You can find these handy dryer sheets in your local supermarket.
6. Avoid Stains
If you haven’t used your luggage in a while, the inside of the suitcase can get dirty and stain your clothes. Avoid this problem by folding your clothes inside out. Another way to keep your clothes clean is to cover your shoes before packing them. A great tip is to use old shower caps; they will fit tightly over your shoes for the entire trip and keep the dirt off your fabrics.
7. Pack with Purpose
As you pack, remember that gravity is your friend. Pack heavier items at the base of your luggage and lightweight clothes near the top. Balancing the weight in your suitcase is vital. It relieves stress when you have to pull your luggage around a crowded airport. You’ll be much happier when your luggage can stand on its own.
8. While You Are Away
The idea of leaving your house can be a concern. For some peace of mind while you’re away traveling, consider the following ideas:
- Do ask your neighbors to keep an eye out and walk by once in a while
- Do ask a friend to stop by and pick up the mail
- Do leave a few lights on for nighttime
- Don’t leave your blinds open where people can see your valuables
- Don’t post on your social media that you are leaving, especially if your profiles are public
We can’t always control what happens in life, but these tips will put you at ease while you are gone.
9. Come Back to a Clean Home
A true vacation means a departure from your everyday life. Keep your thoughts of chores at home where they belong. A robot vacuum is great for leaving all the housecleaning worries behind you. The best vacuum for the job is the Roborock S6. Other robot vacuums need extra help when getting stuck under the furniture, but the Roborock S6 needs no supervision because of its advanced sensor technology. With Roborock, you can schedule the vacuum to run daily while you are gone for a thoroughly clean house. Let the Roborock S6 take care of all your floor needs while you are off chasing those beautiful horizons.
10. Get Away from It All
Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming but these tips will help you break it down into simple steps. Plan carefully ahead so you will know what to pack and what to leave at home. Maximize your suitcase space for all the necessary items you need for your trip. Keep your luggage organized to prevent your belongings from getting lost. More importantly, leave your house in good hands so you can focus on what’s important: making memories. Bon voyage!