More like checked lug-gouge.
With air travelers facing soaring bag fees this summer — sometimes nearly high as the airfares themselves — everyone’s talking packing hacks.
As the unwanted upcharges threaten to eat away at already stretched-thin vacation budgets, social media sites are awash in so-called pro tips — TikTok alone has racked up over 101 million posts showing people how to pack smarter.
Why not ask an actual expert?
The pros at 1st Move International specialize in overseas relocations, when every square inch counts — and costs.
Mike Harvey, managing director of the company, revealed his six ultimate packing hacks to The Post — to help you fit more in your overhead baggage than you ever imagined possible.
Try the KonMari folding technique
“Marie Kondo’s viral organizing method, the KonMari technique, involves folding clothes into compact rectangles that can stand upright in your suitcase. This is a game changer, as it not only saves space but also makes it easier to see and access each item without messing up the rest of the arrangement.”
Use vacuum seal bags to compress bulky clothing
“Social media users love vacuum seal bags for compressing bigger items like jackets and jumpers into flat packages. Simply place your clothes inside the bag, seal it and use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. The result? Airtight packages that take up minimal space in your suitcase.”
Use the space inside your shoes
“Don’t overlook the empty space inside your shoes. Stuff socks, underwear and electronics like shavers inside your shoes to maximise space in your suitcase. This has the added benefit of helping your shoes maintain their shape during travel.”
Strategically layer your packing using the Tetris method
“Place heavier items like shoes or toiletry bags at the bottom, followed by neatly folded clothes arranged vertically. Fill any gaps with smaller items to ensure every inch of your suitcase is put to use. As this method helps distribute weight evenly, it prevents your clothes from getting wrinkled during travel.”
Pack multi-use products
“Anticipate your needs ahead of time and pack products that serve multiple purposes. That way you save on weight and space, without missing out on your essentials. A Swiss Army Knife, for example, comes equipped with a bottle opener (so you can enjoy a glass of wine without having to head out to buy a corkscrew after a long day of exploring), scissors for cutting tags off new clothes, and more.”
Invest in accessory organisers
“Jewelry and electronic organizers help by keeping your accessories and wires tangle-free and within close reach of each other, so you don’t have to rummage through your suitcase to locate one small item”.
