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GALLA.
Lifestyle, Travel 27

Packing 101

By GALLA · On November 25, 2014

This Thursday is Thanksgiving here in the U.S. and a lot of you are going to be traveling home for the holidays either this week or soon for other winter holidays. Unfortunately, Adam and I won’t be heading to our homes until Christmas but we still have your back. Today’s post is all about packing! Before you even start to put clothes in your suitcase we have a few items to check off so you don’t end up having to sit on your luggage to close it.

First, you should look at the weather for your destination. That way you’ll know what type of clothing to pack. Now I know you aren’t going to like this part but I highly suggest making a packing list. This will ensure that you won’t forget any essentials. Try to plan your outfits ahead of time and pick items that could be used in multiple looks. Go through your list and cross off anything you don’t really need. Pack light and pack smart. Reusing clothes like pants will be your secret to saving space and nobody will really notice.

It’s finally time to start packing the suitcase! But do you fold, roll, layer, or bundle your clothes? I think a good combination of rolling, layering, and folding is your best bet. Roll smaller items like t-shirts, shorts, tank tops and socks. Fold the shirts etc. in half and then roll tightly. Place your rolled items in the bottom of the suitcase first. You’ll create a nice and mostly flat first layer which you can build on.

DSC_1792 edit

Next, layer larger items like sweaters or jeans. Place them flat in your suitcase and fold where necessary to fit the sleeves or legs inside. Continue layering these items as flat as you can. Fold items that might easily wrinkle like button ups or slacks. Make sure to fold along the existing creases to avoid any unnecessary ironing at your destination. Place your folded items on top of your layered clothes.

DSC_1807 edit

For your final top layer put your shoes, socks, undergarments, and toiletries. Your shoes can take up a lot of space but they can act like little containers. Put socks, watches, and some undergarments inside your shoes! You’ll be surprised how much space is there. Place your shoes as close to the bottom and outside of your suitcase as possible. This will help prevent your luggage from toppling over when it’s resting. Try to wear bulkier shoes on the plane rather than packing them. The time spent taking your shoes off will be worth it for the luggage space you gain.

When packing toiletries, it’s best to buy travel sized containers for things like shampoo and body wash if you must take them. Save empty containers so you can refill them with your preferred products from home. Most hotels will provide basic toiletries though so avoid bringing them unless you can’t live without them. Don’t forget to check airline restrictions on size.

DSC_1817 edit

What about my computer?! Don’t worry, most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item. Utilize that personal item too! It usually has to fit under your seat but a lot can fit in that space. I like having a backpack that I can put my electronics, book, snacks, etc. in. That way they are always with me and those items aren’t taking up valuable space in my suitcase. Be careful not to go too big with that personal item though, the airline might make you check it. Look on your airline’s website for their specific luggage dimension restrictions.

DSC_1831 edit

You did it! You’re all packed and ready to travel. At first you may regret not packing some things but by only having one suitcase and one backpack sized bag you’ll save yourself time and effort. No waiting at the baggage claim or lugging more than you can take alone. This is very handy if you are going to be moving locations a lot on your travels. Now if only there was something we could do about those airport lines….

Nick Pierce

&

GALLA

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GALLA

Founder & EIC at IamGalla.com

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27 Comments

  • jonathan says: November 25, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I hat the check-ins at the airport…That’s why i want a private jet. but hey ‘ you can’t have it all’ i guess haha 🙂
    looking forward to see your pics man 🙂

    safe trip tho .

    Greets JON,

    Reply
  • jonathan says: November 25, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    hi man. I hat check-ins at the airport. That’s why always wanted private jet haha 🙂 But that’s too much to ask i guess.
    Have a safe trip and im really eager to see your travel pics 🙂

    Greets JON

    Reply
  • Serena says: November 25, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    Awesome post! Rolling clothes definitely helps with the issue of space. I always try and avoid checking bags, when traveling. 🙂

    Reply
  • Tarlan Mirzohreh says: November 25, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    i donot know how to thank u as much as u deserve!it is the most useful and informative thing every human should be taught

    Reply
  • Ivana says: November 25, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    Smart post, very useful!
    http://bambolai.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Curtis says: November 25, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Nice post. What boots are you wearing in these pictures?

    Reply
  • Rachel says: November 25, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    great tips and photos! rolling your clothes always saves so much room!

    Rachel // Style Soup

    Reply
  • Krizalid says: November 25, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    Very informative Nick.
    I like the way you wrote everything and the words you chose. Do you have a degree in journalism because everything is well written.
    Galla keep up the good work. I’ll see you in Hollywood being an A-list celebrity soon.

    Reply
  • Hoda says: November 26, 2014 at 3:38 am

    This is great, I really needed this. The number of times I’ve literally packed right after a final before rushing to the airport to catch a flight within a few hours is staggering. It’s a miracle I haven’t missed a flight yet lol.

    Reply
  • Liz says: November 26, 2014 at 7:02 am

    that’s some serious packing skills

    http://hashtagliz.com

    Reply
  • Jaye@Curvatude says: November 26, 2014 at 7:20 am

    I am the queen of no bag checking! I alternate between this method and the fold in and layer method. they both are great space savers.

    Reply
  • ron says: November 26, 2014 at 8:58 am

    absolutely right,

    love how you packed so beautifully

    http://www.thewild-swans.com

    Reply
  • Kevin S O'Donnell says: November 26, 2014 at 10:52 am

    Real useful tips! That last pic of Adam at the end of the article is icing on the cake. That good-to-go look on a moment’s notice!

    Reply
  • Sam C says: November 26, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Packing can be extremely tedious but this certainly helps. Thank you! I find myself struggling to have to wear the same pair of pants twice before washing, but it is a necessary evil, especially on longer trips.

    By the way, I love the shoes in the pictures and the wooden floor is awesome! Adam looks great as always. Best travels to everyone.

    Reply
  • T. Hua says: November 26, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    Where did you get your boots?

    Reply
  • Anna says: November 27, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    It’s always a tricky part when it comes to packing….

    Guys, check out my article on luxury watches here die Annakonda

    Reply
  • Alejandro Taag says: November 27, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    Nice one! 🙂

    Reply
  • Manuel says: November 28, 2014 at 12:57 am

    Great packing! I like it!

    http://www.modavestidor.com
    MV on Instagam

    Reply
  • Sylvia Lin says: November 28, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    the shoe part!!!!! amazing 🙂 love the photo of Galla at last! Nick you do write great posts. 🙂

    Reply
  • María says: November 29, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Nice shoes
    Lots of love, xx

    http://www.marysreturn.com
    http://www.marysreturn.com

    Reply
  • Jake Ryan says: December 1, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Wheres the shirt from in the last picture?
    Packing light is definitely the way forward 😀
    Jake
    http://www.travelfoodfilm.com

    Reply
  • John says: January 19, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    Can you provide any information about the toiletry bag shown in the suitcase?

    Reply
  • esha arora says: January 27, 2015 at 10:48 am

    DEF learning some serious packing skills from this article…Too good !

    Reply
  • Malorie Stumpe says: March 17, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    I’ll immediately snatch your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me recognise so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Scott Brindle says: January 7, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    YSL Handbags Clearance

    Reply
  • Wanda Wildey says: January 13, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    alloy wheels

    Reply
  • Apolonia says: February 17, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!

    Reply
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    ABOUT GALLA

    Adam Gallagher is the founder and mastermind behind the highly-popular blog I AM GALLA, which aids the men’s demographic with styling tips, trend forecasts and third party inspiration. In the menswear world, Gallagher stands out due to his exceptional ability to blend his native California aesthetic with a sharp New York approach to fashion.

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