Packing hacks that work (and ones that don't)
With the plethora of 'packing hacks' available online, it can get confusing to sort out the useful from the useless. To make it easier for you the next time you pack for a trip, give these five hacks a try – and maybe steer clear of the other five. DO'S
1. Face value
What: Personalise your luggage cover with a huge photo of your face.
Why: To easily spot your luggage and prevent confusing it with others'.
Pro: Strangers definitely can't claim that it's their luggage (unless they look identical to you).
2. Layers, not bulk
What: Pack clothes that you can layer instead of bulky clothes.
Why: You can add on or shed some layers depending on whether you want to feel warmer or colder.
Pros: Space saving and easier to manage your body's temperature.
3. Split your wardrobe
What: Pack half of your own clothes in your own luggage, another half in your travel partner's luggage – and vice versa.
Why: Contingency plan for if one of the bags goes on a side quest sans owner.
Pro: Your missing luggage might be returned late (if ever), so you'll at least still have some of your own clothes to wear on the trip.
4. Stay fresh with sheets
What: Line your luggage with scented dryer sheets.
Why: To keep clothes smelling clean throughout your trip.
Pros: The sheets can also be used to freshen up musty hotel rooms and, of course, reduce static cling if you get to do laundry.
5. Insole swaps
What: Pack an extra pair of insoles to swap to when your feet start feeling tired from all the walking.
Why: The extra pair provides renewed comfort and support for your feet.
Pro: Space-saving as you won't need to pack an extra pair of shoes just for comfort reasons. DON'TS
1. The wrong layering
What: You wear multiple layers of clothes, which you then remove and put in a foldable bag after clearing the check-in process.
Why they do it: To avoid paying more for baggage.
Con: Looking like the Michelin Man will make you more conspicuous and suspicious to airport staff.
2. Carry coconuts
What: Pack coconuts in your carry-on.
Why they do it: Supposedly, to circumvent airlines' liquid restrictions – instead of just packing a much lighter empty water bottle that's refillable.
Cons: Airlines in Asia generally have lower carry-on weight limits (coconuts are heavy!) and prohibit coconuts onboard.
3. No fish, just vest
What: Wear a fishing vest, which has multiple pockets, and stuff every pocket with your personal belongings.
Why they do it: To avoid paying for carry-on or extra baggage fee.
Con: Some airports are stricter and require all pockets on your clothes to be emptied, so this will not work everywhere.
4. False fragility
What: Falsely marking your bag as 'fragile' to trick baggage handlers into thinking there are easily breakable items inside.
Why they do it: To get baggage handlers to give your luggage extra care.
Con: The oversaturation of bags with false fragile tags mean handlers are less likely to pay attention to them now, which can cause issues for luggage containing actual fragile items.
5. Pillowcase-turned-suitcase
What: Replace the pillow in the pillowcase with clothes that you can't fit in your carry-on or checked baggage.
Why they do it: To discreetly pack more while avoiding excess baggage fee.
Con: Airlines are cracking down on this by counting your pillow's weight as part of your available baggage weight.
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