10 Free Secrets of Packing Luggage.

Pack Light! - The lighter you pack, the better your trip. Try not to take more that 2 bags for every person. Some are able to pack in only a carry-on and a smaller tote which is ideal. This eliminates hassles at check in and baggage claim. Always check with the airline on baggage restrictions.

Plan your wardrobe - Try to mix and match your outfits using a combination of basics to free up space. DO NOT take several pairs of shoes if at all possible. Keeping a list in your suitcase will make your packing easier the next time around and will be beneficial if your items are lost or stolen. Know the weather conditions of your destination and bring the appropriate clothing. You can also take old clothes and throw them out during your trip freeing up space to bring back purchases and gifts.

Go miniature - Try to use miniature toiletry items and appliances to free up space and eliminate weight.. Even have a toiletry bag packed and ready to go at all times to make it easy. Do not fill your bottles to the top and use zip lock bags so they won't leak when the liquid expands in high altitudes.

Pack tight - This gives you more space and less wrinkles. Roll your T-shirts and other casual items. Eagle Creek have a some nice items for packing tightly called "Pack-its". These are great for any items you have to fold. Plastic dry cleaner bags also help reduce wrinkles for any garment you pack. Put socks and underwear in your shoes to free up space and reduce crushing. Do not over pack. This will cause considerable wear on your bag and zippers.

Always Carry-on. Take any valuables, jewelry, camera, medication, money, keys, documents, and a change of clothes in case your checked bags are damaged, lost, or stolen..

Identify your luggage - Use an exterior ID tag (preferable with your info covered) and another inside your luggage.

Remove old Claim Checks - This will avoid confusion for baggage handlers.

Insurance - Insure any valuables not covered normally by the airlines or common carrier.

Lock your luggage - This prevents accidental opening and deters theft. There are luggage locks or you can us ZIP TIES from the hardware store. Using a luggage strap is highly recommended for larger pieces (26" and larger). This will also prevent accidental opening, detour theft, and help identify your luggage at baggage claim.

Remove any detachables - Remove shoulder straps, hooks, ad-abag straps, etc. any item that might get lost or broken.

Luggage

Wheels - Look for wheels that have a wide track, have a bearing system and recessed into the actual frame of the bag.

Fabric - Denier only measures the weight of the thread. The higher the count, the heavier the thread. Solid materials like all nylon or polyesters will hold up better in the seems than the majority of blends. Ballistic just means it uses a basket type of weave in the fabric and it usually resist tearing better. Don't get fooled by manufacturers that say "ballistic type" but are not really using a basket weave. Frames - Most Soft luggage use a narrow metal band for the main support and then uses thin polypropylene (plastic) boots on the rest of the bag to give structure. Better frames are called "honey comb memory frames". they use a highly resilient corrugated plastic that is much wider than and will flex instead of bending and breaking unlike common frames.

Pull Handles - Look for recessed handles that are not exposed to damage. The exception is Briggs & Riley that address the problems of exterior handle systems. Thicker tubing is desired.

Zippers - Look for name brand zippers like YKK. The larger the easier they are to zip and have a longer life.

Size - Buy the sizes that will best suit your needs for future trips as opposed to buying for one particular trip. Most popular sizes are 26" upright pullman, 22" upright, and tote.