A Real Packing List: Packing Organisers

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Being Organised Doesn't Mean You're A Dork, Much


What's good about modular packing? The greatest advantages are ease of unpacking and repacking, and finding items. I hate how shirts tumble out when a Customs Officer asks you to empty your bag so they can inspect it (while you have a connecting flight that leaves in 10 minutes). Modules are the way to go.


Vacuum Bags

Vacuum bags may be useful for winter clothing like jumpers, base layers, and fleece. Air is squeezed out through the one-way valve, creating more room in your bag and protecting your clothes. They may be found at your local Kmart in the laundry section.

Retrospect: I didn't use these; they do not conform well to back packs as they may for suitcases. Additionally, creating more room in your bag allows you to pack more unnecessary weight in your luggage. Overall, I would rate these limited use.


Shoe Bags

My sneakers purchase included some cloth bags, though any old plastic bag will do to protect your clothes from dirt, moisture and odours from your shoes.


Packing Cells/Cubes

Packing cells (pictured above) are flat fabric or mesh zippered bags that enable you to categorise your clothes into individual cells, keeping them neatly folded as you arrange them to maximise your space efficiency. Travel and adventure stores as well as bag shops sell these.

Retrospect: I used a set of three different sized ones and found them great to use. Though modular packing leaves gaps in your bag and may therefore take up more room, having clothes organised this way provided several advantages:
  • Clothes are folded and are not shoved into a corner, meaning they are less wrinkled when unpacked
  • Unpacking is a breeze, and your clothes are already in their own little "drawer"
  • Repacking is a cinch, especially at Customs; no undies need to spill out in public!
  • The dreaded gaps in your packing means that your bag is lighter, and you can fill these easily with your fragile purchases

Stuff Sacks and Dry Bags

Stuff sacks may be the better option for bulkier clothes or small loose items like gadgets. Compression straps can be used to further reduce the size of the full bag. Dry bags are waterproof sacks that have water tight rollover closures to protect clothing and electronic goods. These are useful if you plan to engage in water sports such as rafting or expect to visit countries with heavy rainfall. A large stuff sack or dry bag may also double as a laundry duffel. Stuff sacks and dry bags can be found in travel and adventure stores, as well as some department stores. 

Retrospect: Limited use for my travel to Latin America, though I do see value in having a dry bag. I didn't bring one in the final packing but during the trip, bought a little drawstring sack to keep my camera charger cords and accessories neat and tidy.


Zip Seal/Lock Bags

Your everyday zip seal bags may be used for modular packing. They are available in a range of sizes, allow you to visualise the contents, are waterproof, versatile, and cheap.

 Retrospect: They don't have the durability to be long term packing cells, but they are very handy to protect and store things like books, paper souvenirs, cameras, and lotions, and to put all your liquids and gels in for security checking at the airport.

Comments

  1. JulieJune 17, 2009 11:48 am

    This way of packing is a pain in the arse most of the time. Everything takes up way more room than it does when you just shove it in and jamming it all back in the stuff sacks (or whatever else you use), doubles your repacking time. If you use plastic bags prepare to make enemies! People in your dorm room are not going to appreciate the rustling of 20 bags at 6am when you're rushing to catch an early bus or when you wake up in the middle of the night and need to find some panadol.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lani DJune 18, 2009 12:32 am

    Thanks for the superior practical insight, Julie! You make some really good points. :)

    ReplyDelete

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