8 Packing Hacks You Need Just In Time For Holiday Traveling

Buy Some Lightweight Luggage.

If it seems like no matter what you do, you always end up shelling out at least 50 bucks in baggage fees, it might be less about what you packed and more about what you packed everything in. Thankfully, there are some companies that sell lightweight luggage. For some of the best ones on the market, check out "The 10 Best Lightweight Luggage Items to Buy in 2018".

Pack Staples and Accessories.

You've probably heard before that if you don't wear something within a year, you should probably get rid of it. Well, did you know that about 30 percent of what's in your closet falls into this category? My point? If you keep clothes you don't need, you already know you probably have the tendency to pack some of what you don't too.

How do you avoid this lil' habit? If you're going to be gone for less than two weeks, take no more than seven days of clothing. Also, try and take staples that you can switch up (like dark jeans because you can dress them up or down) and accessories that weigh less but can still make a big impact.

After all, do you really need three pairs of pajamas or five sweaters? Yeah, probably not.

Roll Your Clothes.

Unless you're headed to a warm climate, it's gonna be cold outside. That means you're probably going to want to take some boots along. It's totally understandable. Just make sure to wear them as you're traveling instead of packing them up. Why? Not only are boots heavy, they're also bulky and take up a lot of space.

If you plan on taking sneakers too, pack them in the middle of your bag and put your socks and belts inside of them. It's one more way to make the most of your packing space.

Choose a Low-Maintenance Hairstyle.

Protective styles are wise to wear year-round, but they're especially smart to show off when you're traveling. I say that because if your hair is styled in a way where you won't have to change it for a week or so, there's no need for hairdryers, flat irons, or even a ton of styling creams, mousses and gels.

(If you want to switch things up, pack a wig. They'll give you a totally different look without overtaking your luggage.)

Get Your Toiletries at Your Destination.

What is it that makes us think that we're going to need a full tube of toothpaste or a new roll of deodorant for a long weekend trip? Something else that can save you packing space is either to cop some travel-size toiletries or, better yet, wait until you arrive at your destination to get some from a nearby drugstore.

Take Your Tablet (And Download Audiobooks).

Smartphones can do almost anything a laptop can. But if your holiday vacation requires you doing some work too, try and take your tablet instead. While a standard laptop weighs in at around five pounds, tablets typically weigh less than two.

What if you want to get some reading in while you're on the plane? That's cool. Don't bring hardbacks or paperbacks with you, though. Download your books onto your tablet instead. (If you want to check out sites that will let you do it for free, click here.)

Put Your Presents in Your Carry-On.

Is it just me or do you also always seem to come home with more than what you left with? Chances are, you're going to get at least one or two gifts, so as you're coming towards the end of your packing project, try and keep in mind that you'll need room for your presents (or whatever you ending up buying while you're away).

Invest in a Luggage Scale.

Ones like the Tarriss Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale (it runs you around $50) lets you put the scale on the handle of your luggage to see how much it weighs. That way, you can figure out what to leave at home before getting to the airport and spending $100 or more on unexpected luggage fees. It might seem like a frivolous expense now, but it'll soon become one of your favorite packing tools after about three trips or so.

Pack light and Happy Holidays!