Why is my suitcase so heavy

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature. Packing tips and hacks from an expert Gallery View. Expand View. Few organisational tasks elicit as much discussion as packing the perfect suitcase. Should you roll or fold clothes? Do heavy items go at the bottom or at the top? And are compression bags really worth it? Make a packing list Rawpixel. Before you start packing, decide on your luggage.

A hard suitcase is durable, offering better protection for your things, but is heavier and harder to store. A soft one is usually easier to store and more flexible, with more pockets and expanding sections, so you can cram more inside too.

Anything more crease-prone, such as shirts or blazers, should be gently folded and placed over the rolled items below. Think about it: you walk around sightseeing all day, then the bottom of your shoes get packed up against the rest of your clothes. For hygiene purposes, pack each shoe into a bag plastic carrier bags are just fine , then place them around the edge of the suitcase for maximum space-saving. Instead, invest in a an e-reader so you can read as much as you want without eating into valuable suitcase space.

When packing, make sure the heaviest items such as shoes or toiletry bags are closest to the bottom of the suitcase, by the wheels. This will also stop the case from toppling over. While this means you'll have to lug a heavier carry-on through the airport, you can always get a cart to help you get to the gate with ease if you don't have a rolling bag. Weigh your bag before you get to the airport. A basic bathroom scale will typically do the trick. If you find that your bag is overweight, unpack it and take out a few items.

If your bag is within a pound or two of being overweight, remove a couple of things in the event that your scale is less sensitive than the one at the airport terminal. Consider packing another bag. If you've only planned on checking one bag, consider checking a second one, since this can save you money and allow you to still bring the things you need. Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since , covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications.

She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer. Delta Airlines Suitcase Packing Instructions.

If you like to wear colorful and patterned clothes, make sure that it complements that neutral shade. Packing separate outfits for every occasion will definitely end in over-packing. So, pick clothes that go with at least other items in your bag. Use eye-catching scarves, belts, jewelry, etc. If you do it well, you can easily manage to put together a different look for every day of your vacation. Try avoiding items that are bulky like jeans, leather coats, long jackets, knee-length boots, etc.

Go for khakis, down feather jackets, thermals, light sweaters, clogs, etc. Instead of heavy coats and jackets, carry light clothing that can be layered according to the weather conditions.

If you must carry weighty stuff like a coat and boots, the best option is to wear them on the plane. It can be awkward and cramped, especially if you are traveling between two different climates. However, such items take lots of space in your suitcases and make them very heavy. So, wearing them is the best option and if you get uncomfortable, you can always remove the extra layers. The big pockets of coats can come in handy for stuffing portable chargers, food items, heavy jewelry, and even small books.

Footwear can take lots of space in your luggage and add pounds to the bag. Pack lightweight and comfortable shoes and try to restrict the number of shoes that you carry. If you are traveling to a warm place, one pair of flip-flops, one dressy footwear, and one pair of comfortable walking shoes should suffice. Stuff socks, chargers, and jewelry inside your shoes to retain their shape in the cramped bags. Always place shoes in the bottom of your bag near the wheels, so that weight is evenly distributed.

Finalize your travel plans and pack clothes according to them. Check the weather of every place that is on your itinerary. This will give you a clear picture of the type of clothing required during your trip.

Decide if you need Gym clothes, a swimsuit, a formal jacket, a long dress, or running shoes? If you pack your bags keeping your travel itinerary in mind, it will benefit you in two ways — you will not forget essential items and you will not pack any extras.

Carry some laundry soap with you and wash a few clothes in the hotel sink. Most cities have a Launderette where you have the option to use machines to wash and dry all your clothes after paying some nominal charges.