Why You Should Leave Extra Space in Your Luggage – Day 27 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag

Welcome to Day 27 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

While packing for any trip, it’s important to leave a bit of space in your bag.

Why?

The most obvious reason that you might have guessed is souvenirs. Even if you don’t plan it, you will probably come home with more than you took with you. You might buy souvenirs for friends and family back home. You may even do some shopping for yourself.

But, souvenirs are not the only reason to leave space in your bag. We’re going to explore all the reasons you’re going to want to leave some space in your bag in this post.

• Check out this post on how to bring home souvenirs.

Why Should You Leave Space in Your Luggage?

If you have a bit of room in your bag before you leave, it can be tempting to add an extra pair of shoes or a cute shirt at the last minute. 

Avoid this temptation. Here’s why:

• To take off layers in transit: You may be wearing your bulkiest (and warmest) clothing in transit. You’re inevitably going to get a bit flustered at one point or another meaning the layers are going to come off. This may be while you’re running through the airport or sitting on a stuffy bus.
  
  You’ll want somewhere to put all of these layers so they’re not lying on the airplane floor or potentially getting left at the airport. 
• Buying snacks and perishables: Somewhere along your travels you’re going to be buying some snacks. While you can bring a stuffable bag to put them in, it’s super easy to keep a bit of space in your main bag to slip them into. That way you don’t have to keep track of an extra bag.
  
  This also includes perishable items that you will use only for a short period of time. They still need somewhere to go for that short time. 
• Unforeseen purchases: Maybe the weather is unseasonably cold at your destination and you need to buy a hat and a scarf. Don’t be forced to leave them behind when you go back home.
• Buying medical products/extra toiletries/period products: Packing extremely light may mean that you have to stock up on some products while you are traveling. This is especially true if you’re traveling carry-on only and have a limit to the amount of liquids you can bring.
  
  Things like period products, extra medicine, and toiletries can be stocked up easily enough in most places. You may also be injured on the road and need to carry some extra medical products.
• Comfort and convenience: We’ve all been there…stuffing your backpack as full as possible and then being forced to carry a bag that has somehow turned round…and it’s not comfortable. A stuffed bag is hard and unwieldy to carry. Rather, leave a bit of breathing room in your bag so that when you end up carrying it for a long time you aren’t suffering. 
• Easier to repack: Make repacking your suitcase easy by leaving a bit of wiggle room in your bag. It will save you a lot of stress the night before your flight and you won’t be forced to purchase an extra bag just to take all of your stuff home. 
• Avoid damaging your suitcase: Stuffing a bag puts strain on seams and zips. Avoid damaging your bag by not overfilling it. Baggage handlers can be rough, you don’t want your bag to be one rough handle away from exploding.
• Souvenirs: And of course, you’ll want to leave room for souvenirs if you know you want to bring something home. Although we recommend buying smaller souvenirs like jewelry or postcards which take up hardly any room. We’re discussing more below.

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Leave Room for Souvenirs

Know Before You Go

Before you leave, research what you might be interested in buying and what your country allows you to bring back. 

• Rethink that Iberico ham from Spain or French cheese if you’re going to have to throw it away at quarantine. 
• If you know you want to bring back a lamp from the bazaar in Istanbul or a bottle of wine from Napa Valley, bring something to wrap it in and leave plenty of space in your bags.

Find a similar item to what you plan on purchasing and test it out for space in your bag. If there’s not enough room, it’s time to get rid of something.

Tip: Do as much of your shopping at the end of the trip as possible rather than lugging it around for weeks.

Packing Souvenirs Safely

Here’s the thing about fragile souvenirs, while beautiful, they’re prone to breaking. If you know you want to purchase something fragile leave room in your carry-on bag, so you can make sure it doesn’t get thrown around. 

Secure your souvenirs by surrounding them with clothing or other soft items.

Don’t be tempted to buy something just because you’re traveling.

Instead, take plenty of photos to remind you of your trip, fill a travel journal with memories, and make thoughtful purchases. Make sure your souvenirs are actually made in the country you’re visiting and that you truly love them.

• For more information about traveling with souvenirs, take a look at this post: How to Bring Home Souvenirs (and still travel in a carry-on)

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What is your biggest reason for leaving some space in your bag? Let us know in the comments below.

• PREVIOUS – Day 26: How to Secure Your Travel Belongings
• NEXT – Day 28: The Art of Repacking on the Road