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How to Save Money by Packing Smart

MMI’s Thrifty Thursday Financial Advice

How to save money by packing smart
Traveling is always more expense than we'd like it to be and the cost of air travel can get out of hand in a hurry.  You can always save by traveling at off-peak times, but no matter when you fly, depending on the airline, you may be facing increasingly steep baggage fees.

The key to saving on baggage fees is packing smarter, so consider these tips before your next trip to save yourself from costly baggage fees.

Plan carefully
About a week before you plan to leave, begin compiling a packing list. Start by listing your necessities, then move on to outfits. Plan your outfits strategically based on your schedule and the weather at your destination. Mix and match articles of clothing to make more outfits with fewer items.

Pack like a pro
Have you ever wondered how the flight attendants fit all of their things into a single carry-on? It’s all about technique, strategy and utilizing extra space.

Rolling clothes rather than folding them will help save space in your suitcase, and will also help avoid wrinkles. Packing rolled socks and other small items inside shoes is a great way to utilize space.

Place the heavy, bulkier items on the bottom of the suitcase, and the lighter ones on top. Anything you don’t want to roll can be folded or placed on top of the other items.

Weigh your bag
Check your airline’s weight requirements online to ensure your bag isn’t over the limit. Fees for overweight bags are costly and can quickly put a damper on your trip.

There’s an easy technique to determine your bag’s weight at home. First, step on a scale and record your weight. Then, pick up your bag and step on the scale again. Subtract your original weight from the second to determine the weight of your bag.

Anticipate overflow
Allow extra room in your suitcase for items you may want to bring back. You can also include an empty bag in your luggage to accommodate anything you may accumulate during your trip.

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