Can’t quite get that suitcase closed? If not, here are five helpful packing tips that are sure to come in handy on your next journey.

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• Compress clothes to save space. Rolling clothes up or folding them together will help minimize the space that they are taking up in your suitcase or backpack. Travelers with higher budgets may also want to spring for compression sacks or packing cubes which can easily be found at places like Wal-mart and Target.

• Don’t bring more than you actually need. Keep in mind that most places in the world sell similar products to the ones that you would be able to buy in the United States. Even if the store in question doesn’t sell Super Blonde Shampoo with Hydrating Coconut Oils, you can certainly get by with whatever they have on hand until you get back home. Of course, if the item in question is something that you’ll definitely need to use before the first day is out you may want to take it along.

What item in this picture can be left behind?
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• Only take things that you will actually wear or use. For example, an accident prone person might want to take a whole box of band-aids whereas most people could just get by with a couple as part of a small first aid kit. If you hate a particular pair of tennis shoes to the point that you’d prefer to slide up and down a mountain in flip-flops rather than wear them, then leave them behind. The same is also true of one use items that you could easily rent at your destination.

• Use travel-size products where they’ll come in handy. After all, unless you’re going to somewhere like Cancun and you foolishly didn’t pack any sunblock, you really don’t need to bring the family-sized bottle of aloe gel that was on sale at Sam’s Club. It’s easy to get travel sized bottles and simply pour in smaller amounts of whatever you plan on carrying with you. Besides, this will also keep the TSA from confiscating your belongings and simultaneously reduce the overall weight of your bags.

Less luggage = less hassle
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• Pack items that can double as something else. If a pair of ordinary cotton shorts can double as pajama bottoms, then you don’t need both. The same is true if you have a large cotton shawl that can also double as a blanket and a beach wrap, then there is no need to bring all three items. This is not just true of clothing. A small foldable sack can serve as a personal item bag on a flight, something to hold groceries at the store, and a place to store dirty laundry between washings. Cell phones nowadays can serve also as mini computers and cameras. So why not pick something with extra features and minimize your luggage at the same time?

As always, happy travels!

Sources: Independanttraveler.com; Rick Steves; personal experience