The reason why packing becomes a pain for nearly all of us because we just make it up a as we go. Filling up a suitcase as you rush into a disaster that begins as late as possible and ends in a quick blurry packs our ride to the airport honks in the drive-in.
Do you know who really knows how to pack it like its a high art? Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors, thats who. Not only can they shoot better and stand at attention longer but also pack a tighter, smaller, better balanced suitcase or bag pack than anyone else. So here re some of their tips that definitely don’t involve sitting on your bag until it barely zips.
First: Know your staging zone
The surprising reason why these people are excellent at packing is Practise. weird, huh? The tip mostly given was to pack, unpack and repack your bag a few times before you leave. not only does it make you better but also helps u remember where you put all your stuff so you can quickly access it when u reach.
Space and clear some staging zone on your bed or floor or table where you can layout and organise your gear. One marine says. “ setting up a staging zone helps you think through what you’ll need and then pack the bag in the sequence you need the items inside.
Which leads us to the next step.
Pack in reverse order
the best way to put a functional bag, one logistics officer advices, is to pack in “ reverse order” . Think: the first items are the last to come out . So the pyjamas you need most on the first night at your destination, pack those last so they land on the top. That extra pair of pants that you may not need? pack those first at the bottom of the bag.
Be strategic about weight
If you wanna carry bag pack your body will thank you for this. A drill instructed suggested putting “ whatever weighs the most in the centre of the bag pack and closest to your spine, so it centres the weight on your body than pulling back on you” this definitely makes it easier to carry.
The suitcases can also work the same way. “break your bag into thirds. Bottom third is medium weight, middle third is heavy weight, top third is light weight.”
Fold, Roll and Tie
one you’re done thinking of the weight of your items, get specific about their shape. its helpful to fold everything into uniform sizes and shapes because it makes tideer stacks of clothes that fit next to each other better. Tetris but with folded underwear.
as far as the bulkier items are concerned like jackets, scarves or sleeping bags , try rolling them instead of folding u can also tie them to keep them in control.
Imagine your’e building a wall
This strategy is to arrange items the same way you would use bricks and mortar to build a house. one service member stays “ shoes and small bags act as bricks between. Shirts, jackets, underwear, pants act as mortar that fill stye space in between. as a result your contents will move less and won’t be prone to shifting during a flight.
Bring more socks
Talking about empty spaces. you might as well plug all of it with rolled up socks. their great to have around and keep your bag firmly packed. also : your feet do a lot of work when travelling”
Pack bags in your bag
Fir example small bag for electronics and their cords a bag for toiletries and a bag for hats and gloves. no need to get fancy: zip locks get the job done, or a zippered cloth bag.
One bag definitely to be packed on the top. Like a go bag” almost like a floating pocket. One marine swears by it : “the contents depend on the trip” he says, “ but think of things you’ll need quickly and most often: documents/ paperwork, phone charger, headphones, snacks, toiletries either a change of clothes or layers whatever you need. “ naturally this hold be at the top of your suitcase or bag pack.
Carry only what You need
Be ruthless. don’t talk yourself into things you might need. be prepared, but skimp on adding bulk. The ultimate goal, in military parlance, is “ high speed, low drag”
So when you’re in that statging zone one service member adds, “ pull out everything you might need and put aside. this will help you pack just the essentials at first and the extra space can be used with the maybes.
Get the Right bag
Military is totally loyal to their gear, so it isn’t a surprise that they advocate a backpack or suitcase that you absolutely love.
“ i was a gear head before the military, but i think serving has made me even worse”. “ if there is a new bag, organisation gadget, or lightweight tool, i usually buy it with the excuses that I’m really saving time and space and weight.
Even though he didn’t say money its all about feeling strong, moving fast, and staying mall that people would pay for. all you really have to do to achieve those is get organised.