12 packing tricks that save space—so you can actually zip your suitcase closed

Travel

12 Packing Tricks That Save Space—So You Can Actually Zip Your Suitcase Closed

Drescription

Vacations are relaxing, but packing for them? Not so much. Between decision fatigue, trying to fit everything in your suitcase, and doing all that last-minute laundry, it’s not an ideal way to kick off your time away. But knowing the right packing method—and a few pro-approved tips and tricks—can change everything. We asked a professional packer (yes, a professional packer) and luggage designers how they pack their own clothes, as well as their secrets for fitting everything in their suitcases for a less stressful and more stylish trip.

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Start With the Right Bag

According to luggage designer Lorenza Bellora, choosing the right bag is like choosing the right travel companion. “There’s no one-size-fits-all rule," she says. "It really depends on the kind of journey you’re about to take. For longer holidays or multi-activity trips, I go for a medium-to-large bag with inner compartments. But for a spontaneous getaway or a weekend escape, a structured duffel is always my go-to.”

On the other hand, content creator and professional packer Brianna Apple suggests assembling what you need to pack before choosing a bag. “Pull everything out onto the couch or wherever you pack (I always have a designated packing corner), and get everything finalized, so that everything you’re bringing is all in one spot," she says. "Once you see how much stuff you’re bringing, choose a suitcase accordingly. Bigger is not always better.”

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Plan Outfits Around Your Itinerary

Being specific and intentional about what you pack ensures you won’t forget anything. Apple says she starts by going through her itinerary, then pulling what she’s considering wearing based on her plans. “Once it’s all laid out, I build outfits around each day and put anything I’m not bringing back in my closet," she says. "I try to keep looks simple and rely on accessories to switch things up so I can rewear pieces and pack less.”

Still not sure if you should bring something? Luggage designer Niklas Oppermann explains there are only two categories of things you should bring on any trip: those that are versatile and those that are necessary. “If it doesn’t earn its place in the bag with versatility or necessity, it doesn’t come.”

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Pack Around Your Favorite Clothing and Accessories

If there’s something you're excited about wearing or have purchased for your trip, Apple recommends prioritizing outfits around those things. “If there are specific pieces you’re set on bringing, whether it’s a purse, a pair of shoes, or a certain top, build outfits around those first, and use those accessories to switch up other looks too," she says. "It’s all about stretching your staples and making them work multiple ways.”

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Plan From Day to Night

Apple tells me it’s best to start with daytime outfits. “Then repeat the process for night outfits, move on to pajamas, undergarments, and anything else you need to bring.”

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Place Heavier Items First

Don’t just throw everything in your luggage. According to Apple, heavier and bulkier items such as sweaters and jeans should go in first. “Then, fill in the rest like a puzzle," she suggests.

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Hide Your Socks

Socks might seem small, but they can take up valuable space. However, there is an easy but game-changing solution to this: “I always tuck socks into shoes to save space,” Apple says.

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Don’t Fold—Roll

Everyone has a finite amount of luggage space and probably more clothing than can fit in it. “Roll everything, even underwear," Apple suggests. "It saves way more space than you think and makes it easier to fit everything else.”

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Consider Packing Cubes

Whether you're going on a long or short trip, Oppermann advises staying organized with packing cubes. “Even when I’m only away for a night or two with just a backpack, I still use them," he says. "They’re brilliant for saving space, keeping things organized—like separating clean clothes from worn ones—and they minimize creasing when you unpack.”

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Avoid Overweight Luggage Fees

One of the easiest ways to avoid overweight luggage charges is to, you guessed it, weigh your luggage beforehand. You can use a regular scale you have at home, but then you might end up with an overweight bag on your return flight. So, investing in a portable luggage scale is a smart idea. They're usually inexpensive and take up less space than a candy bar.

Apple recommends putting heavier items like shoes, hair tools, and handbags in your carry-on because it will free up more room in your suitcase. “I also use the purses I’m bringing to store small things like jewelry and sunglasses,” she says.

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Shake Your Bag Down for More Space

Apple’s trick for fitting every last thing into your suitcase is brilliant. “Zip the suitcase shut, then stand it up and gently bang or shake the bottom against the floor to shift everything downward," she says. "Do the same with the side of the suitcase, [and] you’ll be shocked how much space opens up at the top!”

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Use a Garment Bag for More Formal Items

If you're traveling for business or a formal event, Bellora suggests using a garment bag to make sure your clothing stays unwrinkled and on a hanger. “It keeps clothes perfectly pressed on their hanger, ready to wear upon arrival," she says.

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Pack Before You Shop

“People love to shop before vacations (who doesn’t?), but that’s usually what leads to overpacking,” Apple says. “I always suggest fully packing first, as if you’re not allowed to buy anything, so you can see what you actually have. Then, if you still need something, buy with intention instead of impulse. It’s also a great way to stay on budget!”

How to Prune Your Salvias in the Summer for More Blooms and Stronger Plants

Salvias are a favorite of gardeners thanks to their long bloom time and easygoing nature. These perennials are often seen in their classic blue-purple hues (a preferred color of pollinators!), but you'll also find them in shades of red, pink, and white. And, while these spiky blooms will come back year after year, there are a few pruning tricks of the trade to keep the flowers looking abundant and healthy all summer long. Want to get the most color out of the salvias in your garden? Here's how to prune salvias in the summer for bigger blooms and healthier plants. Meet the Expert Tammy Holloway is a Virginia Master Gardener and the owner of the Bay Haven Inn. How to Prune Salvias During Summer "Your pruning approach depends on the type of salvia, and whether it's an annual, herbaceous perennial, tender perennial, or more woody shrub-like plant," explains Master Gardener Tammy Holloway. "However, all salvia can be deadheaded in the summer to get continuous blooms." She recommends keeping warm-weather pruning as light as possible, simply clipping off dead blooms. However, you can also give salvia a light prune if the plant begins to grow excessively or turn leggy. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Determine the Type of Salvia You Have Before you take the pruning shears to salvia, make sure you know what type you have in your garden. Some types of salvia, like evergreen salvia or Salvia nemerosa, prefer a hard pruning in summer after their first bloom. Other shrub-forming salvias do best with light pruning to maintain their shape throughout the summer. Deadhead Any Spent Blooms Regardless of the type of salvia you have in your garden, they can all benefit from deadheading. Removing any spent blooms will allow the plant to send more energy towards new growth. Since salvia are typically continuous bloomers throughout the spring, summer, and sometimes fall, this allows them to produce as many flowers as possible. Prune Areas That Negatively Impact Shape If salvia is becoming leggy and looking less than vibrant, a summer pruning can help it regain its shape and focus energy on the healthiest parts of the plant. Cut away leggy branches or anything that extends beyond the desired shape. This is especially helpful with shrub-like salvia, like Salvia leucantha. Cut Back Salvia When It's Overgrown Salvia are wonderful border or backdrop plants but, especially along pathways, they can easily overtake any areas where they have room to grow. Trim back salvia that is growing into other plants or parts of your garden where you would rather it didn't spread. Try to avoid a hard pruning, but don't feel bad cutting overgrown stems and branches. Additionally, cut back eager growers after their first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. Why Prune Salvias? Pruning salvias isn't necessary, but it will keep your plants both pretty and healthy. By pruning salvias throughout the summer, you'll encourage them to continue to bloom while also keeping the plant bushy rather than leggy. 5 Salvia Care Tips to Keep Them Blooming All Summer Salvias are easy-going plants that add color and interesting foliage to the garden, and it doesn't take much to keep them flowering. But, to encourage continuous and abundant blooms from late spring through late summer, here are a few tips to make sure they're at their happiest. Choose a Spot With Lots of Sun Salvias are sun-loving flowers that will thrive even during the hottest, sunniest days of summer. Plant them in a spot where they're guaranteed to get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare for a Big Pruning After Summer While summer pruning will keep your plants blooming and healthy, the big prune doesn't come until later in the year. This is when you'll cut back the plant, sometimes completely, to prepare for new spring growth. "Perennial salvia may be cut back in the fall," Holloway says. "Depending on your zone, it can be pruned late winter and early spring as well." Avoid Over-Watering Salvia are drought-tolerant once established, so make sure they're planted in well-draining soil and resist the temptation to water them during the dog days of summer. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between watering (or, more likely, summer rain!). Fertilize Once at the Start of Spring You don't need to worry about watering salvia biweekly or even bimonthly. Salvia can thrive without nutrients added into the soil though, if you do want to apply fertilizer, do it once at the start of spring. Thin Out Plants When Necessary Because some salvia will grow and spread throughout the season, it might be necessary to thin out the plants to keep them healthy. The upside? It's easy to propagate them, and you'll have additional salvia plants to spread throughout your yard or pass off on a neighbor with a green thumb.

6 Travel Hacks That Make Every Vacation Less Stressful

As glamorous and exciting and soul-nourishing as travel can be, we all know that any bon voyage has a few not-so-bon moments. Flights can get delayed (or worse—canceled), the hotel you were so excited about can be a total let down, and your itinerary might leave you tired and, ironically, in need of a vacation. I’ve been lucky enough to have lived abroad and traveled to over 40 countries, and have certainly bounced around the United States quite a bit. Over the years, I’ve figured out ways to create a "soft landing" upon arrival so that even if things don’t go as planned, I’m able to roll with the punches. 01 of 06 I Pack My Essentials in My Carry-On I definitely consider myself a “carry-on only” girl, but there are times you need to check a bag. Like when you’re spending more than a few weeks in a destination, or traversing different climates, or attending a variety of event types in a single trip. I prefer to carry on because I don’t want to deal with lost luggage…something that’s happened to me with a suspicious frequency. For a calm mind and worst-case scenarios, I always pack my essentials in my carry-on—the things I absolutely need the first few days of travel (it often takes airlines 24 to 72 hours to return your misplaced bag). This includes any important clothing for events, toiletries, a change of underwear, chargers, electronics, valuables, etc. 02 of 06 I Work in "No Alarm Clock" Days We can all laugh at the travel memes featuring sunrise go-getters versus laid-back dilly-dalliers. I happily fall somewhere in between, largely because I swear by the “no alarm clock” approach while traveling. While I like to pack a ton into my day, the reality is that I’m on vacation. My body deserves to rest, and a rested body and mind have way more fun in the long run. If that means sleeping in until 10 a.m. and having a lazy brunch in my hotel room and not venturing outside until noon on a few days, that’s a win in my book. 03 of 06 I Arrive a Day Earlier Than Necessary This one I learned by proxy. Early in my travel days, I had a trip booked to Ireland with a connection somewhere on the East Coast from Phoenix. The first flight was delayed a few hours, and me and a family, all heading to Ireland, nervously twiddled our thumbs and hoped we wouldn’t miss the connection. We all ran through the airport together to literally watch our plane pull back from the gate without us, and ended up on the same flight a full 24 hours later. They unfortunately had a cruise scheduled within a day of landing, and had a mess of a time figuring that one out. Now, I always add a buffer day or two to ensure I don’t miss a cruise departure, important event, booked concert, tour, etc. 04 of 06 I Create a "Must See" List of Restaurants and Attractions Itineraries are great, but there’s a rigidity to them that doesn’t feel like a vacation to me. (Also, it puts you at risk of an over-packed schedule.) I mean, if it’s a business trip, then an itinerary is essential, but otherwise it’s nice to have a little spontaneity to drop by a cute boutique, swing by for some gelato, or linger a little longer at your previous destination. That said, I also don’t like to show up without any sort of plan. My happy medium is to research cool restaurants, cafes, museums, and attractions I want to see, and put them all on a list, noting which part of town they’re in. This allows me to pick and choose my own adventure with a modicum of structure (outside of anything that requires a hard reservation). 05 of 06 I Look for the Little Joys This is such a tiny thing, but the difference it makes in my overall travel experience is pretty profound. Keeping my eyes open for little joys and happy moments around me helps me really take in my surroundings, softens my perspective, and it also just makes me feel grateful for being alive. These can be the tiniest things—a sticker on a padlock that says “I like you,” a man carrying an oversized potted plant, the way a doorstep is decorated, a silly phrase written on a cafe board, or a butterfly fluttering around a rose garden. 06 of 06 I Try to Keep Up My Routine Travel introduces so many variables into your day, which is fun until you realize you’re beat, not eating well, and your skin is breaking out. I’ve found that keeping some semblance of my routine intact helps a lot. This means using the same skincare (this is not the time to try a new skincare sample, especially if you don’t know how long you’ve been holding onto it), going to bed around the same time, staying hydrated, getting in my 10 to 20 minutes of nightly reading, and—if possible—working out regularly.

Got Unpleasant Smells in Your Yard? These 7 Plants Can Help Mask Them

If your neighbors love barbecues, have dodgy drains, or their pets leave pungent smells of pee on the border of your yard, you might be looking for solutions to mask malodors. Adding specific fragrant flowers to your landscape can help. Always consider the plant's height, the time of year and day it emits its scents, the fragrance's intensity, and the appropriate location to make the most of your selection. Here are seven plants that hide bad smells to save you from falling out with your friends over the fence. Butterfly Bush Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are fast-growing shrubs that can form a dense privacy screen along the fence between you and your neighbor, blocking wafting odors and ash particles. Depending on the type you select, you—and those beneficial pollinators—can enjoy the honey-like scent of the beautiful, long-lasting, nose-height blooms from mid-summer through fall. The fragrance is at its strongest around midday—ideal for masking the burning bouquet of lunchtime barbecues. However, be aware that some butterfly bush species are invasive in parts of the US. Butterfly bushes grow best in USDA hardiness zones five to nine. They appreciate full sun and well-draining soil and need regular pruning to promote the longest bloom period. Curry Plant When you're looking for ideas for a small backyard, consider curry plants (Helichrysum italicum). They’re great plants to grow in containers along your decking where it backs onto your neighbor's garden or in the most pungeant corner. Enjoy the heady, spicy scent of the attractive silvery foliage of this aromatic perennial herb in sunny spots in USDA hardiness zones eight to 11. The yellow blooms of these low-maintenance, pest-resistant plants are perfect for dry xeriscapes. Farrer Virburnum Virburnum ferreri, which grows in zones six to eight, is a good choice for disguising the smell of your neighbors' rotting leaf pile in the fall. The fragrant pink flowers of this deciduous shrub bloom from late fall through winter. Plant in a full sun or partial shade position and keep the soil consistently moist to promote the best flowering. Jasmine Another familiar floral fragrance is that of the jasmine blooms. There are many jasmine types to choose from, allowing you to select the best fit for your conditions and the time of year you want the blooms to be part of your yard’s smellscape. Most jasmine species grow in zones seven to 10 and appreciate full sun, well-draining, loamy, and evenly moist soil. These climbing plants are perfect for pergolas, providing a scented sanctuary away from any unpleasant odors from over the fence. Lavender When you think of fragrant flowers, lavender is one of the archetypical examples. There are lots of types of lavender plants to choose from, with most of the summer-time blooms emitting a strong, soapy scent. The leaves also release a scent when you touch them, the rest of the year. These low-growing perennial shrubs are ideal for growing as a border along fence perimeters where dogs pee, as long as you can provide the full sun and well-draining soil conditions they require. You can also grow lavender in pots or hang dry lavender on your porch for year-round aromas. Honeysuckle Honeysuckle is a fragrant garden classic, with many species emitting their sweet smell in the evening and at night. These vining shrubs can be wound around trellises against your fence to disguise the odors of evening grills one yard over. Most types of honeysuckle need full sun and well-draining soil. Consider native species over the highly invasive plant types, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Hyacinth Hyacinths have some of the sweetest fragrant spring blooms, making them ideal if you want to hide the smell of your neighbor’s stagnant water from spring showers or geosmin—the earthy smell from the soil that can be strongest in this season. While the blooms are relatively short-lived, if you plant them in large groups, you can appreciate the scent for longer and across more of your yard. Plant hyacinths in full sun or partial shade, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Waiting for Your Magnolia Tree to Flower? When You Can Catch the Best Blooms

Magnolia trees are versatile landscape plants with hundreds of species and cultivars ranging from dwarf types at 6 to 12 feet up to the towering 80-foot Southern Magnolia, M. grandiflora. With a wide range of bloom times and flower size and color, one can be found to fit every yard and garden. When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom? Flowering occurs according to species and climate with blooms in late winter, spring, summer or autumn. Some varieties bloom more than once for two to three weeks. Others produce flowers before they leaf out. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! What to Know About Magnolia Trees Growing Season Magnolias may be deciduous or evergreen with most evergreen types hardy to zone 7. Evergreen varieties are cultivars of the Southern magnolia, blooming from spring to early summer with large, white flowers continuing sporadically throughout summer. Deciduous and semi-evergreen species and their cultivars grow in zones 3 and higher with a wider range of bloom periods and flower color and size. M. grandiflora 'Little Gem': A dwarf evergreen cultivar, Little Gem blooms in May with a primary flush that continues sparser into July. It's a slow grower maturing at 20 to 25 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide. Flowers are creamy white up to 12 inches in diameter. M. grandiflora 'Samuel Sommer': This evergreen variety produces some of the largest flowers up to 14 inches across. A spring flush of creamy, white flowers slows in summer with a second autumn flush in ideal climates. Samuel Sommer matures at 35 to 40 feet with a 20- to 30-foot spread. M. grandiflora 'Edith Bogue': An evergreen cold hardy to -15°F, 'Edith Bogue' thrives in zones 6 to 9. Lemon scented, white blooms appear late spring through early August depending on climate. Trees mature at 40 feet tall with a 30 foot spread. M. virginiana 'Sweet Bay': At heights and spreads of 10 to 35 feet, Sweet Bay magnolia and it's cultivars grow as large shrubs or small trees. Native to the eastern U.S., varieties feature smaller 3-inch, white flowers in May and June. This is a semi-evergreen species with some cultivars evergreen as low as zone 4. M. soulangeana 'Saucer Magnolia': This deciduous magnolia and its cultivars are the most commonly grown varieties. They bloom early from March to mid-April with sporadic flowering through summer. 6-inch flowers open before foliage in white, pink, rose, purple, magenta or burgundy. Mature sizes range from 20 to 25 feet tall and wide. M. stellata 'Star Magnolia': Noted for its compact size and star-shaped, white flowers, this magnolia blooms late winter to early spring. It matures at 10 to 20 feet with an 8- to 15-foot spread. Flowers measure 4 inches across in shades of white, pink and purple. Ideal Growing Conditions for Magnolia Trees to Bloom Review care requirements for specific varieties to ensure they'll flourish and bloom in your climate. Certain cultivars adapt well to wetlands, coastal or urban areas. Here are general growing conditions. Moist, well-draining loam with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. Allow soil to dry out slightly in between watering. Sweetbay magnolias can thrive in boggy soil. The majority of magnolias do not like standing water and become drought tolerant when mature. Water newly planted trees two to three times a week. Plants may require additional watering during bloom periods. For finest flowering, provide six hours of direct sun exposure daily. Some cultivars prefer afternoon shade in hot climates, however the better light you give them, the better they'll bloom. Overall health of your tree depends on its hardiness zones. However, late cold snaps can damage buds and reduce flowering. Ideal temperatures for blooming fall between 60°F and and 75°F. Heat stress at 90°F can reduce flowers and shorten the bloom period. 5 Great Magnolia Trees Care Tips Magnolias make up the largest group of plants in the magnoliaceae family with as many as 340 species and numerous cultivars. These flowering trees and shrubs thrive in diverse environments with a wide range of bloom times, sizes, growth habits and flower color. Do your research and choose a magnolia variety suited to your climate and growing zone. Support flowering by adding compost or well-rotted manure in early spring. Or spread a balanced, slow release formula such as an NPK 10-10-10 out to the dripline. Protect early blooming varieties from late frost which may cause bud and flower loss. Lightly prune after flowering to remove dead or crossing branches. Hard pruning reduces flowering. Spent flowers usually drop making deadheading unnecessary. Mulch to protect shallow roots, retain soil moisture and discourage weeds.