Top Packing Hacks to Save Space and Stay Comfortable

Table of Contents

That Time I Tried to Pack for Europe in a Drawstring Bag (Don’t)

Roll It, Don’t Fold It…Or Maybe Fold Then Roll?

Compression Cubes Are Like Sorcery (Trust Me)

Comfort Items That Actually Deserve Space

Mini But Mighty: Smart Toiletries & TSA-Approved Sorcery

The Clothes Math Game: Layers > Bulk

Don’t Forget the Real MVPs (Yes, Pillows)

Final Thoughts from Someone Who Once Packed a Hair Dryer for a Hostel

1. That Time I Tried to Pack for Europe in a Drawstring Bag (Don’t)

Okay. Story time.

I once tried to pack for a 10-day trip to Spain using—wait for it—a drawstring bag. I thought I was going to be that person. You know, effortlessly minimalist. Chic. Unbothered. Well, flash forward to Day 3: my socks smelled like garlic (long story), I had no backup underwear, and I wore the same wrinkled T-shirt in every photo. Not cute.

The only “smart” thing I brought was a neck pillow, which was great because I at least looked peaceful while being deeply uncomfortable.

Anyway. That disaster taught me a few things about smart packing. Mainly: don’t try to be cool. Be prepared.

2. Roll It, Don’t Fold It…Or Maybe Fold Then Roll?

There’s a holy war going on in the packing community (yes, that’s a thing) over rolling vs. folding. I’ve tried both. I’ve also tried this weird “bundle wrap” method someone on Reddit swears by. Spoiler: I ended up with one massive fabric meatball.

Here’s what actually works for me:

• Roll soft stuff like tees, leggings, pajamas.

• Fold structured things like blazers (if you absolutely must bring one).

• Use your shoes as tiny luggage—stuff socks and chargers in there like a squirrel hoarding snacks.

Also, if your stuff isn’t compressed, are you even traveling?

3. Compression Cubes Are Like Sorcery (Trust Me)

I resisted compression packing cubes for way too long because I thought they were a scam. Like, how much smaller can your stuff really get? Turns out: a lot. You zip it shut, then zip again to compress, and boom—your clothes are flat little pancakes.

Bonus: it forces you to pack less. You start to really question your choices. Like, do I need three versions of the same black shirt? (No. But I still bring them.)

4. Comfort Items That Actually Deserve Space

We all have that one friend who brings a full-size blanket “just in case.” I love them, but I’m not hauling a comforter through Schiphol.

Here’s what’s actually worth packing for comfort:

• A memory foam travel pillow (like the Dream Pillow if you’re fancy)

• A lightweight hoodie (works as a pillow, a blanket, a shield from chatty seatmates)

• A pair of thick socks for long flights

• And honestly? Snacks. Good ones. Not just almonds.

Small comforts go a long way—especially when you’re in economy and the seat doesn’t recline.

5. Mini But Mighty: Smart Toiletries & TSA-Approved Sorcery

Here’s the deal: if your entire toiletry kit is full-size, we can’t be friends. I’m kidding. Sort of.

You can find almost everything in travel-size these days—shampoo, sunscreen, even wrinkle spray (don’t knock it ‘til you try it). My tip? Get refillable silicone tubes and label them something more creative than “shampoo.”

Oh, and bring a foldable toothbrush. And floss. Because there’s nothing worse than trapped croissant bits on a long-haul flight. 🥐

6. The Clothes Math Game: Layers > Bulk

Let’s talk layers. A big fluffy sweater? Cute, but a space hog. Instead:

• Pack thinner layers you can stack.

• Bring a scarf. It triples as a blanket, a pillow, and, uh, fashion.

• Choose clothes that play nice together. I’m talking neutral-ish color palettes with mix-and-match energy.

One time I packed a neon green jumpsuit because it looked “fun.” It went with exactly nothing. I wore it once. It haunted me the rest of the trip. Don’t be me.

7. Don’t Forget the Real MVPs (Yes, Pillows)

Listen. I’ve had a travel pillow crisis before. (We all have.)

But when you find the one? You hold onto it like a clingy ex. Whether you’re a minimalist who loves the Air Pillow or you’re down for everyday cozy like the Comfy Pillow—don't underestimate how much comfort fits in your carry-on.

A good pillow can be the difference between waking up ready for Rome… or ready for revenge.

8. Final Thoughts from Someone Who Once Packed a Hair Dryer for a Hostel

True story: I once packed a full-size hair dryer for a hostel in Southeast Asia. It didn’t even work there. Voltage stuff. I ended up donating it to a guy named Greg from New Zealand who had better hair than me anyway.

The point is: you’ll mess up sometimes. You’ll overpack. You’ll underpack. But with the right packing hacks, you’ll get a little better each trip.

So—what’s your weirdest packing mistake? Or your ride-or-die space-saving tip?

And if you’re still figuring out your perfect travel comfort setup, check out this travel pillow guide. Because yes, the pillow matters. Almost as much as the snacks.

 

If this chaotic checklist gave you even one decent tip—or a reason to unpack that neon jumpsuit—maybe check out my other travel brain dumps. Or don’t. But like… I wouldn’t mind. 😉✈️

 

Author Profile:

Hi, I’m Florian Werner, the founder of FLOWZOOM. The idea for FLOWZOOM started during an unforgettable trip around the world. After spending what felt like forever on long flights, I noticed just how tough it is to stay comfortable while traveling.

I tried every travel pillow I could find, hoping for some relief—but nothing worked the way I needed it to. That’s when I decided to create my own. At FLOWZOOM, we focus on designing pillows that actually do what they’re supposed to: keep you comfortable and supported while you travel.

I’ve spent years figuring out what makes a great travel pillow. My goal is to make every trip easier for people who, like me, want to enjoy their journey without the aches and pains. I’m proud to share what I’ve learned through FLOWZOOM’s products and tips for better travel.

Here’s to making every trip a little more comfortable!