Viral Packing Hacks: I Test Out If They Really Work

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, and with social media flooded with so-called "viral packing hacks," it’s tempting to believe that these tricks will make the process easier.

But do they actually work?

I decided to put some of the most popular packing hacks to the test on my most recent trip:

Hack 1: Rolling Clothes Instead of Folding

One of the most widely shared travel tips is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. The idea is that rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.

Verdict: Mostly true! Rolling clothes did free up extra space in my suitcase, allowing me to fit a few more items. It also prevented fold lines on some clothes. However, some materials still wrinkled slightly:

I also used this technique in my latest post about how to pack a carry-on.

I preferred the bundle method of rolling an entire outfit together, which reduced wrinkles and was also really helpful in terms of outfit planning and unpacking:

Hack 2: Using Shower Caps to Cover Shoes

The hack suggests using shower caps to cover the soles of shoes to keep your clothes clean.

Verdict: I didn't have any shower caps to hand (who has that many plastic shower caps at home?), but I used plastic bags instead and it was perfect for creating a barrier, preventing dirt from spreading to my clothes.

I used this hack on my sandy flip-flops:

Hack 3: Packing Cubes for Organization

Packing cubes promise to keep your suitcase neat and maximize space. They come in various sizes and help compartmentalize your items.

Verdict: A game-changer! Packing cubes made it easy to separate different categories of clothing, and they did help compress items to an extent.

I used one for t-shirts and another for underwear and socks, which was handy for keeping everything together. This is a must-try for frequent travelers.

Hack 4: Wearing Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

To save luggage space, some suggest wearing your heaviest clothing items—like jackets and boots—during travel instead of packing them.

Verdict: Practical, but not always comfortable. While it saved space in my bag and I was suitably warm departing from Georgia (the country), I arrived in southern Turkey and immediately needed to peel off the layers!

I guess it depends on the climates you're travelling to/from and how similar they are. If you're travelling somewhere significantly different in terms of temperature, then pack extra layers in your carry-on for easy transition.

Hack 5: Using a Pill Organizer for Jewelry

This trick involves using a small pill organizer to store earrings, rings, and necklaces to prevent them from getting tangled or lost.

Verdict: Brilliant! My jewelry stayed organized throughout the trip. I found this particularly useful for small pairs of stud earrings, which I am always losing because they're so small. I would even use this hack outside of traveling!

Hack 6: Wrapping Toiletries in Plastic Wrap

To prevent liquid spills, some travelers recommend unscrewing bottle caps, covering the openings with plastic wrap, and then screwing the caps back on.

Verdict: Works like a charm! Even with some rough handling, none of my toiletries leaked. This is an excellent hack for avoiding messy surprises in your bag.

Hack 7: Using a Toilet Roll Holder to Keep Necklaces Untangled

Another jewelry hack suggests threading necklaces through an empty toilet paper roll to prevent them from tangling in your bag.

Verdict: Surprisingly effective! The necklaces stayed neatly separated, and it was easy to pull them out one by one without any knots. This is a clever and inexpensive solution for travelers who carry delicate jewelry.

Final Thoughts

Some viral packing hacks are definitely worth incorporating into your travel routine, while others may not be as convenient in all situations.

Packing cubes, rolling clothes, and using shower caps for shoes were my top winners, while wearing bulky clothing at the airport was more of a mixed bag.

Have you tried any viral packing hacks? Which ones worked for you? Let me know in the comments.

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