For just overnight I don’t unpack but anything more - absolutely! I unpack neatly, items in drawers when available, suitcase put away, etc. I think it is incredibly rude to others (especially cleaning people) to leave your junk everywhere.
I have traveled extensively around the world and never encountered bedbugs. Maybe I’ve been lucky but I do bring wipes and wipe surfaces (including drawers, knobs, etc) before I unpack.
Unpacking increases the risk that you will leave something in the hotel room. Never unpack unless you are there for a week or more.
8
Packing cubes have truly changed my traveling life. If there is a dresser/ wardrobe available, even for just a one night stay, I pull them out of suitcase and position accordingly. Dirty clothes always go in separate bag. Will hang some things if possible. Toiletry kit is hung up in bathroom and I’m done. While husband is still finding space for everything, I’m enjoying my first glass of wine! ;)
4
Before unpacking, I check with a flashlight the mattress, sheets, behind headboard, drawers, lamps, windowsills, and paintings/pictures for bedbugs. Then I unpack and relax.
8
Stay woke!
I leave everything in my suitcase, taking out items as I wear them. Dirty laundry goes in the hotel drawers! Items that may be worn again get hung up to air out. My goal is to pack exactly what I need and bring home few, if any, unworn clothes.
1
Many US readers must have thought the headline promised an answer as to whether or not they ought to bring their hand gun with them to dinner, and/or the movies.
20
The funniest comment all week. I’m laughing out loud, very loudly.
16
Non-unpacker, if that makes sense.
Sorted into ziplock bags, and rolled, why expose yourself to more vermin?
Long-haul traveler, in US at least, coast to coast.
Those drawers are gross, and I would lose stuff.
I often uncant my electronics and power strip, my PCIs, but that is about it.
I recently returned from a 2 week trip where I changed hotels every 3 days! I found that packing the majority of my clothes on hangers in a few dry cleaning bags worked great. The small things were in mesh bags. Unpacking and repacking took seconds . I was able to easily find whatever I was looking for.
6
I travel frequently and I try to pack as lightly and as efficiently as possible. I've become pretty good at it and I don't use cubes.
As to the unpack or not issue: I have a modified strategy. As I need something, it comes out of my suitcase, gets used, and then goes into the hotel drawer or is hung. I don't repack it or throw it over a chair. Only those things that I use are unpacked. That means a single night stay results in only a moment of repacking. Longer stays (if I've calculated properly and didn't bring more stuff than needed) result in an entirely unpacked suitcase.
So I never have the conundrum of whether or not to unpack. If I use it, it stays out. If I don't, it never comes out.
Simple.
Another advantage is I get home and can see just what ended up being superfluous as it never left my bag! Useful information for the next trip.
2
I agree that it's completely personal preference, which can change. When I traveled too much for work, I always unpacked, even for one night. It made the trip much more tolerable. Now it really depends on the length of the stay. Do what makes you feel best at the time.
2
Article misses the initial questions: what type suitcase? Does the bag opens into a 50/50 half split? Or is it top down packing? Also what's the travel purpose: business or pleasure?
I'm strictly a top down luggage owner with a strong preference to find creative ways to unpack soon after entering hotel room. [Chairs, spare bed, etc.] Plus most of my travel is for business which includes slacks, sport jacket, woven shirts, et al. Not sure how that's left in a bag?
I always use a rolling spinner carry on bag for trips 3 to 4 nights or less. I pack with a zen type style only bringing outfits that are exactly what's needed on a day by day & evening basis. Plus gym wear.
Unpack [in some manner] & free thyself!
@Vt
There used to be something called a "garment bag" that one could hang upon entrance to aircraft.
It worked great for professional meetings.
Mine is rotting in shed and that space is likely another seat.
3
Depends on the length of the stay. 4 plus days: Unpack, anything less, partial unpack. I travel light, despite often adding exercise gear (bike cleats, helmet, running shoes, etc. ...). Footwear significantly affects packing--I always use the space inside the shoes for socks, underwear tools, swim gear....this factors into the degree of unpack. Also, I forget so much stuff in hotels it isn't funny. Thus not unpacking limits that. Wait, have I talked about food?....the hotel fridge, the one shoe trick in front of that in order to not forget lounge snags kept fresh there.....
2
@Dave
I do what I call a "coordinated pullout" from bathroom through sink area to frig, etc.
Just like from back to front.
Yes I agree people waste a lot of space in shoes.
I'm a carry-on only when going to Europe, 1-2 times a year. The weight of the bag is crucial. I found a minimalist Samsonite Black Label (made in the EU) that weighs just under 4 lbs. My Tumi Voyager weighs over 7 lbs. The bag you referenced, with the shelves, weighs over 8 lbs. I can carry more clothes, and still lift my bag overhead. For my smaller bag, I carry a Tumi Voyager backpack, so that my arms are free. When I arrive at my destination, I slip my crossbody bag out of my backpack, so my valuables are in front of me.
1
I hang up clothes to minimize wrinkles, unpack the majority of toiletries and all shoes and several LED flashlights.
Several years ago in Aruba, lightening hit the island's transformer, resulting in a blackout. While everyone grabbed tealights from the lobby tables, we relaxed, enjoyed the free ice cream and found our way back to our pitch black room with our flashlights.
Everything else (underwear, bathing suits) lives in my suitcase.
My husband unpacks EVERYTHING.
I like keeping stuff in my suitcase..
1
I have totally solved this problem. What with the airlines, the TSA, and bedbugs, I no longer travel anywhere. The amount of money & stress saved is astonishing!
I loved traveling back when it really was fun, but those days are long gone.
14
On a recent trip to Japan, we were going to be staying in Kyoto for 5 days. My wife was looking forward to being able to unpack, and not live out of the suitcase, for a while. There was a small dresser in the room. The minibar fridge was in the middle, two drawers on the right held candy, coffee, etc. and the hotel safe. Two drawers on the left held cups, saucers, forks/spoons. one drawer was only 3 inches deep.
In the closet was a small two drawer chest, one drawer had packing boxes, tape and shipping forms, the other two yukata (lounging kimono.) The closet itself was only about 14 inches deep with minimal space to hang anything. Fairly typical for a Japanese businessman's hotel. Wife was very disappointed; We did, politely, ask if they had a larger type room, but they were fully booked. A brand new, "sister" hotel a few blocks away had much larger rooms and closets, but was 3 times the price. We stayed and lived out of our suitcases. Despite this, our trip was great, and we will remember this for a long time, ad isn't that what vacation travel is all about?
3
"...those increasingly popular packing cubes, lightweight organizers often sold in sets with different sized cubes to fit into your suitcase (friends and acquaintances of mine have described them glowingly as “life changing”)"
Been doing that for decades but using the airline J class amenity kits. Free and they come in a huge assortment of sizes and configurations.
1
Regardless the duration of my trip, I never pack more than three days worth of outerwear. I wear basic black outfits and accessorize with colored scarves, jewelry etc. I never unpack. It eliminates the risk of leaving something behind.
4
@Montessahall
My problem is variety of shoes, for dress, hiking, in room, and casual.
How do you deal with that?
2
2 day rule: 2 or less don’t unpack 3 or more unpack. No cubes needed.
If the trip is less than 3 or 4 days, I don't unpack. I have a weird mental distinction beyond that depending on whether it's business or pleasure. If vacation, unpacking gives me the mental cue that this is "home," if even for only a week, and I find that more relaxing. If business trip, I don't unpack no matter how long I'm gone. Probably the same reason my office doesn't have a single personal item: I don't ever want to feel like it's home. (Also, I've seen so many coworkers laid off who then either have to spend an hour packing up their office or, even worse, come back later to pick up their boxed belongings.)
3
Only hang bulky items like coats. Keep the rest folded nicely in the suitcase or in packing cubes still in the suitcase, which I spend 5-10 minutes doing every morning. Jewelry and passports go in the safe or with you. If you unpack everything, there is never enough hangers and you run the risk of losing items and/or theft.
1
I’ve travelled the world for 75 years and only once had bedbugs- in a NY hotel. Lizards, snakes, once even a lion scratching at my tent but none of the dirt these other people write about.
9
I was disappointed. I was hoping the article was whether to unpack or not unpack after you returned home from the trip!
16
I have a small carry on backpack with all my electronics, toiletries, extra food (chocolate), papers including passport, 20000 mAh battery, rain poncho, socks, magazines etc.
Then I have a light backpack with strong clear plastic bags for clothes,- 1 for nylon cargo pants, 1 for polo shirts and socks, 1 for shorts with lining for bathing and short sleeves. Also a small air mattress and silk sheet for sleeping in airports (if plane problems) and in hostels.
I learned these tricks from backpacking and my kit weights less than 20 lbs Also nylon and polyester are fast drying and can be washed in the sink and dry in the morning.
4
I never unpack. If the hotel has a table or dresser, I open my suitcase on either & leave it there. I never put my suitcase on the floor. Bringing bedbugs back home is a souvenir I would never find a charming remembrance of a trip. I do use different sized packing cubes, & find that they are helpful in keeping socks, tees, sweaters, etc, easy to locate. A plastic bag stores soiled clothes & keeps them from other items. Unpacking a suitcase risks accidentally leaving items behind & carrying home unwanted guests with 6 legs.
8
I will hang clothes in a closet, but never use drawers.
11
The fear of bedbugs in these comments is nearly comical. Maybe it gives people some sense of control with all the avoidance measures catalogued here. I am a world traveler and have never wasted a moment of thought on this peril, or really any other that is unique to travel v. being home.
17
@beth, the fear of bed bugs is real. If you’ve never had them you’ll never be able to understand the traumatic nature of having an infestation. It’s truly one of the worst experiences of my life (and I say that having gone through a mastectomy).
29
@beth have you ever encountered bedbugs? I did, in a charming hotel that I had stayed in before. I had over 100 bites all over my body except my face and hands. Each bite turned into a chick-pea sized dark red bump. I had to wear high necklines and long sleeves for 2 months. I had to figure out how to kill any hitchhiking bedbugs before I could go home. Now I’m not scared of bedbugs, but I do have a hotel ritual: put bags in bathroom, turn on all the lights and put on a camping headlamp, and carefully inspect the sheets, pillows, mattress, bed, and other furniture. If I see anything suspicious, I take a photo with my phone and zoom in to see if it has legs. This takes about 15 minutes. I’ve found evidence of bedbugs once in the 6 years of checking, and it was worth all the trouble.
10
@beth: How nice to have your head in the clouds and live in such a lovely bubble! Meanwhile, back here on earth, anyone who's ever had bedbugs can tell you how much $$$$, stress, and angst it cost them.
If you ever encounter bedbugs, I assure you that 'comical' is NOT a word you'll use.
8
organize the suitcase to remain not-unpacked & to hit-the-road quicker
5
Bedbugs. NEVER unpack.
15
A veteran of many cross-country road trips and way too many one-night business trips, I'm a never-unpacker, for sure.
But why aren't we discussing the most vexing hotel luggage issue? There are never enough luggage stands!
Even when I travel alone, I sometimes have two bags. And when my partner travels with me, we'll have a minimum of two. Yet no matter how basic or swanky the room, there is never more than one luggage stand.
I don't expect the ever-stodgy lodging industry to take prompt action on this. After all, a few operators still tie those annoying paper bands around the toilet seat instead of doing something useful, like providing a baggie for the TV remote.
Meanwhile, if my card key goes kaput, could you please humor me by verifying my registration instead of automatically making a key for the room number I give you?
Common sense has become as uncommon as common courtesy.
15
@Barney
Open a plastic cup and use the plastic to cover remote.
5
I hang up stuff until I run out of hangars. I never use any hotel chest of drawers. Pants and my coat and easily wrinkled sweaters or tops are my hanging priority. My suitcase is my chest of drawers and it works just fine, thanks. The bottom line is this: Whatever works for you is just right.
5
Unpacking makes your hotel room feel like home (sort of). You can look in the closet and mix and match. Hard to do with clothes that are rolled up; plus, once you unroll them you have to re-roll if you don't want to wear that piece of clothing. I have always wanted to be an unpacker but ended up with with stuff all over the floor. Better in the closet.
1
One way to avoid the pack/unpack conundrum is to rethink travel. Think about a cruise ship, you unpack, spend a week or two, maybe more on the ship, then pack up when your cruise ends. When on land, we travel in an RV. A trip to New Zealand several years ago, we unpacked our suitcases in a camper picked up near the airport in Auckland. For the next month we traveled both the North and South Island, packed our suitcases and turned in the camper in Christchurch. From there we flew to Melbourne, Australia where we spent a week in a hotel, unpacked. Then a ferry to Tasmania and once again, a week in a cottage, car touring the island. Back to Melbourne, we picked up a camper and unpacked for a two and a half month tour of Australia. Adelade, up the Murry River, Eden, Canberra, Sydney, the New England Highway, Brisbane, Cannes, Alice Springs, Uluru, Darwin, Broome, down the west coast to Perth. All the while our collapsible suitcases and backpacks were packed away in a small storage compartment in the camper. It is like being at home on the road. We're planning the same for Italy this summer.
3
@Tom
Everything I unpacked in Australia has red dirt on it, and that was 30+ years ago!
3
First and foremost do not burden yourself by packing too many clothes for your trip. The less you haul, the less you will have to unpack and the less you will leave behind when you depart. If there are enough hangers I will hang as many clothes as I can but all other items stay in the suitcase on a luggage rack to avoid bedbugs. If there is not a luggage rack then the suitcase either sits on the desk chair, on a table or stays in the bathroom. I also travel with a large plastic garbage bag that I put on the bottom part of the suitcase as a bedbug shield.
9
@Madeleine Brett That's the key! Take less and make sure that all of it can be washed easily. Chances are very slim that you will be attending one of the Queen's garden parties. On a 3 week trip to Europe last fall my husband and I each took one carryon sized bag which also held our personal stuff so that we could travel easily. We were traveling to both a warm and a chilly destination and we were just fine. As for the kind of clothes we took, they were just our ordinary clothes, minus jeans (too hard to dry). We dressed pretty much like the locals do (no need for special clothes, just the sorts of things we would wear when visiting similar places at home).
Back in the day when we traveled with young children, we would take way too much stuff and now that they are well into adulthood, we appreciate the freedom of being able to use public transportation and walk easily with a minimum of stuff to haul around. Of course if you are traveling in midwinter to cold destinations you might need a little more stuff, but I am always amazed when I see people dragging multiple large and heavy suitcases for weeklong trips.
1
Watch George Carlin's routine on U-Tube about 'STUFF'. "The real meaning of life is all about finding a place for your stuff!'
The part about unpacking in a hotel room is hilarious.
4
Since we retired, my wife and I do occasional bus tours -- usually between 10 and 20 nights on the road. We unpack some items, but not others. I keep my shirts on wire hangers in the suitcase. Once delivered to our room (which is a benefit of taking a guided tour), I remove the shirts on hangers and drop them right onto the rack so that any wrinkles relax. My wife used to think this strategy was weird, but she's come around to my way of thinking on recent trips. Then I put my pants on hotel hangers -- assuming the hotel has them. the same goes for outerwear. Socks and underwear always in the luggage, so nothing goes into hotel drawers. That way, when we check out, the only place we need to look for our gear is on the closet rack. Or maybe in the bathroom. Or on the nightstand. Well, you get the idea.
I used to travel regularly for business. I had three bags I took with me all the time: a large handbag, a suitcase, and a wet pack.
Certain things remained in the handbag or suitcase, like chargers. I packed the clothes I planned to wear. Once I arrived, I unpacked the things that needed to be hung up, like shirts, slacks, dresses and coats or jackets. I put the shoes on the floor. The things that didn't need to be on hangers, like lingerie, stayed in the suitcase. The wet pack went into the bathroom.
As soon as I returned home, everything I wore went straight into the laundry basket. The items I didn't use or which I washed (and dried) while I was gone went into their proper place. Any wet items were set aside for drying, while the wet pack itself had a resting place until the next time I traveled. If any supplies need replenishing, I took care of it.
1
@Barbara
I keep a standard travel kits of various sorts up too.
It is frustrating as so often I fly out and drive back.
I label everything with date and state and buy the same stuff anyway, sometimes it is less expensive but the duplicates are both a benefit and a drag.
I tried unpacking--once. Forgot to check one drawer and wound up leaving behind a precious-to-me gift from an elderly friend who died soon after.
I don't stay in magnificent hotels or even average ones. Low-cost places don't search out, wrap up, and mail stuff.
Non-millionaires, be careful!
9
@MLChadwick Don't be so sure about that. I once left a camera in a pretty marginal motel along the road. I called them, they checked the room and they immediately mailed it to us. Honesty is not limited to expensive places.
8
I use ordinary space bags when I pack. You can get travel size ones, but ordinary small ones work just as well as long as they fit inside the duffle bag. I like duffle bags instead of suitcases. They are much lighter and can fit better in carry-on spaces in planes and trains. Space bags allow you to squeeze air from the bags so you can pack more. Duffle bags also allow you to squeeze air from them while zipping close. Space bags are see-through so the TSA agents don't have to rumbage through your stuff. The plastic keeps the contents dry. I often joke about shrink wrapping my clothes.
I don't pack anything I don't need once I get to my destination. Space bags also eliminate wrinkles. I carry one, if I can for dirty laundry and put soiled clothes in it. I often wash out clothes in the bathroom so they aren't so dirty in case I get stranded somewhere. And of course, the bags keep out bugs.
I also have a separate bag rack I pull the bag on. Plastic and light wire like hangers. Folds up on the plane.
2
I do not stay in hotels above three stars because, like cars, there's stuff I don't use but am expected to pay for...
Some hotels have a shortage of closet space, furniture and flat surfaces....and some places I'm only in for one night, BUT...
When I'm staying for a while, I find unpacking, even if space is limited is a real blessing, providing a new system to learn and generating the need for searches for stuff you're sure you brought but don't find right away!
Makes for a great stay!
1
I've never had an issue with bedbugs, but now y'all have got me worried. Travel cubes are the best, especially with duffel-bag luggage (socks don't disappear). In general, I don't unpack unless the stay is for the better part of a week. Of course, the laundry bag stays outside the luggage until it's time to go.
3
I travel light -- a carry-on suitcase and sometimes a briefcase or other small "personal item" (so characterized by the airlines) -- and rarely totally unpack. However, last summer I took a two-week cruise and upon boarding emptied my carry-on into a closet (which was far larger than I needed). I think that was my way of recognizing the luxury of visiting multiple destinations without changing rooms.
1
For a stay of three days or longer I typically unpack everything. Otherwise I somehow always end up with a jumbled mess in my suitcase.
Unfortunately the option to unpack seems to be quickly disappearing due to the increasing lack of drawers and shelving. I blame the advent of flat screen TVs. The old fashioned TVs needed a substantial cabinet which usually included built-in storage areas. The last three hotel stays in NYC had not a single drawer.
1
It depends, on the length of the trip and the size of the room. I use packing cubes, which certainly makes packing and unpacking a lot easier overall. If the trip is only one or two nights I don't unpack, except for toiletries. If the trip is longer, I hang items that wrinkle if a closet or rack is available, and leave everything else in the bag. I pack a large ziplock bag for items I wash in the sink that aren't yet dried when I have to leave the hotel, and a plastic bag for items that need to be washed. I use the luggage rack for my suitcase wherever one exists, or if there isn't one, I put it on top of a side table or desk.
Maybe I've just been lucky in the past 30 years, but I've never encountered bed bugs, even though I've stayed in every type of accommodation from a 30-bed dorm, to hostels, to higher-end hotels, to apartments (Airbnb or others). I've also never had anything stolen, but I always use the safe when one has been available, and my clothing isn't really desirable as it's not expensive. If there's no safe I take anything valuable, which isn't much, with me.
1
I unpack immediately, so my clothes—my suits—will start unwrinkling (I spray them with water too). It has nothing to do with feeling more at home (in Paris, I'm always at the same hotel). I just don't like to wear wrinkly suits. And yes, I wear suits on vacation. I have one small suitcase that will have with three or four of them in it.
4
I’m frequently on a tour where there are 1- or 2-night hotel stays. I reserve one packing cube for the next day’s outfit. When I get to the hotel, I unpack that, then replenish for the next day. Keeps me organized and stress-free.
I’ll add a corollary to the unpacking everything advice—when you unpack everything it’s much easier to repack everything when it’s time to go. I’m an airline pilot and spend about 200 nights a year on the road. When we travel for fun, my partner knows to give me space while I whirl around the room unpacking, plugging in cords, and reorganizing the room to my liking. When it’s time to go, I if I haven’t unpacked I end up running out of space much more quickly in my bags.
5
Belongings go in bathroom first. Then I lift the sheets and the mattress pad up and check for signs of bedbugs. Then I lift the mattress up (where applicable) and check the box spring. If no signs, I will bring belongings into room after leaving them a night (in case I wake up with bedbug bites) in the bathroom. Suitcase then stays on hard surface, like desk top or closet rack unless I'm at a resort for a week or more. NEVER discard clothes on floor or walk barefoot in room.
2
When I was much younger and on a tour I spent a lot time talking to an older gentleman who had a great deal of wisdom to offer on many subjects. I told him that I thought when we arrive at each destination it is more efficient not to unpack. His face and voice showed great dismay when I told him this and I sensed I had disappointed him. I have unpacked every single time I have travelled since then.
4
The art accompanying the article brought back memories. In 1929 my mother travelled to Europe with a trunk exactly like the one depicted. In later years, whenever I had a childhood illness such as measles, scarlet fever, etc., she would entertain me by getting out the trunk so I could spend my bored recuperation dressing up in its no-longer-fashionable contents.
No television in those days.
11
We pack the same amount of stuff whether we are on the road for 5 days or 50 days. The solution is packing cubes for clothes and gallon-size zip-lock freezer bags for everything else.
Steve
www.travelingprofessor.com
11
It is the people that don’t unpack once they get home that bear watching. They have so much stuff that it takes awhile before they miss the stuff in the cases. Surprisingly more people are in this group than you might think.
65
@Michael Blazin, guilty, sometimes, although I take care of the laundry bag right away. When I come back from a beach vacation in the winter, for instance, I sometimes end up leaving a partially emptied suitcase in the laundry room. I don’t need the sandals and bathing suits and shorts right away. Conversely, last year I traveled to a place that was still in the throes of late winter, and returned home to lovely, warm spring weather. All that cold weather stuff sat in the suitcase for a long time before I cleaned it out. BTW, this habit bugs my husband quite a lot.
7
@Michael Blazin
Even more worrisome are those who never repack their Christmas decorations...
6
Not sure if this is age or budget specific (millennial on a budget here) but I stay in places where by and large, you can't unpack all your clothes as there is no where to put them - even if it is only a carry-on. The last 4 cities I stayed in (Tokyo, Kyoto, NYC, London), the hotels have been aesthetically pleasing, new and clean but basic in furnishings and size. Usually there's like 2-5 hangers for your coats and 1 or 2 other pieces. And there were no dressers - just a work table that doubles as my vanity.
6
@Niche It's budget.
@Niche
There’s a new Hilton property line called Tru that’s that way too. Very youth friendly, with ping pong, TVs with seating, coffee, tea, snacks, etc downstairs in lobby. No coffee pots or microwaves in the room. No drawers, only hangers. Very clean, very sparse, fairly comfortable, but only a desk chair.
Efficient, but not this Late Boomer’s style.
I stay in hotels for work roughly 60+ days a year, and I always unpack. The first thing I do when I get to my room is I hang what needs to stay unwrinkled (some tops, jackets). As for the rest, I use packing cubes. One each for: tops, pants, socks, undergarments, sleepwear & cardigans. Most hotels have 3 drawers, which translates to the 2 cubes with undergarments and sleep wear in the top drawer (still in cubes). The middle drawer gets the tops and cardigan cubes. The bottom drawer = pants and sock cubes. It helps keep everything organized, and packing to leave a relatively quick exercise.
The only issue I've ever had with this process is assuming the hotel staff aren't rummaging through dresser drawers when I let them make up the room or bring more towels during longer stays. I was wrong to assume. During a 7 night stay at the Raleigh NC Downtown Residence Inn, hotel staff went through drawers and removed items. When I asked why this was necessary they said they were looking for "debris". Oddly, "debris" that had been on the floor since my arrival (just string) wasn't vacuumed and drink rings on the night stand were not cleaned, but they were going through drawers looking for "debris"? Anyway...
Regardless, I'm hooked on organizing my life during hotel stays, but will probably stay somewhere else next time I visit Raleigh.
With +75 nights in hotels last calendar year, I need a little creature comfort - even if I'm risking loss of privacy by nosey hotel staff.
1
Four or more days: unpack. It's more abundant and relaxing to see what one has rather than scrounge around every time you need something.
5
From a road warrior of almost 20 years, don't unpack anything you don't need to. It minimizes the chance of it being left behind. If you use it, put it back in your suitcase when you're finished.
6
A bit of nice advice here, but don’t make this appear like some big issue.
5
@B. Okay. They did not put it on the front page with an oversized headline.
3
I only unpack toiletries, no matter the length of stay as I inevitable leave something behind if I unpack. Husband, OTOH, always unpacks and has never left anything behind!
1
Never unpack because of bed bugs. Keep everything in the suitcase and keep it closed when not in use. This is a no-brainer.
17
On a week long ski trip packing cubes are great.
1
I hang my dress shirts and slacks in the closet. Everything else stays in the bag. I’m worried I’ll leave clothes in the drawers. Also, the dressers in most hotels aren’t that great, and I worry my clothes will pick up some strange dread disease, or bedbugs.
7
I use packing cubes and always unpack. It's about finding your clothes/items easily without tossing about and wrinkling the clothes that are still in your suitcase. But even more, I find the room gets messy if you're living out of your suitcase. It's this messiness that adds stress for me in a rented room far from home.
57
About the only traveling I do (aside from short trips to Tokyo), is my thrice-yearly visit to Honolulu--on business, unfortunately--usually for 5-6 nights. I always unpack. I've started using cubes, which I simply remove to drawers in the room, placing my toiletries and medicine bag in the bathroom. Takes me all of five minutes. And I use those vinyl compression storage bags for laundry. Haven't forgotten anything in 15 years and more than 50 trips. I used to have a neat Samsonite suitcase--more like a slightly canted, vertical box, a bit unwieldly--that came with its own shelves, and with that I didn't need to unpack at all. Unfortunately, they eventually discontinued the item.
5
I'm infrequent long term traveler but when we took a 10 day trip in October to see the peak color in New England, my wife and I carried a large suitcase for both of us and a smaller carry-on that we could live out of when staying only one night. Importantly, we stayed midway at a VRBO cabin with a washer/dryer for several days, allowing us to pack less than expected.
It works for us.
1
I travel twice/month for work, and go on about 3-4 vacations/year.
when I travel on vacation, I always only pack one suitcase and will completely unpack the suitcase and use the dresser/drawer in the hotel because I will use all of the clothes/items I have brought with me.
when I travel for work, I pack a suiter for my business attire, and a small suitcase for all other items. I always unpack the suiter and hang all items in the closet. I do not unpack the suitcase (other than my toiletry bag) because I have found that I only use about 20-25% of the items in it due to potentially very long work days. One might ask why don't I just pack the small suitcase very lightly, but I never know if I will need something, but also I might get caught over night in some city due to weather related travel issues (which usually happens between November through March).
1
I travel all over the world shooting documentaries which means I carry lots of specialized clothing and gear. Shelves-To-Go changed my life! They are a lightweight set of collapsable fabric shelves: hang then from the closet rod, load up your clothes on the three shelves, then drop the whole thing into your carryon or check bag. The three shelves accordian down into a dense layer that compresses and keeps flat, similar to a packing cube (which I also am a power user). At your hotel, lift the shelves out of your bag and hang bug-free on the closet rod! The shelves are great for keeping things organized during your stay and when it’s time to go you drop them back into the bag. One motion, no repacking, 15second in or out! Life changing!
10
I am heartened to see this critical issue finally get the attention it deserves.
11
@margaret_h You did not have to read it.
4
I usually travel with a girlfriend who immediately unpacks. I’m happy to live out of my suitcase but sometimes I am shamed into unpacking. What is shocking these days is the lack of shelves or drawers in some European boutique hotels. Stayed at one in Dublin where there were no shelves, a tiny spot to hang things and not even a luggage rack for the suitcase. And when I asked for a luggage rack, the lobby sent up a luggage cart. There was, however, a full size ironing board which was promptly converted into a waist high shelf.
6
I only unpack shirts and slacks to hang in a closet. This helps the wrinkle situation even though I always pack my terrific small steamer that makes clothing look pressed after just a minute of wanding with it per garment. All other items like socks and sweatpants stay in the suitcase. Drawers, even in the best hotels, can be dicey when it comes to hygiene and are best avoided. Dirty clothes are placed in a fresh hotel laundry bag and then the bag is just put in the suitcase for the trip home.
5
It seems absurd that the writer consistently maintained the conceit of a strictly dualist option, as if a person is absolutely in the 'pack' or 'unpack' category?
What about, "It depends"? My answer to 'pack or unpack' changes from trip to trip, determined by space (am I staying someplace that actually has *room* for my clothes etc stored in drawers/on shelves, *and* an empty suitcase?) and time (is my stay actually going to be long enough to justify the time spent unpacking and repacking?).
Ideally, unpack is preferable for all the reasons outlined in the article. But if the answer to either of the questions I mentioned is "no," then it makes more sense not to.
3
Lol. My husband unpacks the instant we get some place - and while I’m perfectly happy to live out of a suitcase for a few days, I’ve learned that if I don’t pull out my toiletries at once and claim counter space in the bathroom, then there won’t be any by the time I go to put my things out by the sink!
Clearly there’s definitely a territorial element to unpacking, even if the unpacker doesn’t quite realize that’s what they’re doing. I guess there are some benefits to it, and as long as they don’t outweigh the costs of having to repack, I do find myself sometimes pulling my mesh bags of various separately packed clothing items out of my suitcase and tossing them into drawers - but I wouldn’t take everything out of the bags, that would make repacking too excruciatingly painful!
I unpack, except in the rare case my hotel room has inadequate drawer and closet space.
Rare, because I select only those items I absolutely need, and then ditch 10% of them before packing.
I travelled a great deal for work. My rule of thumb was/is that I don’t unpack for a one night stay. Otherwise, I empty the suitcase and make myself at home!
Not only do I never unpack, for 3 days or 3 months, but I might start living out of my Eagle Creek Pack It cubes at home. Plus, one becomes the perfect roommate, allowing the other guy to have all the drawers and hangers.
2
The real trick is to not pack more than you need. I am an unpacker for sure. Otherwise I burrow through my suitcase, reversing any attempt to stay organize. I am a big fan of putting packing cubes in drawers. If things spill out you can just scoop them back into the cubes, zip and go. When traveling to multiple places over a long period, take the time to reorganize your cubes at some point in between destinations. This allows you to separate your dirty laundry and items that you won't be re-wearing for the remainder of the journey.
Bedbugs!
That's why to avoid unpacking in a hotel. And if possible, never let your suitcase touch the carpet.
My exterminator's bedbug expert also recommends leaving your suitcase in the hotel bathroom (hard to do) and upon arriving home, leaving the suitcase in your garage.
112
Unpack or do not, fly less, it's destroying the planet.
7
I lay out my clothes before leaving and then edit. I fold each piece as few times as possible and stack with outfits together. Last day clothes go in bag first and so on. They are layered like lasagna. Shoes in shoe bags tucked in side of bag undies, socks, toiletries in corners. Voila! You can definitely get more in a bag this way. If I need something lower down the stack a quick couple of tugs (like the tablecloth/dishes trick) brings it out. With minimal or no wrinkles. I especially love white Foxcroft never iron shirts for a quick to-go look. The only time I unpack is for a cruise.
4
Fold your clothes small and tight. Pack them upright with just the edges showing, one layer, nothing on top of anything else.
4
I hang up the items that I don't want wrinkled.
I keep enough air between the clothes and closet walls, so a bug can't access them.
The rest stays in my "lockable" suitcase.
I’m definitely NOT an unpacker. I worry that I will forget something in a drawer or closet. However, I do find that I repack or organize my belongings along with the items purchased during my trip.
So I keep it in the luggage, but will repack before I leave. Extra work? Maybe, but I like knowing what is where and that I’m leaving with what I came with, or more. Everything in its place!
1
Unpack. If you've packed well and efficiently in the first place it will be easy to repack in no time. It also provides a sense of arrival and comfort to have your things organized in your hotel room for much easier access and consideration of things like weather and temperature. Not to mention that things like dress shirts, slacks and dinner jackets cannot remain packed in a suitcase without looking awful as a result.
4
I pack using the Marie Kondo clothes folding method. I can see every item at once, and I can pull out individual items without moving anything else. Plus, no wrinkles! I used to tightly roll everything into my bag, but the KonMari method has been a game changer for me. No unpacking necessary!
2
I mostly unpack my toiletries, medications and cosmetics and leave most everything else in my suitcase. On business trips, I did hang up suits/shirts to avoid having to iron.
I worry about leaving items behind or having to bother with extensive repacking. If you are only staying for a night or two, unpacking is too much trouble.
1
Upon arrival in room, perch suitcase on luggage stand. I only use suitcases that have the hanging bag style storage on the lid side. Immediately hang up items and unload toiletries to bathroom. This leaves my suitcase to function like a drawer w mostly workout gear, pajamas and socks.
Assess wrinkle situation. If it seems manageable, I pull out the iron, and after uniting the shipyard knot left by the housekeeper, I I use it as a steamer on items in the closet. For a more intense situation, I hang clothing on shower rod, crank shower on hot and close door for 10-15 minutes. Since the rooms are generally dry and rarely regulated to the temperature I want, I like to plug the tub to catch the hot water so the steam lasts longer and the room gets humidity when I leaving the door open at the end of this process.
When the bathroom steam fogging is complete, I use a towel to cover one side of vanity and unpack toiletries and makeup. Preferably there is a choice of sides so that the stuff isn’t under the outlet to be used for blow dryer or curling tools. A major pet peeve is when the cord from hair appliances knocks over toiletry arrangement. And speaking of— after one FINDS the hairdryer, there is generally an even tougher knot on the cord than the iron had.
I also keep the privacy sign on my door for the entire stay. I’m not worried about theft, but I am creeped out when during the cleaning process, the toiletries have been moved and PJs folded.
4
I made my decision when I was a Lonely Planet traveler, in my 20s. I was worried about thieves being able to grab my pack and take off with all my belongings. I would take out a lot of stuff, put the cheap things readily viewable, and keepmore valuable things (like I had any, in my 20s) hidden away. Nothing of importance stayed in the backpack. To this day, upon entering a hotel room, I "unpack" - though I stay in nicer places then during those Lonely Planet 20s.
I don't think I've ever used a draw for a long or short trip. I organise my bag in such a way that I know exactly where everything is, so I don't feel the need to unpack to be organised, but it also reduces the likelihood that I'll leave something behind, or bring back an unexpected guest; it's not only bed bugs, I've found spiders in my luggage in the past. I will hang those clothes that need to be hung, but everything else just stays in the suitcase, which is always locked if I'm out for the day, and always elevated on the luggage rack.
before I decide to unpack or not i have a test. My smell test. if the room is damp or has a noticable scent I'll keep my clothes pack. If not, I'll unpack. Regardless of length if time (unless it's an overnight stay) I'm unpacking. When I go on vacation, I check in do my test and then unpack, eventually, using my suitcase as my dirty clothes bag by repacking clothes as I wear them. I also pack a 3oz bottle of detergent to re-wash clothes if I'm making a trip with multiple stops.
1
Other than toiletries and electronics, I don't unpack but keep the suitcase on the bed, next to me. Nothing gets lost, and I can sleep better next to my suitcase partner, as my real partner is at home.
I also use the "do not disturb" sign on door for no maid service, given this unorthodox packing mode for a short stay for business.
Nothing can get lost because it is all on the bed.
Weird, huh?
2
What about steamer trunks, the original portable closet?
1
Whose drawers have been in those drawers?
Not a fan of unpacking into the drawers because of, who knows what's been in them? Or lurks within? Bed bugs? Other critters?
Many advise to NOT buy used furniture for the same reason.
I don't hang up things in the closets for the same reason.
2
There is a middle ground. Suits (yes, some of us still wear them from time to time) and dress shirts/slacks get hung in the closet. Workout clothes, socks, underwear, etc stay in the suitcase which I place on a luggage rack.
4
Whether the trip is 2 days or 2 months I always never, ever, check my bag at the airport - I always carry-on my wheelie bag and my backpack (with work stuff). At hotels I never unpack, except toiletries which I leave by the sink.
I have a standard routine, for a one one week and longer (which could be 6 weeks):
2 pants / 6 shirts / 6 underpants / 6 undershirts / 6 socks / 2 ties / 1 merino wool sweater (if traveling to cold climates - merino is lightweight, very warm and packs small) / 1 swim trunks / 2 handkerchiefs / 1 squash-able ski jacket / shoes
On the plane I wear the ski jacket, jacket, pants, and one extra shirt, socks, undershirt and underpants (making for a total of one weeks-worth of clothing). I've discovered that within a block or two of any hotel anywhere in the world you can find a laundry, just ask the front desk (or very occasionally if there is no local laundry, I ask the room maid to privately wash my things, and I pay and tip well)
Dirty clothes are always rolled up into the hotel provided plastic bag.
Years ago (prior to my millions of miles and working in 42 countries) I'd unpack and always managed to leave something in the hotel.
Happy trails to all, and success in 2020
5
I do both depending on a number of factors:
a. Length of trip - if I'm there only for overnight or a few days, it doesn't make sense to unpack
b. Purpose of trip - for a business trip, I need to hang up my clothes to keep them unwrinkled/ clean
c. The room itself - does it have adequate/ functional space or is my luggage better organized/ useful
d. How tired I am
3
I worked for the state for 8 years and traveled extensively. The consensus was..don't unpack. I didn't. Sure enough, one night a lightening strike hit the motel's neon sign and a fire broke out.
A customer banged on all the doors and yelled: "Get up! Get Out! There's a fire!"
I threw on my coat over my pjs, slammed my suitcase closed, and exited.
We all stood around watching the fire fighters, then management moved us to another part of the motel. I was the only one with all my stuff.
95
@Carol Yes. After finding out twice what a fire alarm sounds like in Taiwan (a woman shouting the same incomprehensible-to-me message in an urgent tone over and over) I now keep my money, passport, flashlight & shoes handy even if I my clothes, etc are unpacked.
6
I think this really comes down to how much stuff you're packing. I try to pack extremely light, so by the time I've changed into PJs, gone to bed, had a shower, got dressed, and got my gear ready for the day my suitcase is already 90% unpacked. I never consciously stop and "unpack" but my suitcase always ends up empty anyway.
I never unpack in a hotel. My business trips tend to be for no more than a week so my process is to take out my clothes in the morning and hang them up while I get ready. Then I will iron items if necessary. Toiletries and all other personal items are kept in packing bags and taken out and returned to the suitcase once used. Dirty clothes are stored in separate bags.
Lastly, all suitcases are locked before I leave the hotel room.
I find this process makes checking out on the last morning less stressful.
I traveled for business and pleasure probably 200 days out of 356 most years for the better part of five decades, staying in places as elegant as the Cipriani and as lowly as a rented wooden bunk in a shed in the Andes. I never unpacked (except for hanging business or evening clothes in hotel closets). Read the bedbug report for NYC hotels you thought were clean and you’ll know why. (I’m surprised the issue wasn’t addressed in the article: never leave an open suitcase on the floor.)
My mother unknowingly taught me the wisdom of rolling my clothes rather than folding them when she sent me a dress halfway across the planet in a stationery box. The unwrinkled dress popped out of the box when I opened it. Decades later I learned the best packing tip from a friend with OCD: Ziplock bags for dirty clothes. I suppose an unused cube could serve the same purpose.
Because I always overpack instead of underpack, I never have to unpack because I keep wearing what I arrived for as long as I can before I have to leave again. As long as it's clean.
1
Unless it’s an overnight trip, I always unpack. Clothes stay and fresh and wrinkle free that way.
1
I don't travel much, but as a card carrying member of the Felix Unger Club, my ideal environment is a nice hotel room void of all the paraphernalia they scatter around.
If I'm going to be there for more than a night, I unpack, put all the paraphernalia in a drawer, hide the clock and the phone and enjoy the pristine serenity of it all.
via Blackberry
1
Unpack, hang up shirts, pants and outerwear, place underwear and socks in drawers. Repack when leaving. It doesn't take that long and (I think) keeps clothing fresh and relatively wrinkle free.
1
If you bring home bedbugs once, you’ll never unpack again.
5
Even better: Stay with your European in-laws (and/or at their country house) every summer and leave your basic wardrobe there. Fly with whatever fits in a carry-on.
2
If I am somewhere for more than one night I unpack. I use the lodging’s top dresser drawer for my workout wear - shoes, swimsuits, athletic wear. I use the bottom drawer for pants, shorts and the middle drawer for tops. Anything dressy gets hung up in the closet.
Bur if I am only staying overnight I just take out my toothbrush and nightgown. The next day I wear outside what I walked in on earlier that day.
I want to add a few thoughts semi-related to your Unpack/ Not Unpack article. (They really apply to packing techniques in general.)
Waterproof Packing Bags...
An oft overlooked benefit to using individual waterproof bags as part of one’s “kit” is illustrated by this simple anecdote:
We’re waiting at JFK to get on a flight to Paris... Notified of six hour delay... Our flight’s luggage is already on the kind of those little trailers used to get the luggage from the terminal to the plane’s cargo bay. It sits on the tarmac for hours in the rain. We finally get to Paris, and I discover that a red sweater had gotten wet enough to bleed through to a lot of the rest of the suitcase’s contents. I was not happy.
So ever since then I’ve used mostly waterproof (or close to it) clothing containers to pack. It’s now an I breakable habit.
(The other great thing is that you can know that all your pants are in one container, and maybe all of your socks are in another, for example. Very helpful.)
Lastly....
One other strong recommendation I have is something which made my TSA inspector say, somewhat emphatically, “Fantastic. Everyone should do this. Great!” — He had encountered my TWO laser printed letter-sized multicolored notes placed strategically within my luggage that said who the luggage belonged to — me, my Cell #, and my email address. Simple. If/when your luggage goes missing, this practice may make a critical difference in getting it back.
Happy Travels.
14
As I age, I find that some hotel rooms do not have enough lighting. I prefer to unpack everything so that I can see all my stuff and hang up my clothes to air out and lose some wrinkles.
26
Hanging travel shelves, that's the answer.
Packing cubes. Life changing.
1
Leave clothes folded between paper grocery bags and stuff the dirty clothes in a small trash bag in the separate compartment like a normal human being. What kind of sick person puts their clothes in a hotel drawer? It’s bad enough we have to ask for fresh sheets after the ultraviolet flashlight reveals the semen all over the pillow cases. Everything dirty happens in hotel rooms. The least our clothes have to touch the room the better.
1
I’m a partial unpacker. I hang everything possible and leave the rest in my travel bag.
I take an inordinate amount of pride in packing efficiently. One suitcase, 22-inch tops, for everything, for a two-, three- or even four-week trip. And I like to dress elegantly -- no T-shirts and jeans for me, ever. And no tennis shoes or sneakers -- ugh, the horror.
I'm sorry I didn't know about Solgaard before, or I would've bought one of their bags to support them. The company's mission is noble, and the Carry-On Closet looks pretty good.
Other than that, I unpack everything at my destination and put it neatly in drawers, closets, etc. (Hubby, on the other hand, just kind of dumps everything where he will, taking up space everywhere. Yes, this is a bone of contention -- ha ha!)
1
I'm a hybrid. Things that need to be hung (party attire, business clothes) get hung. Casual wear like slacks and shirts and socks and underwear, remain in the suitcase.
1
I always unpack if I stay longer than one night. I hang pieces in the closet, put undergarments in the drawers ... it makes me feel civilized and at home.
1
After reading this article and the comments, I have decided to be an unpacker.
1
Sure, go ahead and unpack. Place your belongings in drawers and closets. You’ll probably leave something behind. But, you’ll be more likely to take something home with you. Bedbugs.
Even from “ nice “ places.
Seriously.
4
I never unpack and also travel with a Bedsack - just in case. People are pigs and it is unlikely that the dressers they have used are disinfected - or even cleaned. Plus, bedbugs love drawer crevasses.
1
I sometimes hang up a few of my belongings in the closet, such as coats, sweaters, and pants for the next day. However, the thought of unpacking my clothes and putting them in drawers creeps me out. I unsure whether the drawer insides are wiped out or disinfected, and I'm pretty sure that people put all sorts of things in those drawers, including dirty shoes, dirty clothes, and trash. I wouldn't want my clean clothes to be contaminated with germs and dirt. I also use packing cubes (as another commented mentioned) which helps keeps my clothes organized, sorted, and neat in my luggage.
When I travel now, no matter how far and how long, I limit myself to 20 pounds, and only remove what needs to un-wrinkle. When I was young I had a collection of old fashion steamer trunks, the type used for ocean travel up to the first half of the last century. They were closets in and of themselves and I used them for furniture. They stood on end and when opened had drawers and clothes hangers. They were things of beauty and weight a tonne. Few of our current travel artifacts will be remembered as collectable things of beauty.
1
I wish I had that conundrum, but I work 10 hour days, at minimum wage. I don’ t even have a suitcase to pack or unpack. Have a glorious time!
1
depends on the length of the trip...The End
As others here have already endorsed: Eagle Creek packing cubes - they rock! They are the perfect way to pack and half-way unpack.
To unpack or not. That is the question. I’ve found the plastic travel bags that you can roll all the air out of and seal like zip lock bags are the key for travel for me. You can take more than you think you need with you which can be very helpful, and you can organize each bag to hold a separate type of clothing. I keep my lingerie, nightgowns and that type of item in one bag that I never unpack. The bag stays in a drawer and I take out what I need as I need it. It’s terrific. Then I have a bag for tops and another bag for pants. I will hang up tops that require it but pants stay in their bag and are unpacked when needed. The bags are very easy on clothes and keep wrinkles at a bare minimum. Shoes travel separately in my carry on which is small and can go under my seat or in the overhead. I know packing is a very personal habitual ritual but this happily works for me and is easy. I’m all for easy!
I travel about six months a year for fun or family. Packing cubes simplify my life. Less worry about losing or misplacing stuff. Keeps it all organized. No worry about dirty dresser drawers.
Hanging toiletry bag by Baggallini for everyday stuff. Less used or medical stuff goes into a cube.
If I could only pare down the amount of shoes I bring life would be good.
1
But bedbugs.
I never unpack because keeping your bag closed is the only way to make sure you don’t bring home an infestation.
1
Frequent traveler here -- the key is the length of the stay. For a road trip with one or two-night hops, do not unpack. For two or three nights or more, do unpack. For a cruise, you must unpack because there is not enough room for luggage rummaging.
@janetintexas But, is there enough room for the suitcase after you've emptied it?
It all comes down to how long I will be in one place. If 3 days or less, I don't unpack. Longer than that and I unpack. I have also learned how to really really pack light with one small carry-on bag (that will fit on European airlines that have smaller luggage dimensions). Everything mixes and matches, everything layers, everything easy to wash and dry.
52
After years I joined the ranks of unpackers. Inevitably there is always something at the bottom. Burrowing through messes up everything else. There’s no psychology to it. I never heard of packing cubes and no packing method would ever be so important as to be life changing. (There are hybrid approaches not addressed in the article.)
Great and helpful article, Lauren!
Many commenters mention bed bugs and I'm wondering if there is less concern in air airbnb situations than hotels?
In recent years my husband and I have traveled in Nicaragua and and Mexico with no bug encounters in either hotels or airbnb lodging. I was gravely concerned about it but lightened up when it appeared to be safe and clean wherever we went and so would regularly unpack to get things on hangers. But it only takes once and even if I am attentive to the potential, my husband uses the floor method to unpack and would pick up and bring home the problem even I am careful.
So, does anybody know how much the bed bug issue should preoccupy me these days? We're returning to Mexico for the month of February. All vetted airbnb lodging in three cities.
1
If I go traveling, its minimalist and I don't take much to begin with. Like the time I hiked from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Its a 72 mile hike and took me a week. I took my bookpack, a Mexican blanket, a 5x7 tarp, my cookset/stove, some food, and some herb. I made shelter at night wherever I ended up.
Or the bike trek across the same mountain range and back. I had my bike so I splurged and took a tent/sleeping bag.
But I don't take trips that require a nice suit for a fancy restaurant or some decent clothes for a museum. I haven't been on a plane since 1991. If I want to go somewhere, its gonna be on foot, bike, or paddle. Global warming, you know:)
2
I do not unpack.it seems like a futile think to do, and it increases my fear that I might leave something behind.
1
I used to unpack but now don’t. Had some items disappear a few years ago ( not expensive but a bag and jewelry I liked). Now the suitcase is on the luggage rack and when I leave the room, I lock the bag.
53
For the first time in my life, I unpacked on a recent month long holiday. Also for the first time in my life, there was bed bug infestation where I was staying. In hindsight, I would have been much better off leaving my bags and clothes in the living room than unpacking my clothes into the infested bedroom.
I definitely won't be unpacking again.
1
Where to are we unpacking? Something hung in a closet to un-wrinkle for a day or two? Or, a total suitcase into a drawer that has seen what before it and how often? At the very least, into a cheap particle board drawer emitting formaldehyde no matter how high-brow the place. At the most, a drawer that holds all kinds of detergent smells, cigarette smoke, aftershave etc. You may not notice because you have nose-blindness from the hotel smells that bombarded your nose on entry into the room. Again, no matter how high-brow. My suitcase goes on a hard surface. Then I cherry pick and possibly lay out an outfit or two directly over my open suitcase. I usually, though, have a satellite tote with pjs and toiletries so my suitcase can stay closed. This could be for a single nights stay or several nights in a row in different hotels.
This so struck a chord with me! It's a running joke between my husband and I. I pack in an organized manner, then use my suitcase as a big 'dresser drawer,' only unpacking toiletries and gadgets. This seems logical, efficient... and minimizes the chance I'll leave something behind. My husband, on the other hand, unpacks everything into the drawers and closet. Doesn't matter if it's a few weeks overseas, or just a weekend visiting the kids. This seems crazy to me, but now that I've read that it's a way for some to feel 'in control of their environment,' it makes perfect sense! : )
3
Just spent several months traveling non-stop both internationally and in the U.S. and living out of one carry-on size suitcase. Didn’t unpack except when we were in one place for a whole month. Just took out what I needed each day.
Packing cubes are a must. This time I got the compression type which significantly increased amount of clothes I could fit in one suitcase—a must for longer or varied travels. They are like portable drawers and make it easy to find what you need. Also easy to pack up quickly—they fit together like puzzle pieces in my bag and I couldn’t have failed to notice if I didn’t put one in.
Didn’t lose a single item despite staying about 40 different places over several months and often having to pack quickly to move on to our next destination.
38
I am a minimalist and love the compression packing cubes by Eagle Creek. They are expensive but very well-constructed. They make packing a breeze, keep clothing from getting wrinkled, and zip down to a very slim profile. I can easily fit several into my carry-on. Then I simply unzip them upon arrival to serve as little drawers within my suitcase, keeping everything neat and easy to find.
I never unpack, but I do have a ritual of putting everything away each morning as I don't enjoy having clothing and toiletries strewn about. Happy travels to all in 2020!
30
@Sam R I love Eagle Creek products but they are pricey. For the several months of travel I described in my other comment, I bought Gonex compression packing cubes instead as they were much cheaper and they worked great despite heavy non-stop use (including being zipped and unzipped a lot). Gonex also makes excellent lightweight daypacks and small backpacks, which I also used heavily on recent travels. Even overpacked, they held up beautifully and still look nearly new. I'm now a Gonex convert.
3
Seems to me the deciding factor is the length of stay. If it’s only a day or two, I never unpack. If I’m spending a week, I always unpack.
98
Packing or unpacking is a matter of personal preference, but two axiomatic truths about travel are:
1. Packing cubes really work. I know, I was skeptical as well until I started using them. But they compress and organize everything much better than just folding and packing.
2. The more travel experience you have, the less you pack.
Rick Steves readers will recognize these as his philosophies, but IME they are absolutely true.
44
This is why cruises are so great: Unpack once after boarding the ship, re-pack once just prior to leaving the vessel at the end of the cruise.
I know, there are lots of destinations that even the smallest ships can't reach, but the convenience of a floating hotel (cruise ship) cannot be denied, especially in destinations where drinking water may pose health hazards and dining choices may be limited, of poor quality or just plain unsanitary.
True, I don't drink the water that comes from the faucets on cruise ships, but the ships provide endless amounts of bottled water, even enough to take on all those shore excursions.
15
@Mon Ray I love the idea of cruising and have done it before but no more. Too many environmental and labor issues to contend with.
9
@Mon Ray They also emit ungodly amounts of greenhouse gases and waste.
13
@Mon Ray
And those endless supply of water bottles are not great for the environment. Cruises should have filtered water cooling stations and pack a portable water bottle.
18
I don't travel much any more, but I did, extensively, for many years -- both for business and pleasure. For any stay more than a couple of days, I not only unpacked, but went immediately to a flower mart of one kind or another and bought flowers for my room. Often, I took home the vases,essentially as mementos of my trip. In any case, it was always lovely to return to a flower-decked room after a day or conferences or tourist exploration.
49
I'm an unpacker. As mentioned in the article, it make me feel more at home. But, I have a routine for unpacking.
Variables in terms of how much I pack aren't always in terms of number of days. It's also about travel reason. For example, at a conference, I need work attire, workout attire, and sometimes casual attire for get togethers in the the evenings. I also need my work laptop and some office supplies. Three days at a conference can mean more packing than two weeks on vacation.
I always put hanging items in the closet, toiletries gathered in one spot in the bathroom, electronics on the desk safe and/or nightstand. If I've packed light, I unpack into the topmost drawer of the dresser only. If I need more room, I work my way down from there. I never put anything in the nightstand drawers. I don't, e.g., put my glasses near the coffee maker. Those go on my nightstand or desk.
The night before I check out, I pack everything other than what I need for the next day. Repacking is quick and easy for me if I've minimized the number of places where I put things and it's always the same places. I still check everywhere before I check out, but now that I have a routine, that's very fast since I'm unlikely to find more things that need to be packed.
40
I'm a reformed unpacker -- I used to just let everything pile up in and around my suitcase, but there is something really soothing about putting it all away neatly. I also find that it makes packing back up to go home quicker and easier.
7
I never unpack, whereas my partner always wants to.
For me, it’s partly that I pack almost nothing (usually one change of clothes), preferring to have clothes washed daily. Also, the fear of bedbugs or weird goo lurking in strange drawers and cabinets is too great.
Pack light and keep the luggage on a luggage stand.
65
@Bob Lob My sentiments exactly.
2
I had avoided packing cubes because I didn't want to add even a fraction of an ounce to luggage, especially now that exceeding the weight limit has become punitively expensive. But for a big trip several years ago involving stays of one or two nights in many places, I bought a set of the lightest-weight ones I could find in a bright green that I knew would pop out from my suitcase and hotel dresser drawers (NOT BLACK).
When I unpacked (for stays of two nights or more), the size and shape of the cubes (not all of which are cubes) told me immediately where to find my belongings in a drawer or on a surface and helped to make sure I left nothing behind. When I didn't unpack, for one-night stays, the cubes served the same purpose inside the suitcase. A small square one kept chargers and other small items together. Another small one held costume jewelry. A larger rectangular one held socks; another rectangle held underwear. Large objects such as shirts and pants went into the suitcase on their own.
For a recent trip involving one hotel stay and one stay at a friend's house, for four nights each, I unpacked, but hadn't used the cubes. I should have, because of the organizational benefits they provide. And they make unpacking and repacking a breeze.
Despite their light weight, the sides of my cube set stand up by themselves. That expedites packing.
The tops are mesh, so you can see what's in there without opening them.
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@GreaterMetropolitanArea
After forgetting to repack some absolutely necessary, hard to replace items ( bras!~) on one trip, I started using bright orange packing envelopes at least for stuff I might overlook.
I tried compression bags, but they were too heavy, and probably encouraged bringing extra stuff.
@GreaterMetropolitanArea Thanks for saying "NOT BLACK!" This is my mantra when I buy things like wallets, makeup bags, cellphone, camera . . . anything that goes in my purse -- I want to see it immediately when I look. Same for traveling: curling iron bag, umbrella, hanging dopp kit, any kind of packing bag. I want to know immediately whether the item is there or not. And I well remember when something slipped out of my suitcase and rolled under the airplane seat. . . impossible to see.
6
I have always been a dedicated unpacker-of-suitcases when traveling, mostly because of what a short time it takes for a suitcase to become a wrinkled black hole as soon as you pull out that one item from the very bottom. But just last weekend, in NYC for a family event, I realized after getting home that I had left two drawers of clothing behind at the hotel (I always ALWAYS check every drawer before leaving a hotel; I don’t know what came over me this time). I was in touch with the hotel 12 hours after checking out, and then constantly for the next three days, before they told me nothing was found/turned in. Will probably be living out of the suitcase in the future while traveling.
22
Unless I get to a my lodging late at night and leave early in the morning, I always unpack. It makes me feel as if my motel/hotel room is my home and not just an uncomfortable hotel/motel room.
9
I often don't unpack because ... bedbugs. Unless my stay is extended, I prefer to work out of the suitcase, safely elevated on a luggage rack.
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@Ginger. Agree. I only unpack when I am familiar with my lodgings - staying with family or at an Airbnb that I've been going to for years (and the owners are friends of my family). Otherwise, it all stays in my suitcase.
4
Half unpacker here. I use packing cubes for undergarments, socks, swimwear and accessories so my suitcase “drawer,” resting off the floor on the hotel luggage rack, stays fairly neat. If there’s no luggage rack the suitcase goes in the bathroom. I hang up anything that would be hung up at home. Toiletries and nightclothes are put in the bathroom. I avoid hotel dresser drawers on the assumption that they aren’t clean and could harbor bedbugs. My husband always immediately empties his suitcase, and uses the dresser drawers; he also travels more often and for longer periods than I do.
5
@Ginger - I now don't fulling unpack because of a bedbug situation at an Airbnb in Paris. Always keep the suitcase off the floor on a rack, and limit what gets moved onto the bed, floor, etc. I hang what I can. I'm skeptical of drawers now too!
2
Definitely depends on length of stay for me. I use packing cubes, it is more about hiding the suitcase and feeling located and settled when staying for longer than two or three days. Overnight, or weekend, I’ll live out of the suitcase. But the real secret? Taking a lot less than I would ever have imagined possible before I started lightweight packing into a small carry-on, regardless of the length of trip unless a long (weeks long) one-stop affair. Little stuff = liberation.
16
It's not an either or (I speak as someone who has travelled over 3 million miles and the five years on the road). It works like this:
-- 1-2 nights: Always unpack the hanging stuff (shirts, dress pants, blazer, coats), toiletries, shoes. Everything else stays in the bag.
-- 3 or more nights: Unpack! Easier access overall.
-- Exception: Some hotels (boutique and large chain) lack any drawers or even shelves, so unpacking not an option other than hanging stuff.
24
I used to unpack whether my stay was a day or a week of days. Had to make sure to check every drawer and closet upon check-out however, lest I leave something behind. I left a faux fur hat at the Waldorf Astoria, in 1999, that I still miss. It fit my oversized head perfectly.
Now, however, with the resurgence of bedbugs, I don't unpack anything, save for my toiletries which I leave on the bathroom counter in a sealed bag. I keep my case off the floor and store laundry in a plastic bag, in the suitcase.
Can't risk something undesirable hitching a ride home with me.
56
I do not unpack clothing and shoes in a hotel and I place my suitcase on the foldable luggage stand. If I am in a cruise ship cabin where there is no room for a luggage stand, I unpack and store my empty suitcase in the closet.
I wish hotels had shelves in the bathroom, as cruise ships do, to store toiletries so the countertop remains free and uncluttered. I find myself packing and unpacking toiletries daily when in hotels so the counter can be cleaned. I bring everything with me "just in case" so the bathroom can be kinda crazy.
10
@Lynn in DC The solution to bathroom counter space dilemma: put the "Do Not Disturb" tag on your door most days. Who needs fresh towels and sheets every day? Who is incapable of spreading up the bed and hanging towels for themselves? How dirty can a bathroom get with just one or two adults using it twice a day? Not only does forgoing daily cleaning reduce energy and water consumption (the least we can do for the planet after burning all that jet fuel) but it means when you get back to your room everything is still where you left it.
7
@Lynn in DC
I also travel with a merino sleep sack because I don't like the feel of strange sheets and still recall the details of hotel housekeeping (or lack thereof) from the Mike Tyson trial.
1
I unpack what I’ll need at the current stop: everyday toiletries, socks, underwear, shirts, etc., and leave the rest in the suitcase. Used clothes go in a pillowcase to stay separate from clean ones, and to make a trip to the laundry (or to make a package for the hotel service) easier.
4
I don't unpack for two reasons: 1. the awful air freshener smells of hotels and/or musty drawer smells stays with your clothes, 2. less likely to forget something if I keep it all together.
24
@Yertle What is up with that putrid room freshener? I started noticing it about 2 years ago and at first I started asking for a different room, but it is ubiquitous now! So gross!
2
Over the years I have had several encounters with bed bugs in hotels, the first of which was not only physically painful but cost me thousands of dollars and months of anxiety back home. Therefore I would not ever again EVEN THINK of unpacking while on the road. Everything stays in a closed suitcase, which gets moved to the bathroom at night.
105
Stay packed or unpack for me depends on the room. I feel that my stuff is more susceptible to an "infestation" (germs, bugs, ...) if unpacked.
If the place is nice (sometimes one is surprised) then unpacking gives clothing a chance to air out and thereby be more conveniently (and unappologetically) reusable.
4
More than two nights, if there is a closet and/or drawers, I am definitely unpacking. I want to be comfortable and have it be easy to find my things.
4
I was hoping for the bedbugs issue to be addressed. Same with the concern of the cleaning crew lifting some clothing. And the issue of leaving something behind.
So, I am a "keep it in the suitcase" person.
58
No unpacking for less than two nights at a place, or if room not really clean. To make yourself at home, concentrate on the night table...
3
Regardless of whether you unpack or not, be sure to not keep your suitcase or any of your clothes on the floor. Makes it too easy for bedbugs to get into your luggage and move with you. Put suitcase on luggage rack or in the bathroom.
50
I do not want to bring home any uninvited house guests. So never mind unpacking. My suitcase stays in the hotel bathroom, closed except for when I need to remove something, at least overnight, which gives me some time to figure out whether there are any bed bugs or other creatures in the room.
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@Anonymous Good point!
And then there is the problem of hotel staff stealing, especially charging cables. I used to unpack but now just keep everything locked up when I am not in my room.
6
@Ellen Hotels generally have scads of cables left behind by guests. Hard to imagine anyone working in a hotel taking charging cables!
15
If I don’t unpack I end up making a mess in my suitcase getting items out. Better to just unpack everything at first and put it away neatly. Less wrinkles and your items are easier to find.
21
Never unpack.
Leave your duffle or suitcase on a hard surface.
At the end of the day, fold items you can wear again, put what you cannot into a laundry bag, and stuff both back in suitcase.
Much better in terms of bedbugs -- or a quick getaway when the proprietor begins to resemble Tony Perkins.
124
I always unpack and hang up my clothing. It freshens the fabric. I take out my spare pair of shoes, to air out. I leave underthings and socks in the suitcase. If I have an early morning flight, I pack everything up the night before, even if that means that my clothing has aired for less than a day. This all takes just a handful of minutes, and I hate musty clothing (also hate sitting next to a traveler wearing musty clothing).
I never put my clothing in hotel drawers. They don’t get cleaned thoroughly.
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