5 Surprising Ways Plastic Wrap Can Help You Pack a Suitcase
The next time you’re packing for a trip, pull out the essentials: your travel toiletry bottles, your favorite jeans, and your plastic wrap. Odd as it may seem, it turns out plastic wrap is incredibly helpful beyond the kitchen. Specifically, it can help keep your suitcase organized and damage-free. From preventing messes to protecting your suitcase, here are five smart ways you should use plastic wrap when you pack.
1. Keep jewelry untangled.
If you’re packing a bunch of necklaces or bracelets, you need a roll of Press’n Seal plastic wrap. Pull off a length to fit your accessories, and then arrange your jewelry on top so that the chains and baubles are fully stretched out. Then, pull off a second length of plastic wrap that’s roughly the same size as the first piece and lay it on top of your jewelry. With your finger, press the plastic sheets together all around each piece of jewelry. The seal will keep the jewelry in place and prevent everything from getting tangled up. You can roll up the plastic wrap or slip it into a suitcase pocket. Just make sure to save the pieces (don’t crumple them up!), and you can reuse them for the trip home.
2. Prevent leaks.
No matter how good your travel bottles are, chances are they’ll leak. Keep them from getting shampoo and lotion all over your stuff with a small piece of plastic wrap. Just take the cap off, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the top, and then screw the lid back on right over the plastic wrap. When you get to the hotel and need to use the bottle, take the plastic off and give it a rinse, so you can reuse it to pack at the end of your trip.
What kind to get: Our Editors’ Favorite Plastic Wrap Is the Same Brand Ina Uses
3. Pack your toothbrush.
No one wants a loose toothbrush floating around in a well-used suitcase. A reusable toothbrush cover would be ideal, but if you don’t have one, Press’n Seal will work in a pinch. Sandwich the head of the toothbrush between two small pieces of plastic wrap, press tightly to secure it, and you’re good to go.
4. Keep shoes separate.
You don’t want to get your clothes dirty or pack an extra bag only for shoes. Simply wrap your shoes together in pairs with plastic wrap to keep the dirty soles from touching your clean ’fits. Plus, you won’t find yourself looking for a missing shoe that fell to the bottom of the bag when you unpack. Classic plastic wrap that clings to itself should get the job done easily.
5. Wrap your suitcase.
Don’t stop at what’s inside your luggage when it comes to hacking your travel prep with plastic wrap. Many travelers swear by wrapping their entire suitcase in plastic wrap in case of rain or to help prevent anyone getting inside of it. If you have cloth luggage and a rainy forecast on your travel days, a quick plastic wrap job before you head to the airport could mean the difference between dry clothes or a soggy wardrobe.