Packing pillows for travel can feel like a monumental task. Will they arrive squished and lumpy? Will they take up all your suitcase space? Fear not, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to pack pillows efficiently, ensuring they remain fluffy and comfortable throughout your journey.
Choosing the Right Pillow for Travel
Before diving into packing techniques, consider the type of pillow you're bringing. Different pillows require different approaches.
- Down/Feather Pillows: These luxurious pillows are notoriously difficult to pack. Their fluffiness is both a blessing and a curse. We'll cover special techniques for these below.
- Memory Foam Pillows: These pillows hold their shape well, making them relatively easy to pack. However, their density can still take up significant space.
- Travel Pillows: Designed specifically for travel, these compact pillows often come with compression sacks, simplifying the packing process considerably.
- Polyester Pillows: These are generally the most easily packed due to their lightweight and compressible nature.
Packing Methods for Different Pillow Types
Packing Down/Feather Pillows: The Art of Compression
Down and feather pillows are the most challenging to pack, but with the right techniques, you can minimize their bulk and wrinkles:
- Roll, Don't Fold: Instead of folding your pillow, tightly roll it from one end to the other, like a sleeping bag. This helps to compress the feathers and down more effectively.
- Compression Sacks: Invest in a high-quality compression sack designed for clothing or pillows. These sacks use air-tight seals to significantly reduce the pillow's volume.
- Strategic Placement: Place the rolled and compressed pillow in the corners or crevices of your suitcase to maximize space utilization. Avoid placing heavy items on top of it.
- Protect from Damage: Wrap the rolled pillow in a plastic garbage bag or a large ziplock bag before putting it in the compression sack to prevent feathers from escaping.
Packing Memory Foam Pillows: Maintaining Shape and Minimizing Space
Memory foam pillows are denser but retain their shape relatively well.
- No Need to Roll: Unlike down pillows, memory foam pillows don't need to be rolled. Simply place them in your suitcase.
- Protective Cover: Consider using a pillowcase or a soft cloth to cover the pillow to avoid scratching your other belongings.
- Strategic Placement: Again, place the pillow in corners or gaps to minimize wasted space.
- Consider a Smaller Pillow: If space is extremely limited, consider using a smaller travel pillow instead of a full-sized memory foam pillow.
Packing Travel Pillows: Easy Peasy
Travel pillows are designed for easy packing. They usually come with their own compression sack or are naturally compact. Simply follow the instructions included with your travel pillow.
Packing Polyester Pillows: The Easiest Method
Polyester pillows are the simplest to pack. They are highly compressible and can easily be folded and tucked into your suitcase.
Additional Tips for Pillow Packing Success:
- Pack Pillows Separately: If possible, packing your pillows in a separate carry-on bag can prevent them from crushing other items in your main luggage.
- Vacuum Seal (Advanced Technique): For ultimate compression, especially with down pillows, consider using a vacuum sealer. However, ensure your pillow is wrapped securely to prevent damage.
- Layer for Protection: Layer your pillows with softer items like clothing to cushion them and prevent them from getting damaged.
- Don't Overpack: While it's tempting to cram everything in, avoid overpacking your suitcase, as this can lead to wrinkled and lumpy pillows.
By following these tips and choosing the right packing method for your pillow type, you can ensure comfortable and fluffy pillows await you at your destination, no matter how far you travel. Happy travels!
