If you’re a mom, then the chances are that you’re in charge of packing for the whole family when you get to go away on vacation. If you live alone, then you have to deal with the trauma of working out what to take with you all by yourself. Packing to go away is a fine line between taking all the things you need, and not overfilling your suitcase. Being the one person who has to pay for oversized luggage is embarrassing and expensive, especially if the weight comes down to the three pairs of shoes that you couldn’t choose between. Thankfully, we’ve gone to the experts in packing efficiently to get you the tips you need. Read on for 55 packing tips from flight attendants who know what they’re talking about.

Hats for storage
You’ve seen flight attendants breeze through departures with their tiny suitcases looking unruffled and organized. There’s a reason for this: they know how to use up all of the available space in their luggage. If you’re off on a summer vacation, then your hat could be the answer to all of your packing problems.

Try placing your hat upside down on the bottom of your case, and then fill the part where your head goes with small items like underwear or socks. You can then place folded items under and around the brim. You save space, and your hat reaches your destination without the crumpled look that gives away your tourist status.