Wrapping your suitcase at home before international travel can help protect it from scratches, dirt, accidental opening, and tampering. Here’s how to do it yourself. This will reduce your airport hassel and time.
Materials You’ll Need
- Stretch cling wrap (industrial stretch film or heavy-duty plastic wrap)
- Packing tape
- Luggage tag
- Scissors
- Optional: Colored ribbon or luggage strap for easy identification
Packing Tape
You can buy luggage tape from nearby store. The best luggage tapes are manufactured from durable materials such as reinforced polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or PVC, providing excellent tensile strength and resistance to tearing. A strong adhesive ensures the tape remains firmly attached to the luggage surface throughout the journey, even when exposed to varying temperatures, humidity, or frequent handling at airports.
Scissors
Use your house hold scissors. This is a good tool not for this work but helpful for lot of other works. Scissors are one of the most versatile tools you can carry while packing or traveling. They can be used to cut luggage tape, trim loose threads, open sealed packages, cut zip ties, and shorten cords or strings when needed. During a trip, scissors are useful for opening food packages, cutting labels, trimming clothing tags, and making quick repairs with fabric, tape, or bandages. They are also helpful for arts and crafts, wrapping gifts, preparing documents, and cutting paper, cardboard, or lightweight plastic.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pack Your Suitcase Properly
- Lock all zippers.
- Ensure there are no loose straps or items hanging outside.
- Weigh the suitcase if possible to avoid airline overweight fees.
2. Add Identification
Place a luggage tag on the handle with:
- Your name
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Destination address (optional)
It’s also a good idea to place another identification card inside the suitcase.
3. Start Wrapping
- Stand the suitcase upright.
- Begin at the bottom.
- Wrap the plastic tightly around the suitcase 4–6 times.
- Continue upward, overlapping each layer by about one-third.
4. Cover the Entire Suitcase
Wrap:
- Front
- Back
- Sides
- Bottom
Leave the wheels exposed so the suitcase can still roll.
5. Keep Handles Accessible
Do not completely cover:
- Top handle
- Side handle
- Extendable pull handle
Cut small openings if necessary.
6. Secure the End
Use packing tape to secure the final end of the plastic wrap so it doesn’t unravel.
7. Add a Luggage Strap (Optional)
A bright luggage strap:
- Makes your suitcase easy to recognize.
- Provides extra security if a zipper fails.
