Packing is not a popular activity. Deciding what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to make everything fit — it can be stressful, to say the least. And all these problems are made even worse when you’re packing precious items. Whether it’s a treasured possession, a valuable piece of technology, or a pricey souvenir, you want to ensure that what matters is always safe and secure when you’re traveling. Here’s everything you need to know about packing valuable possessions, no matter where your travels may take you.

Check It Out

Deciding whether to check an item before traveling can bring about a lot of stress. Can you trust that your items won’t get trashed in transit? Well with some items, particularly those listed by airlines, you don’t get a choice; so make sure you know which items are banned and which can only be checked. Being forewarned means you won’t find yourself frantically repacking at the security checkpoint.

Location, Location

When packing luggage, it’s best to have a plan of attack. If you’re expecting to make some pricey purchases, or are bringing along some valuables, you can’t just toss them in and hope for the best. Never put them directly against the sides of the bag. If you do, your precious items run the risk of getting destroyed by a casual toss of the luggage. Instead, make sure that important items are placed in the center of the bag. You can put clothes and soft items around the precious cargo so they aren’t in danger of crashing together during travel. Creating a cocoon directly in the center of the bag provides your valuables with maximum protection, and eases your worries about lugging all that stuff home.

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Lock It Up

Better safe than sorry — especially when it comes to the things that matter. If you’re worried about your luggage being tampered with, it’s worth investing in some locking luggage. You don’t have to drop major cash for peace of mind; there are plenty of great options (including smart locks that come with plenty of cool features) that will keep your valuables under lock and key during your travels.

That’s A Wrap

Most people don’t travel with the tools to safely wrap up delicate items — or do they? You can wrap valuables in clothing for added protection; not only is this a zero-cost solution to bringing back delicate souvenirs, but you also won’t have to worry about bulking up your luggage with bubble wrap or other such packing materials. Stuff small items in socks, and wrap bigger things in soft sweaters and shirts. It’s the best way to protect your valuables and maximize storage space in your luggage as well.

Double Bag It

If you’re bringing any sort of liquids — medication, toiletries, what have you — it’s important to double bag them. One storage container simply isn’t enough, especially if you’re transporting valuable devices in the same bag. If you don’t feel the need to splurge on fancy options, simple plastic bags and rubbers bands will work just fine. Remember, caution pays off in the long run; there’s nothing worse than coming home from an amazing trip, only to find that your luggage has been thoroughly ruined by a leaky bottle.

How do you pack your precious items? Let us know in the comments.