:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-6-easy-investments-that-will-protect-and-extend-the-life-of-your-suitcase-tout-f43f8930c156491f92bef9166b3de05a.jpg "6 Luggage Protection Hacks From at Amazon")
A high-quality piece of luggage is one of the best investments you could make into your travels, so it’s only natural to want to ensure that your suitcase actually stands the test of time instead of falling apart after just a few uses. Of course, you always have control over how you treat your bags, but when you add checking luggage into the mix, it’s worth putting some precautionary measures in place to keep your suitcase looking brand new—even if it’s been around the world and back.
In order to extend the life of your favorite suitcase down to the detail, keep reading to find the genius protective hacks worth investing in from just $9 at Amazon, from handy luggage straps to compressive packing cubes that will eliminate strain on your bag’s zipper. With the right preventative measures, you won’t have to worry about your suitcase becoming cracked or scratched during your travels. A bonus? Many of them will even make it easier to identify your luggage at baggage claim.
Best Luggage Protection Accessories
Yotako Clear PVC Suitcase Protector
Amazon
To prevent the exterior of your luggage from incurring scratches and other marks, a durable suitcase cover can make a world of difference—especially if you’re going to be checking a bag. Available in several different sizes, this clear PVC suitcase protector is a traveler-loved hack for keeping bags in pristine condition and even making them easier to spot on the baggage claim carousel.
Simply slide the clear protector down over the top of the suitcase and secure it at the base of the bag to ward off stains, scratches, and other signs of wear and tear. Just take it from this traveler that their 10-year-old luggage “looks great because these things [actually] protect.”
Xyofun Luggage Wheel Protection Covers
Amazon
The wheels on your luggage are at just as much risk of becoming worn down as the exterior of the bag, but these colorful covers offer both noise reduction and protection for just $9. Suitable for use on double spinner wheels, the rubber covers slip directly onto the exterior of the wheels to prevent them from breaking down on uneven surfaces with the help of thick, durable silicone material. The wheels will still spin smoothly, and the covers even add personality to your luggage while keeping your suitcase in tip-top shape.
Gowraps Neoprene Luggage Handle Covers
Amazon
A best-seller at Amazon, these bold and bright neoprene luggage handle covers are anything but a subtle addition to your suitcase—but they will certainly protect your bag from wear and tear while setting it apart from a sea of lookalikes. The soft, lightly padded covers are affixed to the handle with convenient hook and loop closures, and they even feature hidden contact cards for your information in the event your luggage gets lost in transit. One shopper confirmed that they “protect the handles” and make lugging around a suitcase “easier on our hands,” not to mention they’re easy to wipe down at the end of your trip.
Chelmon Luggage Straps
Amazon
Over time, overstuffing your luggage can erode the seams and zipper, making your bag fall apart over time. So, preemptively snagging a set of luggage straps will work double duty to keep your bag shut tightly while setting it apart from the droves of lookalike checked suitcases. The bright orange adjustable straps can extend up to six feet long and create up to 400 pounds of tension to keep your bag from popping open throughout the journey. Since it comes in a four-pack, you can use multiple straps on your suitcase for extra security. One traveler revealed that the straps gave them “peace of mind [their] suitcase zipper had reinforcement,” and it also made their bag “easy to spot on the luggage carousel.”
Bagail 6-piece Compression Packing Cubes Set
Amazon
Another way to preserve the life of your suitcase zipper is by packing more intentionally so as not to strain it to begin with, and this set of compression packing cubes will do the trick as they’re loved by other travelers for their space-saving capabilities. A set of six comes with four cubes in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes, as well as a handy shoe bag and a smaller pouch for delicates. According to the brand, they save up to 40 percent of packing space compared to traditional packing cubes, and they’ll make it easier to stay organized on the go while evenly distributing the weight and putting less strain on your luggage zippers and lining.
Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
Amazon
Softside luggage is naturally more prone to showing signs of wear since a fabric exterior is more likely to rip or display dirt than hardside exteriors. While there’s not much to be done in the way of rip prevention, prepping your suitcase with a water-resistant shield is a great way to keep it looking fresh even if you’re caught in inclement weather during your travels. This easy-application spray coats the outside of your luggage, making it quick-drying and water-repellent so you have an additional layer of protection from the wear and tear of travel.
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