The Dollar Tree Essential That Will Protect Your Luggage Wheels

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One of the most annoying occurrences during travel is ruining your luggage — and you might not even realize when it's happening. Even if you get the most sustainable brand with the strongest durability and sleek design, as soon as those wheels hit the floor, they've already dropped in quality. Now, that isn't to say you have a chic brand that won't withstand the test of time, but there are Dollar Tree hacks that can transform your travel essentials and keep them in tip-top shape no matter the terrain. Hair scrunchies, for example, can prolong the life of your luggage. No, really, they aren't just for your hair!

Travelers have discovered that slipping a thick scrunchie around each luggage wheel creates a protective barrier between your suitcase and rough surfaces. It helps minimize scratches, reduce squeaky noises, and even keep your wheels cleaner from dust and grime. Even with the scrunchie covering the wheel, the luggage still rolls smoothly on wooden floors and more difficult surfaces, like carpet.

For best results, look for plush, stretchy scrunchies made with velvety or foam-like material. Simply stretch one around each wheel before heading out, and you've got a quick, affordable way to extend the life of your luggage. The scrunchies will not only save your wheels from scratching on hard surfaces, but they will also reduce the squeaky noises that come from rolling your items around.

After referring to Rick Steves' tips to shop for luggage, you'll want to get those wheels covered. Not only will they help preserve the longevity of your luggage, but the hack comes with another perk.

Among the positives about the hair scrunchie hack is that it's an easy way for you to recognize your suitcase (using bright colored scrunchies, of course) as it comes down the baggage claim carousel. While keeping your luggage wheels from getting dinged can be a big deal, especially if you're a frequent traveler, scrunchies simply aren't made for wheels. The biggest con is that they don't always grip luggage wheels as easily. They can easily come off, whether in the middle of the rush to your gate or mid-flight. 

While the Dollar Tree hack keeps things inexpensive, the best scrunchies for the job, like Scunci's ribbed hair ties, aren't sold through the Dollar Tree website. Stores should have them in stock, but if all else fails, Amazon has many wheel grips to choose from. Being rubber, they are more expensive, ranging between $7 and $10.