How to Pack a Suitcase Like an Expert

Whether you're jetting off for a weekend getaway or embarking on a multi-week trip, knowing how to pack efficiently can greatly impact your travel experience. There’s a true art to organizing your outfits, toiletries, and other travel essentials. Getting it right can save you time at the airport and make for a less stressful trip overall. 

Consider your method of transportation.

I allow my mode of transportation to dictate just how overpacked my bags can get. "The way I pack a suitcase depends on how I'm travelling. For example, if I drive or fly but only bring a carry-on, I allow myself to overpack my suitcase since many airlines only weigh checked luggage. Your mode of transport should help you decide just how much you can feasibly pack and which luggage size you should choose.

Pay attention to your airline's weight limits.

When I fly and check a bag, I'm conscious that the 50-pound weight limit approaches quickly, so I must be careful about how much I pack in the suitcase, considering the typical weight limit for checked bags across major airlines. In this case, I use my carry-on luggage, which weighs just under 12 pounds. I pack as usual and weigh the bag with a handheld scale. With a few pairs of shoes and my toiletries, I usually reach around 47 pounds, leaving some room for souvenirs I might buy during my trip."

Don't stress about whether to roll or fold — simply choose what suits you best.

Are you a roller or a folder when it comes to packing? It doesn't matter.

"I've looked into the advantages and disadvantages of rolling versus folding, and the travel community generally agrees: there's no significant difference." I like to fold casual items like jeans and cotton tops, but I roll more delicate or wrinkle-prone clothes." The takeaway: choose the packing method that suits you best.

Ensure every bit of space is utilized.

Regardless of the packing method you select, it's essential to use every bit of available space in your luggage — including some often-overlooked areas. For example, when packing a travel hat box into your suitcase, consider placing smaller items like scarves with your hats.

Each garment should be folded or rolled as tightly as possible and squeezed into every available space, even inside your shoes. Yes, you read that correctly. If possible, roll up socks, underwear, or smaller T-shirts and tuck them inside boots or sneakers. This extra space can make a significant difference, and packing your shoes this way also helps maintain their shape.

Use packing cubes to keep organized.

A disorganized bag can ruin the travel vibe, so it's wise to use packing cubes or compression packing cubes .

I've recently started using packing cubes and have been doing so for about a year. Even for a short weekend trip, packing cubes play a role. They have made my life significantly easier; my suitcase stays organized, and unpacking is effortless."

Think about using packing cubes to sort your laundry.

For these crucial cubes, it's a good idea to carry an extra empty one to store your dirty clothes while traveling.

"Once I'm back home, I can effortlessly move the contents into my laundry basket without having to search through my suitcase to locate what needs to be washed.

Try planning your outfits.

Enhance your packing by reimagining your travel wardrobe.

"I typically start planning my outfits for trips about a week in advance. At this time, I begin a list in my Notes app on my phone. Here, I start outlining what I'll wear each day, and I note down specific items I need to pack — like an adaptor, toothbrush, or extra contact lenses — as they occur to me."

This list initially contains more than what I'll actually pack, but I find it's an ideal way to begin narrowing down a packing list.

"When it's written out, you can clearly see that you don't really need three different pairs of 'just in case' jeans. Giving yourself a few days before departure allows you time to order anything you're missing, like thick socks, a white T-shirt, or even a bathing suit."

Carefully consider each piece of clothing you've packed.

When it's time to pack, I have a clear understanding of what I need to gather from my closet, thanks to my reliable list.

"These pre-selected items are then placed into packing cubes, organized by shirts, pants, dresses, gym clothes, and socks and undergarments. As I put each item into the cubes, I ask myself again: Will I truly wear this? I tend to overpack, so at this point, I try to eliminate at least two items that I won't miss during my trip."

Invest in quality toiletry bottles.

Toiletries can be a major hassle for travellers when packing. Finding the appropriate size and sufficient space for all your serums, creams, and cleansers can be frustrating, which is why purchasing high-quality toiletry bottles is truly worthwhile.

"In my view, packing toiletries is one of the most irritating and challenging aspects of travelling, especially if you follow a specific skin or hair care routine. If you, like me, need to carry a more extensive list of products at all times (contact solution, Vitamin C serum, leave-in hair products, etc.), the Cadence Capsules you've likely seen all over Instagram are a valuable investment. These small, magnetic, TSA-compliant containers hold at least five days' worth of products. Additionally, the labels are customizable, and the capsules themselves are refillable and leakproof. Since I began using them to store my travel toiletries, I've avoided the last-minute frantic trips to the drugstore in search of a decent travel-sized shampoo or face lotion."

Remember the steamer.

Regardless of your packing method — rolling, folding, using cubes, etc. — your clothes will inevitably wrinkle during travel. That's why it's essential to always make space for a travel steamer.

"Purchase a travel-sized steamer. It's almost impossible to prevent all wrinkles, no matter your packing technique, and a steamer is crucial for keeping your travel attire fresh and wrinkle-free. No one wants to drag out the iron and ironing board from the hotel closet, and then spend 20 minutes ironing out creases. The steamer is worth the extra space it occupies in your luggage – and more."