Why is figuring out how to pack a suitcase such a thing? Who among us hasn’t frantically watched YouTube videos or TikToks the night before travel when nothing fits into our bags but we aren’t willing to edit down everything we’ve mindlessly crammed into our suitcase?
The good news is that there are solutions to deploy when getting ready for a trip, and they include a firm checklist and a few easy methods. Keep reading to learn, once and for all, how to pack a suitcase properly.
Start with a packing list
You’ve heard it before, but randomly throwing clothes into a bag is a bad idea if you’re packing for a trip and not a last-minute emergency. It’s not always easy when you have a closet full of clothes starting at you, but the key is to think realistically about what you’ll actually need and want when you get to your destination: What is the weather like? What activities are planned? How often do you have to change clothes? What’s the aesthetic vibe you’re going for?
Make a detailed list (or use a comprehensive pre-made one)—down to how many pair of socks, underwear, and swimsuits you’ll need—and stick to it so you’re not shoving things in at the last minute.
How to pack a suitcase the right way
Before you start, make sure the clothes and items on the checklist are laid out clearly—on your bed, on the floor, on a table—wherever you can see them all. And then:
Always pack a suitcase in the right order
Heavier or bulky items should always go at the bottom of the suitcase—shoes, sweaters, sweats, etc. Light clothes or blouses at the top. If you use packing cubes, this still applies—place the heavier ones at the base of the suitcase and work up. If you follow this technique, you’ll not only avoid wrinkled outfits, but also save space.
Roll clothes instead of folding them
Delicate fabrics such as silk or linen crease quickly. But f you roll your garments tightly instead of folding them, they likely won’t crease as much. A nice side effect of rolling: The technique also saves space in your luggage on vacation. Again, vacuum bags or packing cubes also work with rolled clothes as you can layer and stack.
Pad shoes with socks
A clever tip: pair up your socks and tights and place them inside your shoes. This not only makes the best use of space but it also can help the shoes keep their shape. Extra tip: Disposable shower caps (available in almost every hotel) are the perfect alternative to plastic bags as a hygienic cover for the soles of your shoes when re-packing to go home.
Pack cosmetics extra securely
Leaking toner bottles, face wash, or shampoo? Enter plastic wrap. Simply unscrew the cap from the bottle, place some plastic film tightly over the opening and screw the lid back on. Or take cues from designer Alex Eagle, who tells us “I have a mini version of all my cosmetic products that I keep handy and ready packed in a bag for the next trip at all times.”
5. Try to stay below the weight limit