How do you pack a suitcase efficiently?

10 common sense, tried and true, smart travel packing tips.

by Rachel Ward, Designer Travel

Packing a suitcase can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle with a time limit—especially when you’re standing over your bag while airline weight restrictions loom over you like a stern teacher. Over the years (and quite a few overweight-bag fees later), I’ve figured out a system that works wonders. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend or embarking on a grand adventure, here’s how I pack like a total pro. For more travel tips check out the TSA’s travel tips web page.  My  tips below are targeted a little more towards women but most if not all tips work great for the guys too! 

1. Go Down a Luggage Size.

I know this is crazy but just hear me out. One thing I’ve found is that if you pack the “large” sized suitcase full using the tips below it will usually take the weight of the bag over 50 lbs, usually resulting in an overweight charge. But, if you follow these tips and load up a “medium” sized bag it is almost always right at or below 50 lbs, and you have the benefit of it being a smaller bag to get around. If you’re on a longer trip and need two bags, distribute the heavy items equally between the two bags.

2. Roll, Roll, Roll Your Clothes

My number one tip is to roll everything you can. Rolling your clothes isn’t just some TikTok trend—it’s a legit game-changer. I roll everything from T-shirts to jeans and even sweaters. Rolling not only saves space but also keeps your clothes from creasing as much as when they’re folded. A pro-tip within this tip? Roll smaller items like socks inside shoes (more on shoes later) to save even more space!

3. Packing Cubes Are Tiny Life-Savers

This is a controversial tip as some travelers feel packing cubes are more hassle than they’re worth. Packing cubes, if used correctly, can be magical because they help you stay organized while compressing bulky items like sweaters and jackets.
Here’s how I use them:
  • One for tops, like T-shirts, shirts, and tank tops.
  • One for bottoms—jeans, skirts, shorts, etc.
  • One just for undergarments. (This cube makes finding socks at 6 AM so much easier.)
  • If I only have one cube, I divide it in sections. Tops on one side, bottoms on the other. Boom, organized.
Packing cubes also makes unpacking and repacking simple—just toss the cube into a hotel drawer, and you’re good to go.

4. Shoes at the Bottom—But Don’t Waste That Space

Place your shoes flat at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels. If you’re worried about them dirtying your clothes, slip them into reusable bags or shower caps (the reusable bags can later be used to keep dirty clothes away from clean clothes when packing to come home). And don’t underestimate the space inside your shoes! Stuff them with socks, charging cables, or smaller toiletries. It’s a sneaky, genius move I swear by.

5. Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time

This isn’t groundbreaking, but it works. I used to just throw eight random T-shirts and three pairs of jeans into my bag and call it a day, only to realize when I arrived that nothing matched. Now, I lay out outfits before I pack. Pick pieces that serve double duty:
  • A neutral cardigan that goes with everything.
  • Dresses or jumpsuits—one piece equals one outfit.
  • Shoes that work for multiple occasions (hello, comfy black flats).
Once your wardrobe is perfectly curated, you can leave behind unnecessary extras, which means less weight in your bag. I also envision myself getting ready for the day going through each step in my mind. (i.e. first I brush my teeth – pack toothpaste and toothbrush – and so on). This helps me to remember to pack everything I need.

6. The Jacket-on-the-Airplane Trick

Jackets can hog precious suitcase space and send you into overweight-bag territory. To dodge this, I wear my bulkiest jacket (or carry it) onto the plane. Bonus points if it has deep pockets that can hold items like snacks, a book, or toiletries. It’s basically free carry-on space disguised as clothing. Jackets can also be tied around your waist or tied to a purse or over-the-shoulder bag strap to keep your hands free and eliminate the possibility of setting it down and leaving it behind.

7. Weigh Before You Leave

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been that person frantically shifting items between two suitcases at check-in, my face flushed with embarrassment. If you don’t already own a luggage scale, and do a lot of traveling, consider getting one. They’re super cheap and have saved me countless dollars in overweight fees. Weigh your bag at home, and shed extra pounds by ditching unnecessary items like those “just in case” shoes you won’t wear anyway. Alternatively, weigh yourself, note the number, then weigh yourself WITH your luggage and do the math. This works pretty well too.

8. Toiletry Tips for the Win

Toiletries are a sneaky culprit when it comes to weight. Skip the full-sized bottles and pour your essentials into travel-sized containers. Use a clear, zippered toiletry bag for everything (it comes in handy at security). I also avoid double-packing shampoo and conditioner if I’m heading to a hotel—they always have some on hand. I also pack a smaller makeup bag with just the bare necessities. You don’t need ALL the options of lipstick that you own, just one or two.

9. The Emergency Carry-On Trick

True story: one of my worst travel nightmares became a reality when my checked luggage didn’t arrive. Ever since, I’ve made a rule to pack everything I’d need to survive one day and night in a new country into my carry-on. Here’s what I always include:
  • A clean pair of undies and socks (trust me, there’s no substitute for fresh undies).
  • My toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
  • Travel-sized wipes or cleanser.
  • A spare T-shirt or compact outfit.
  • Any medications or valuables.

It’s a lifesaver! Even if my checked luggage doesn’t join me right away, I know I can get through at least 24 hours without making an emergency run to the store. Plus, it saves me from the stress of figuring out where to buy a toothbrush in another language!  Check the TSA website for all the official carry on baggage guidelines.

10. Leave Room for Souvenirs

Trust me, you’ll want to shop, even if you don’t think you will. Always leave a little extra space in your suitcase. If space is tight, pack a lightweight, foldable tote bag to use as a back-up carry-on for goodies you pick up on your trip. This tote bag is also handy for heading out to the pool or the beach with your sunscreen, towel, a book and other necessities.

Time to Travel Light (And Right!)

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful. With packing cubes, rolled clothes, and smart planning, you can fit everything you need and stay under that pesky airline weight limit. The best part? You’ll have more energy to enjoy your adventure instead of sweating about your suitcase. 

Now that you know how to pack let’s plan a trip! We can help plan and book anything from a tour to your favorite destination, a cruise, or a complete custom itinerary. Give us a call at 801-935-8652 or book a 15 min. discovery call and let us answer your questions.

Do you have a tried-and-true packing trick? Drop it in our contact form—I’m always looking to up my game!

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