If you’re planning a trip this fall but don’t know how to pack your suitcase, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite packing hacks to have you packing like a pro. Check out our Travel Packing Hacks Video on YouTube, or keep reading!
1. Make a List
The first step in how to pack a suitcase is to make a list. If you have trouble with how many of each article of clothing you should bring, The New York Times offers an interesting solution: the clothing countdown: “If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs. Throw in a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit jacket and dress if you’ll need them.” Adjust a weekend or for two weeks or a month!
After making the list, lay everything out to try on. It helps with eliminating any options you know you won’t end up wearing and helps to ensure everything matches. We always find it stops us from overpacking as well.
2. The Smaller the Luggage, the Easier it is to Carry on & Save Money
Step 2 for how to pack a suitcase: If you’re a compulsive over-packer, a small suitcase is a good way to force you to pack light. A finite area leaves less room for that extra sweater you may or may not wear. Another mini-tip for airline travel is to have a brightly colored suitcase. In our packing hacks YouTube video, we feature a Yellow Delsey Suitcase, which is easy to spot on the luggage belt.
3. Pack an Empty Bag for New Purchases you Find while Traveling
Step 3 for how to pack a suitcase: If you pack your suitcase to the brim, with just exactly enough room for the things you’re bringing, then where do you put the items you buy along the way?! It is imperative as a shopaholic to ensure you have an empty bag for all your fashion finds while abroad! Check out this Longchamp Expandable Bag from Neiman Marcus, it is the perfect travel bag.
4. Put Heavy Items on the Bottom
Step 4 in how to pack a suitcase: To make sure your suitcase doesn’t topple over, pack your shoes on the bottom. Another extra pro tip, is to wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane so you can save on space and weight. Do the same with heavier clothes, like jeans or bulky sweaters. For more on what clothes to pack for fall, check out our Fall Packing Hacks blog.
5. Roll your Clothes (absolute best fit)
Step 5 in how to pack a suitcase: There have been many articles, blog posts, and YouTube videos, on which method is most efficient for packing your suitcase. Life Hacker tried out a few different ways of packing and offered comparisons. Some are good for keeping clothes wrinkle free, others are good for optimizing your space. I have found that between, bundling, compression bags, folding, and rolling clothes, the latter most is the most efficient. It leaves your clothes without wrinkles, maybe a few creases, but significantly better than folding. One interesting folding technique I found from the Travel Channel is the burrito roll, you fold all of your clothes into one another, if you can master this please send us your pictures!
6. Tuck Under Garments into Shoes
Step 6 in how to pack a suitcase: Keep your intimates clean while also saving space by tucking them into your shoes. A good rule of thumb for your shoes is to bring one pair of shoes that are comfortable; you can wear everyday, and match with everything. Then one pair of heels/wedges for the evening, and if you have enough room, maybe a pair of sandals, just in case something happens.