Packing light has never been my strong suit. From adding more socks and underwear than I could ever wear in one weekend to falling victim to the rolling method, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.
But with pricey luggage weight limits and various carry-on size requirements, I’ve had to change up my ways and become savvier with the way that I pack.
I’ve since learned that packing efficiently doesn’t mean you have to bring the bare minimum. Instead, the real trick is the ways in which you pack. And packing cubes are just the start. I now use certain folding methods to maximize luggage space, and choose my luggage and travel accessories strategically.
Steal my packing tips:
In this article
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
If you’re guilty of waiting until the night before to start packing for a trip, I see you. And I also know how stressful that can be. But the last thing you need is to lose sleep over your packing list.
Before I put anything into a suitcase, I plan every outfit I plan to wear ahead of time. This has become my foundation for packing efficiently, and it starts before I ever open my suitcase.
To do it yourself, just think about your itinerary, planned activities, and the weather. Then go day by day, outfit by outfit. I like to plan my outfits using a whiteboard or a notebook to make sure I have every day covered.
If you have a vacation with a mixed itinerary of active, casual, and dressy outings, choose versatile pieces that can be worn for various occasions. And as tempting as it can be to pack duplicates or extras, stick to what you actually need so you don’t waste limited space in your luggage.
Pick the Right Luggage
Once you figure out your packing list, pick the right luggage.
Carry-ons are best for shorter trips like a long weekend, and save money on baggage fees. Medium checked luggage is best suited for trips lasting between a few days up to a week. Large checked luggage is ideal for extended trips, carrying up to a few weeks’ worth of clothing.
Climate should also be a factor. For cold-weather vacations, you might need larger luggage to accommodate bulky coats and clothing. For warm-weather travels, you can likely get away with smaller luggage, even for longer trips. I was once able to use just a carry-on for a 2-week trip to the Philippines since I packed light with mostly shorts, tank tops, and dresses.
You also have the choice between softside and hardshell luggage. I’m team hardshell for their durability, but they don’t have as much give as softside luggage, which gives more stretch to pack just a tiny bit more. However, you can get both styles in extendable designs that will increase the interior space.
Choose Your Folding Method Wisely
I used to roll almost all my clothing before packing it inside my luggage. It did save space, but it also causes extensive wrinkles, making it inefficient for many pieces of clothing.
Instead, use a combination of both rolling and folding. Use the rolling method for lightweight clothing like T-shirts, leggings, tank tops, casual dresses, and thinner sweaters. Even though it causes wrinkles, it might not be the biggest issue if the fabric is malleable and you’re staying at a hotel with an ironing board.
But don’t skip folding. This method is best for bulky, delicate, and structured pieces, like blazers, sweaters, button-down shirts, or heavier coats.
And if you really want to save space, wear your bulkiest items instead of packing them, such as a heavy coat or large shoes.
Use Packing Cubes
Of all the packing tips out there, using packing cubes is one of the many recommended ways to save space in a suitcase.
And it’s for good reason. Packing cubes are enormously helpful. They create compartments that keep items in their rightful place, make it easy to find what you need, and remove extra air.
Regular packing cubes alone are useful but compression packing cubes elevate things even more. These are my favorite, as you can use them uncompressed as regular cubes or compressed to maximize space and create more room.
My hack: use both rolling and folding methods with compression packing cubes and compress whenever possible. Small packing cubes work best for rolled underwear, socks, and swimwear. Medium and large packing cubes can be used for larger items, like jeans, T-shirts, and sweaters, either rolled or folded based on the size and materials.
Take Advantage of Overlooked Spaces
Between using the appropriate folding methods and staying organized with packing cubes, you might think you have everything covered to pack efficiently. But don’t forget the small places that offer unexpected extra room.
Shoes, for example, take up space in a suitcase but come with hidden opportunities to store small items inside. This can be a clever way to pack more without adding space. Tuck away small items like jewelry, belts, charging cables, or even extra socks and underwear.
Handle bar grooves may seem pesky, but they’re also untapped territory for stashing items like a belt or a small pouch. I usually pack soft slippers when I travel, and it’s a great spot to put them, as they fit nicely in the groove and flatten out the compartment for more even packing.
The edges of a suitcase are also fantastic for fitting last-minute small light pieces of clothing, which is the final step to really making the most of every inch of your luggage space.
The Shortcut
Planning outfits ahead of time is the foundation to packing smarter, not harder. Consider activities and the weather, and opt for versatile pieces you can wear for different occasions.
Mix folding methods based on your clothing. Rolling casual clothes and folding larger and more structured pieces can save space and help reduce wrinkles.
Compression packing cubes are a major step up from regular ones in adding room and organization, while overlooked spaces inside shoes and suitcase edges can be hidden space-savers for smaller items, like socks and belts.
