Packing a suitcase is something that we often only get to do a few times per year. If you’re a novice and want to know how to pack more efficiently, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’re going to walk you through the process of packing a suitcase efficiently so you can avoid making common packing mistakes.

Think about how you will be travelling

The first thing to consider is your mode of transport, as this will impact what you can take with you. If you’re travelling my plane, you need to determine if you will check in your suitcase or if you’ll be taking it as hand luggage. If it is hand luggage, then you will need to make sure all of your liquids are enclosed in a small plastic bag so you can remove them at security.

If you are checking your suitcase into the hold, you will have more flexibility in what you can pack, including being able to pack liquids in containers larger than 100ml. If you’re travelling by car, bus or train, your only consideration will be the weight of the case. You don’t want to pack so much that you’re unable to carry the case. 

What kind of suitcase do you have?

Another consideration is the type of case you have. If it is a hard-shelled case, you will be able to pack more delicate items with confidence. However, the size in the case will be more restrained, meaning you won’t be able to flex the top of the suitcase to accommodate more items. If you have a soft suitcase, you’ll have more flexibility and these cases are often more accommodating if you need to squeeze in more contents.

Make a list of everything you need

Before you start packing, make a list of everything you need for the trip. Making a list will help you to be selective about what you are taking and avoid overpacking. Once you have your list, gather the items together and fold any clothing items.

At this stage, you should have a pretty good idea if the items are going to fit in your suitcase. If you’re trying to take too much, it’s time to whittle down your packing list and leave some items at home.

You might switch from full-size toiletries to miniature versions with just enough for your trip, or you might choose to limit the number of larger items to take. For a three day trip, one pair of shoes should be enough. For a week-long trip, you might want to take one extra pair. Be practical about what you really need and what you can afford to do without for the week.

What order should I pack?

Start with your largest clothing items and place these at the bottom of your case. You can then add larger items like toiletry bags, shoes and other awkward items. To maximise space in your case, try putting socks in your shoes and pushing smaller items into the gaps around the edge of your case. If you plan to go shopping at your destination, make sure you leave space to bring items home.

Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?

This is down to a matter of preference. Many people like to use a mix of the two. You can roll items that are more prone to creasing to help keep them looking fresh until you arrive and you can hang them up.

Stiffer items can be folded instead of rolling. You should place anything that you fold at the bottom of your case and then put rolled items on top. It’s often more space-saving to roll smaller items and fold larger items.

How to pack difficult items

Fragile or potentially messy items can cause issues when packing. Try to put fragile items in the centre of your case away from the edges, as this will help to limit knocks. For any liquids, you should place them inside double layers of plastic bags. If there is a breakage or spillage, this will increase the chances of your clothes being saved from getting covered in spilled shampoo or body lotion.