Whether you pack all the options ‘just in case’ or you’re a hand-luggage lover about to go on a two-week trip, the suitcase struggle is real. If you can relate, here’s a handy list of 12 packing tips to help you make the most of your luggage allowance. Spoiler alert – none of them involve wearing every item of clothing to the airport…
Make a packing list
Every successful suitcase starts with a list. It doesn’t need to be an Excel spreadsheet colour-coded job – unless that helps, you do you – just a simple one in your notes app will do. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for and you’ll pack the items you actually need (we’re talking plug adaptors, charging cables, medication and your passport) and less likely to pack your entire wardrobe because ‘you never know’. Plus, when you’re packing to come home, you can remind yourself what you brought with you. Nothing’s being left under the hotel bed this time…
Invest in a hard-shell case
This one’s a must for all you overpackers out there. Hard-shell suitcases can handle being super full without risking a tear or a broken zip, as they’re much sturdier than soft fabric cases. They’re normally easier to shut, too, and anything fragile inside is less likely to get damaged on route – a win for bringing back bottles of local vino…. Depending on your luggage allowance, hard-shell cases are allowed for both hold luggage and carry-on.
Pack heavy items near the wheels
Stick heavy or bulky items like pairs of shoes, tech devices and toiletries at the bottom of your suitcase. This way, nothing’s getting squished and your clothes won’t get wrinkled when you’re wheeling your case around – no one wants a whole ironing job to be the first thing they do on holiday…
Roll up your clothes
If you think folded clothes takes up less room, you’re wrong. Roll your clothes and you’ll be able to squeeze so much more in, and it stops things from getting creased, too. If you’re really serious about saving space, you could also buy packing cubes. These zippable containers let you divide up your stuff into easy-access segments, so you don’t have to rummage through everything to find the item you’re looking for. It’s a huge win if you’re living out of hand luggage on holiday.
Use every bit of space
You’ve gotta get creative with this… we’re talking socks and underwear in your shoes – you’ll be surprised how much extra storage you get from inside your back-up trainers. If your suitcase has any zipped pockets, either inside or on the outside, use them to store small things you need access to, like medication, chargers or important docs.
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Organise your jewellery
Don’t know about you, but spending precious holiday time untangling necklaces isn’t our idea of fun. It’s a good shout to pick up a small jewellery holder or case to keep your chains and bracelets organised. Or, get thrifty and use an old toilet roll tube – simply loop your bracelets around it and strand your necklaces through the tube itself.
Control your cables
When you’re ready to pack your phone charger and any other cables you’ll need, make sure you wrap them up properly – they can take up extra space and get damaged if you stuff them in your bag. Spare sunglasses cases work well as cable containers, or, if you’re feeling fancy, get a multi-way cable with compatible plugs for your phone, headphones, e-readers or electronics like razors to skip the chaos altogether.
Make sure your toiletries don’t leak
AKA your travel worst nightmare. If you buy travel minis or pour your liquids into travel-size bottles, then you’ve already saved yourself from a large-scale spillage situation. Otherwise, a hack you can try is unscrewing the lids of your bottles and adding a piece of clingfilm over the neck before you screw it back on for an extra layer of protection. And just in case, put your bottles in their own plastic bag or container before packing them in your suitcase to stop any leakages from ruining your clothes. Or, skip the risk altogether and use shampoo and conditioner bars – these solid blocks are hand-luggage compliant, too.
Pack pillowcases for laundry
The last thing you’ll be thinking about while you’re living it up on holiday is doing the washing, but your future self will love you for this one. Pillowcases pack down nice and small in your suitcase, then while you’re away, you can stuff them with worn clothes to help separate what’s clean. It’ll make your life easier when you’re back to the daily grind – you can just shove the dirty laundry straight in the washing machine.
Leave room for souvenirs
If you like to treat yourself on your trip or buy gifts for the fam, make sure you leave enough space in your suitcase to bring them back. Wrap any fragile items in clothes to stop them from getting damaged and remember the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage if – large olive oils and bottles of wine won’t be allowed through security in your carry-on. Remember, duty-free usually sells local stuff like this, and then you can always take that on board in an extra duty-free bag. If you don’t need to use your whole hand luggage allowance on the journey out there, it may be worth still packing a spare tote bag to to whip out on the way back, plus they hardly take up any space or weight.
Swap paper books for an electronic reading device
Yes, real books hit different, but you might need to get over that if you intend on racking up the reading time on holiday – those five novels in your suitcase aren’t going to help when you’re already tight on space…. You can load up an e-reader with as many books as your heart desires, and even buy more while you’re away, so it really is the most efficient way to be a book worm when you’re chilling poolside.
Edit your packing
Last-minute packers, keep scrolling. But if you’re organised enough to pack your suitcase over 24 hours before you go, it’s a good idea to wait and then re-assess your picks. Do you really need those extra outfit changes, or did yesterday-you just get a bit flustered? You might be able to free up some space once you’ve come back with fresh eyes.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 06/09/2024
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