There's nothing quite like the feeling of an upcoming holiday or travel adventure. But before you can soak up the sun, tuck into local delicacies, or explore an entirely new city, you've got to pack. How to pack like a pro? Well, it is fairly easy - if you know how. Follow our guide that explains the best way to pack a suitcase – including useful hacks to make the process easier, and some handy accessories to help with more efficient packing.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of an upcoming holiday or travel adventure. But before you can soak up the sun, tuck into local delicacies, or explore an entirely new city, you've got to pack. How to pack like a pro? Well, it is fairly easy - if you know how. Follow our guide that explains the best way to pack a suitcase – including useful hacks to make the process easier, and some handy accessories to help with more efficient packing.
1. Lay everything out and visualise your trip
The best place to start is to lay everything out that you want to take with you, and then edit. Think about what the weather will be like and what you want to do when you get there – will you be hiking to local viewpoints, visiting museums or relaxing on the beach? Start with the items that you really need for your activities and once you have those, select the complete outfits you want to take rather than individual items. The best packing tip is to choose a capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches easily.
2. Make a travel packing list
Ever packed your suitcase and had to do it all over again because you’ve forgotten what’s inside? Us too. This time, write a list of the items you’ve already packed and keep it handy. Of all the travel packing hacks out there, this is one of the most useful – it saves a lot of time and energy if you only have to pack your suitcase once! Plus, if you take the list with you, it’ll help you avoid forgetting anything on the way home.
3. Roll your clothes
For the ultimate space-saving hack, roll your clothes before you pack them. It won’t work for bulky clothing like jumpers, but is perfect for smaller items such as swimsuits, casual dresses and shorts.
Go a step further and pack these hand-sized rolls of clothing into packing cubes and create an outfit bundle! When you arrive you can even use the packing cubes to separate your clean from your dirty washing.
4. Use a garment folder
For the clothing that needs to stay crisp (shirts, for example), make use of a garment folder(Se abre en una nueva ventana). It’ll keep your clothes as wrinkle-free and fresh as they were when you first packed them.
5. Fill the gaps
Nestle small items carefully into the spaces left in your suitcase. Reducing space for clothes to move around in transit will reduce wrinkling and creasing. However, do not overstuff your case or your clothes will be in a wrangled mess before they’ve even gone anywhere.
6. Wear your bulkiest items
If the weather allows, it’s best to wear your heaviest and bulkiest items for travelling. It will free up more space in your case to carry more items, and help you avoid excess weight handling fees at the airport.
7. Pack a foldable backpack
If you’re travelling light or only able to carry-on hand luggage but want a smaller carry at your destination, a stuff pack(Se abre en una nueva ventana) is a good solution. These simple, lightweight packable stuff packs – in a variety of shapes and sizes including backpacks, totes and waist packs - are ideal for day trips and excursions, providing extra capacity when you need it.
8. Pack a clear liquids pouch
An essential for getting through airport security, but also useful on the other side, is a clear pouch for liquids to keep your toiletries or important items protected and easy to find. For even more organisation, opt for a roll organiser with multiple pockets which can then be rolled out and hung up for easy access when you get to your destination.
9. Always tag!
Help avoid your luggage going missing and always secure a tag with your contact details (make sure it is easy to read). Even better, match your tag with some coordinated accessories and make your luggage instantly identifiable - no more luggage bingo!
10. Choose a TSA-approved padlock
If you decide to secure your suitcase with a padlock, always choose a Travel Sentry® approved (TSA) lock. They are useful if your bag is randomly inspected at airport security since they have a master key allowing them to open your suitcase without needing to break the lock and cause damage.
Packing for your next trip will be so much easier with these simple tips. Any trip is more fun when you can relax and enjoy yourself rather than worrying about what you forgot to pack or whether there is room in your suitcase to bring home your souvenirs. Organise early, pack smart and start exploring!