Learn expert packing tips from an avid traveler’s packing successes and failures: How to avoid overpacking, under-packing, forgetting things, plus folding and rolling clothes, and more.
I Wasn’t Always a Luggage Packing Pro
I’ll set the stage up front … the vacation where my coconut-scented Coppertone tanning oil container cracked and not only did it ruin my toiletries, but my toiletry bag was not waterproof as I assumed. Yes, my vacation clothes were oily and I smelled like a coconut for my entire vacation.
I have come a long way since then, and I hope my packing “faux pas” will help you the next time you start packing for a trip.
Sharing my Favorite Packing Tips
There are many factors that I consider when packing. It takes a bit of strategic planning, organizing, and smart decision making to maximize luggage space.
I typically begin by deciding what type of luggage pieces to use. I take the length of my trip, type of travel (business or pleasure), and weather as key decision makers. Then I decide which method to pack clothing with, flat or roll, and whether I want to use packing cubes.
My goals for packing are to not overpack or underpack. While we are all guilty for stuffing our luggage with so many clothes we need to sit on the bag to zipper it, underpacking is also a travel offense. One time I went on a cruise and literally ran out of blouses. I had to spend a fortune in the ship’s gift shop to buy a few of the ugliest tourist t-shirts that I never wore again.
No matter how many trips I take, I continually remind myself to take my time and pack methodically. Every inch of my luggage needs to be utilized.
Although I’ve had my share of packing wins and losses, I now can share some packing tips with you. Here are my favorite suggestions if you’re looking for tips on how to pack like a pro.
Choose the Right Luggage For Your Travel Needs
I would not describe myself as a light packer because I know the importance of packing everything I need.
My go-to luggage piece has dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is the recommended size that U.S. airlines allow for a carry-on. (Always verify your airline’s limits before travel.)
The luggage itself is not too heavy, and it features wheels for mobility. I’m not a fan of the new hard, clamshell exterior design. I prefer a softer canvas exterior.
When opened, there are two decent size open sections plus multiple pockets on the outside. I also carry a handbag to hold important, valuable items like my wallet, sunglasses, medications, and necessary travel documents.
And to make the travel day as comfortable and convenient as possible, I carry a backpack filled with what I’ll need on the plane, train, bus, or in the car. Why a backpack? I can place it over my shoulders and back while keeping my hands free for rolling my suitcase and holding my handbag.
I found a backpack that has many exterior pockets and pouches, plus a large, separate interior to keep everything neatly organized. If you prefer a more rectangular shape carry-on, you can select a duffle bag instead of a backpack, and there are even options available with wheels.
For ease of finding what I need, I group related items such as charging cords (and snacks), together in my backpack using small cosmetic size zippered bags from the dollar store.
When I travel for business, I sometimes switch out my backpack for my laptop computer bag. And from our experience, be sure you have quick access to your laptop when navigating through airport security.
A specific size or type of luggage does not fit all travelers. Use the luggage that you feel meets your travel needs and matches your style.
Make a Packing Checklist
Before you place one article of clothing into a suitcase, make a packing list. That’s the only way to ensure that you pack what you need.
I make a new packing list for every trip because every trip has unique needs. My business trips require work clothing while cruises require beach attire and dressy evening clothing.
To provide you with an ample timeframe, I start thinking about my packing list about two weeks prior to the departure date. On my list, I write three columns, “Clothing,” “Toiletries” and “Miscellaneous.”
The “Miscellaneous” column includes everything from vitamins to medicine (Dramamine!) and electronics like binoculars, charging cords, and my white noise machine.
Sometimes when I glance at my list, I can clearly see that I’m bringing too many dressy outfits and not enough casual outfits. I sometimes giggle at my choices to bring clothing pieces (especially shoes!) that I have no intention or need to wear on the trip.
When it’s time to pack, use that same list to cross off items as you pack them. This ensures you’ll never forget any of your must-have travel essentials.
Selecting Clothing
This is when I explain my “mix and match” approach to packing clothing. Select multiple slacks or shorts. Then, find tops that can coordinate with the bottoms. I do this because I like having options every day of my trip! One day I might want a patterned blouse with solid blue pants. Another day, I may want to wear a solid color top with a striped skirt.
Depending on the weather conditions and season, aim to dress in layers. Even in a hotel or on a cruise ship in the middle of summer, it can get a bit chilly indoors from the air conditioning. It’s always good to have a light jacket or thin sweater that you can easily slip on or off, and it won’t take much room in the suitcase.
When it comes to packing shoes this takes every ounce of my willpower to not pack too many pairs. I try to wear my bulky sneakers during the travel day and pack the rest. I bring one pair of casual shoes, one dressy pair, and a pair of slippers or flip flops. Of course, if we’re going hiking or performing snow-related activities, we need to pack special boots.
When packing shoes, I place them in a plastic bag so I don’t transfer any dirt to other packed articles. Then, I position them along the sides of the luggage interior and leave the middle area open for clothes. Inside my shoes, I fill them with socks, belts, or other small, non-essential items.
Rolling vs. Folding Clothing
This “roll or fold” rule of packing is your own preference, and you can do a bit of both – and change it up every time you pack for a trip. In other words, there’s no “right” way.
The rolling method is when you place the item down fold the outsides of the garments into a narrow strip and then roll it from one end to the other. It resembles a wheel shape.
For me, the most efficient method is to lay my jeans and dress slacks flat on the bottom of the luggage. Then, I roll my tops, undergarments, leggings, and shorts, and then place them on top of the flat-packed clothing.
Softer garments roll better and stiff material lays flat better in luggage. And if you’re wondering, rolling cotton garments typically does not cause wrinkles.
Should You Use Packing Cubes?
The rolling method of packing can be even more “packing efficient” by using packing cubes. Packing cubes can separate a group of clothing pieces inside a suitcase offering maximum efficiency. You can buy a set of cubes, oftentimes in varying sizes, and each features a see-through zippered closure.
So, once the clothes are rolled, you neatly place them inside a cube and zip it up. Then, place that cube into the luggage pieces. This is a great way to separate swimsuits, pajamas, undergarments, tops, bottoms, socks, and more. Packing cubes are also a great way to designate pre-planned outfits.
The exceptions to my packing cube rule are garments that are just too big to roll and place inside a cube. Jeans, bulky sweaters, and bathrobes are too cumbersome to roll.
Also, when you arrive at your destination, you can see at a glance what is inside the cube, making unpacking or looking for a specific article of clothing a breeze!
If you’re finding it impossible to fit your belongings inside a suitcase, there are compression-style cubes that allow you to squeeze out excess air and pack it practically flat. One caveat is that you select the special “travel compression bags” that allow you to squeeze the air out by hand.
You guessed it. Once we used standard compression bags on a trip, and everything we packed fit nicely in the suitcase. Then, prior to the return trip home, we did not have a vacuum to remove the air, hence a repacking nightmare. Lesson learned.
How to Pack Toiletries to Avoid Leakage
Toiletries are one of my least favorite things to pack because of my flashback to the coconut suntan oil spillage of 2021. However, I have mastered the no-spill for quite a few years now thanks to zip-top bags in a variety of sizes. I don’t care how good my new travel toiletry bag is, I still place ANYTHING liquid in its own plastic bag before packing.
This includes my shampoo and conditioner, liquid foundation make-up, moisturizer, and my make-up remover. As for suntan lotion, we have switched to the roll-on style, but yes, it’s placed in its own bag as well.
And my most important advice: Always stick to travel size items. The smaller sizes fit so much more efficiently. Confession time: Once on a flight, I packed a brand new bottle of Oil of Olay moisturizer. Never looked at the number of ounces. Yup, taken away by airport security and $10.79 down the drain.
Bring an Extra Bag or Two
No matter how efficiently I pack a suitcase, I always include a few extra bags. Why? I bring disposable plastic bags to hold our laundry. I also bring an extra bag, like a canvas shopping bag with handles or a duffle bag that expands, to hold the large number of souvenirs that I typically purchase at our destination.
The extra bags can be packed in the outside zippered pocket of your rolling luggage. Those compartments are typically very flat and a flat canvas bag fits perfectly. It’s better to have an extra bag for peace of mind, whether you will need it, or not.
Final Thoughts: Packing Like a Pro
By following some or all of these tips, you can look forward to packing for your next trip and having the best time!
- Avoid over packing or under packing
- Make a detailed packing list and stick to it
- Consider rolling method for soft, cotton clothes
- Separate clothes with packing cubes
- Pack jeans flat on the bottom of the suitcase
- Wear bulky clothes and shoes on travel day
- Fill packed shoes with smaller items like socks
Author Bio: Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls DeLand, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Inn amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.