Packing a suitcase before travelling may seem like a simple task. However, it’s a science of how to pack your bag correctly to fit all your belongings, avoid unexpected expenses and avoid unpleasant situations.
By properly organising the space inside your suitcase, you will be able to use the available space efficiently and save time on packing and unpacking.
Useful tips on how to pack a suitcase
1. Make a list of what you need
Planning a list of necessary clothes will help you to estimate how much and how heavy your luggage will be and remember to pack everything.
2. make a few sets of clothes
Preparing sets of clothes that go together will help you create a variety of looks with minimal wardrobe items.
3. use vacuum bags
These can be used to fold clothes and then roll them up tightly, releasing excess air. By using vacuum bags, things will take up less space. This method is ideal for packing bulky items such as jumpers, down jackets and other clothes.
4. buy organiser sets and special pouches
Using rectangular organisers of different sizes, you can pack almost all the things in the suitcase. If there are a lot of them and they are opaque, you can stick a note on each of them to show exactly what is inside.
5. consider the weather
Before travelling, check the weather forecast for the place you’re going to. Even if it promises warm and sunny weather, it’s always worth taking one warm item with you in case of emergencies. This could be a light jumper that won’t take up much space, but will save you in case of cold weather.
6. book accommodation with a washing machine
For trips of a week or more, try to choose accommodation that has a washing machine or launderette nearby. This will allow you to take fewer things with you because you can always just wash them.
How to pack clothes compactly
1. Before you start packing in your suitcase, you should exclude “capricious” models of clothes, which should always be perfectly ironed. It is best to give preference to things made of knitwear.
2. Sweaters, sweatshirts and other bulky things, as well as what will be needed not soon, it is better to stow at the bottom of the suitcase.
3. T-shirts, longsleeves, tops, shirts and other similar things are better rolled up before packing in the suitcase. This way they will take up less space and will not get wrinkled in transit. Before rolling, fold the sleeves inwards and straighten the creases. After that, you should twist each item into a tight roll and stack them tightly together in the suitcase.
4. To compactly place jeans, turn the top inside out and put one pant leg over the other. Then, starting from the bottom, roll up the jeans and wrap the folded part around it.
5. Underwear should also be folded compactly. Panties can be rolled up, and bras with hard cups are better folded in half: one cup in the other.
6. Narrow belts can be put into shoes, and wide belts can be wrapped around rolls of clothes. If the belt has a massive buckle with protruding parts, it is better to wrap it additionally in a bag or film, so as not to damage things that lie nearby.
7. Jewellery can be put together with cosmetics or placed in small boxes. Eyeglass bags are also suitable for this purpose. If you take hats or bags with you, you can fill them with the things you need. They are best for carrying underwear, cosmetics, fragile items and other small items.
8. The equipment you take with you requires special attention. It is better to keep a powerbank in easy reach, as you may need it on the road. Laptop should be packed in a case or a special bag to protect it from shocks.
It is better to keep wires in a separate organiser so that they don’t get mixed up and are at hand when you need them.
9. Don’t take large tubes of shampoo or shower gel with you. Instead, buy miniatures or travel-sized versions of your favourite products. You can also pour small amounts into special small containers. To avoid spillage, secure their lids with cling film or put them in airtight bags.
10. Passports, boarding passes and other documents should be kept closer together. For example, at the bottom of your handbag or in the breast pocket of your jacket. Firstly, it is convenient. When you need them, you can easily and quickly get them. Secondly, it will protect the tourist from theft. It is better to put money intended for pocket expenses together with documents or in a separate trouser pocket.