This ultimate traveler’s guide will show you how to pack a suitcase for your trip, no matter where you’re going. We’ll cover techniques for identifying essentials, organizing items and maximizing space. We’ll also show how to get through airport security quickly and efficiently.
First of all, this guide details how to pack a carry-on suitcase. If you plan on checking your bags for your upcoming flight, we only have one thing to say… have you lost your mind? Carrying on is the only way to go! To understand why we advocate for carry-on only, read this post: 9 Reasons Why A Carry-On Is Better Than Checked Baggage.
Now let’s get started.
PREP:
1. Set your suitcase near your closet and/or dresser. That way you’re not walking across the room a hundred times just to transport your clothes from one place to another. It might seem obvious, but it must be said. After all, efficiency is key. The faster you finish packing, the sooner you can be doing something more enjoyable.
2. Consider how many days you’ll be traveling and visualize each outfit. Try to select clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched. Then begin laying those items on your bed, dresser or bedroom floor. Do not start packing yet. You’ll pack items into your suitcase afterward. Just set items aside.
- TIP: you can wear pants and/or shorts more than once. So you’ll need fewer pants and shorts than shirts. Armpits can soil shirts and dresses, so those items generally can only be worn once, unless you purchase odor-resistant clothing (which has stirred debates in recent years).
PACK:
3. Pack shoes first. Place them in the bottom of the suitcase, preferably wedged between the handle rods.
- TIP: If you’ll need to change shoes before you reach your final destination, then pack your shoes last, so they are easily accessible on top, while in transit.
4. Pack larger/bulkier items next, such as jeans and pants. Tightly roll them and arrange lengthwise, parallel to the rods, in neat rows. Then do the same with shirts and/or dresses, stacking on tip as needed. This will leave gaps between items and rows.
5. Pack lighter items, such as shirts and dresses. Tightly roll them and arrange lengthwise (or widthwise if it makes those items fit more efficiently in your particular suitcase).
6. Pack socks and underwear. Arrange them by filling the gaps between the larger items.
7. Pack jackets or sweaters by folding them over once or twice. Why not roll them? At this point, your suitcase is getting full and the top layer of clothing must be thinner, otherwise you will risk not being able to zip your suitcase.
8. Pack shavers, chargers, hair brushes, curling irons, etc. Often these can be placed in the zipper net pouch inside the lid. Or placed in remaining gaps between clothing items. Arrange everything as if you were assembling a puzzle.
9. Lastly, pack liquids and gels. These will need to be easily accessible in case you have to remove them and place them in a tray at airport security checkpoints. This is required in many countries, including the United States. So place them in the outside zipper pockets of your suitcase, if possible. IMPORTANT: Make sure you place your liquid and gel containers (things such as lotions, shampoo and toothpaste) in a clear plastic bag—not to exceed 1 quart in volume (or equivalent metric size). And make sure those individual containers do not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml).
- TIP: You can order a special 1-quart (or metric equivalent) clear travel case designed specifically for airport security. These are made of sturdy, reliable clear plastic that is less likely to rip, tear or leak while traveling. We highly recommended them!
10. Zip up your bag and lock it. A TSA-approved lock is important, just in case the airline forces you to “gate check” your bag when boarding your flight (which occasionally happens when overhead storage fills up, leaving no room for your suitcase. Or when the plane is a smaller sized jet that won’t accommodate standard overhead-sized luggage).
- TIP: Be sure to use a TSA-approved combination travel lock on your bag. This type of lock allows TSA agents to open and inspect your bag then re-lock it (if you are forced to gate check it), but it’s a deterrent to baggage handlers rifling through your suitcase.
Now you know how to pack a suitcase the right way. Find out how we packed all these items in this carry-on suitcase, plus learn more about rolling versus folding items by reading our in-depth post here: Suitcase Packing Face-Off: Rolling vs. Folding.
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For Pinners:
