Our Best Tips for Packing a Suitcase

As we all get back out there and travel again, we might have forgotten how to properly fit all of our items into a suitcase. If you can’t remember what to roll and what to fold (or how much underwear you need for a long weekend), then check out our best packing hacks.

First, choose the right vessel for your clothes. Duffels and totes may be light, but because of their soft structures, they are hard to keep to a regulated size. You don’t want to overstuff a duffel and find out it’s too large to fit in the overhead bin, so stick with a hard-sided suitcase. Since nothing can poke out, it will always stay FAA regulation size.

To maximise clothes space, roll any light clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and underwear. Stuff the rolled clothes around the perimeter of the suitcase and use them to fill any gaps. Fill your shoes with socks to hold their shape, and put them heel-to-toe at the base of the suitcase. While you’re down there, add in any heavy items like books close to the wheels to maximise stability. With the weight towards the wheels, the suitcase will be easier to roll and less wobbly.

So you don’t forget any important toiletries, keep a kit packed and stored year-round. Just throw it into your suitcase when needed, and make sure the toiletry bag is easily accessible in case the TSA wants to inspect it.

Finally, remember to wear your heaviest garments so they don’t take up any extra space in your bag. For all these tips and more, check out the video above.