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How to Pack a Suitcase
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of travel. But for many of us, packing well for a trip is a challenge.
From how to fold clothes correctly to avoiding over or underpacking, there’s a lot to keep track of.
But with the right approach and a bit of planning, packing a suitcase becomes a breeze. Here’s your step-by-step guide to the perfect pack.
Start with a packing list
When it comes to the best way to pack a suitcase, creating a packing list is a great place to start. Taking the time to write one up ensures you don’t forget anything important. But it also helps you avoid over-packing. List everything you think you'll need given how long you’ll be away, then review and adjust.
Choose the right suitcase
Making sure your suitcase is the right size and type matters when thinking of packing perfectly. Headed off on a fun weekend getaway? You’ll need a very different bag than if you’re packing for a two-week vacation. In essence, you’re looking for a suitcase that will comfortably fit your essentials without being too bulky. Wheeled luggage can be a great choice if you’re packing for longer trips. Otherwise, you might want to opt for a duffel or even a large backpack, if you’re travelling light.
Lay everything out
Before you start the actual packing process, lay out everything you want to take. This way, you can see if you've missed anything from your travel checklist. You can also see if you’re over-packing. Having lots of clothing choices can be nice, but a bag that’s too heavy can put a real damper on your trip, so think wisely about what you really need.
Roll, don’t fold
Many of us learned to fold clothes when packing for trips. But rolling rather than folding clothes is often a better approach. Firstly, rolled clothes take up less space. They also wrinkle less. Thirdly, you can pack rolled items side-by-side, rather than on top of one another, making them easier to find when you open up your bag.
Start with heavier items like jeans and jackets and then move to lighter garments for the upper layers.
Start with a packing list
When it comes to the best way to pack a suitcase, creating a packing list is a great place to start. Taking the time to write one up ensures you don’t forget anything important. But it also helps you avoid over-packing. List everything you think you'll need given how long you’ll be away, then review and adjust.
Choose the right suitcase
Making sure your suitcase is the right size and type matters when thinking of packing perfectly. Headed off on a fun weekend getaway? You’ll need a very different bag than if you’re packing for a two-week vacation. In essence, you’re looking for a suitcase that will comfortably fit your essentials without being too bulky. Wheeled luggage can be a great choice if you’re packing for longer trips. Otherwise, you might want to opt for a duffel or even a large backpack, if you’re travelling light.
Lay everything out
Before you start the actual packing process, lay out everything you want to take. This way, you can see if you've missed anything from your travel checklist. You can also see if you’re over-packing. Having lots of clothing choices can be nice, but a bag that’s too heavy can put a real damper on your trip, so think wisely about what you really need.
Roll, don’t fold
Many of us learned to fold clothes when packing for trips. But rolling rather than folding clothes is often a better approach. Firstly, rolled clothes take up less space. They also wrinkle less. Thirdly, you can pack rolled items side-by-side, rather than on top of one another, making them easier to find when you open up your bag.
Start with heavier items like jeans and jackets and then move to lighter garments for the upper layers.
Pack shoes the right way
Shoes can be one of the trickiest items to pack. A good place to start is by always packing them at the bottom of your suitcase. Use shower caps or bags to cover the soles to keep any lingering dirt away from your clothes. Fill the insides with small items like socks or even electronics chargers to maximise space.
Make easy access to travel essentials a priority
Your travel essentials list includes things like passports, tickets, chargers and medications. To avoid delays or the need to rummage through your things in a time crunch, always make sure these are easily accessible. And if you’ll be popping them in a carry-on for a flight, always double-check your airline’s regulations to see what you can take on board.
Keep an eye on liquids
If you’re flying, remember the liquid restrictions. Also, pack toiletries in a clear, resealable bag. It’s also wise to double-bag any liquids or gels to avoid spills. Also, consider buying travel-sized items or using refillable travel containers so you can keep volumes to a minimum.
Limit the bulk
Bulky items like winter jackets, boots and heavy knitwear can take up valuable space in your bag. If you’re travelling to a cold destination, think about what you might comfortably wear during transit rather than packing. Plus, keep duplicate items to a minimum.
Leave some space
Departing for a trip with a fully-stuffed suitcase is rarely a good idea. Instead, always leave a little space for souvenirs or other purchases you make on your trip. Plus, having some extra room will make repacking before you leave that bit easier, especially if you’re under time pressure.
Pro tips for seasoned travellers
Feel like you’ve mastered the basics of great suitcase packing? Even seasoned travellers can benefit from a few more expert hacks. Here are some advanced tips to elevate your packing game a little bit further.
Clothing choice counts
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to travel. If you’re headed off on a trip, try to prioritise wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and quick-drying materials like merino wool, synthetic blends, and certain types of treated cotton. These fabrics pack well and adapt easily to different climates.
Next, think about versatility, especially if you need to pack light. A sarong, for example, can serve as a beach cover-up, blanket, towel, or makeshift bag. Similarly, certain clothing items can be dressed up or down, so you're prepared for any occasion.
Elevate your electronics packing
Entangled chargers and cables can be a real hassle. Use small zippered pouches or cable organisers to separate and store different cables. Alternatively, wrapping cables around old gift cards or using binder clips can prevent them from tangling. If you’ll be away from charge points, invest in a quality power bank to ensure your devices never run out of juice on the move.
Get into zone packing
A classic approach to packing is sorting by item type. But zone packing can take your packing to the next level. For instance, have one cube/pouch for beach items, another for city exploration, and one for nighttime events, so everything is well organised and quick to hand regardless of what you might need.
Pro tips for seasoned travellers
Feel like you’ve mastered the basics of great suitcase packing? Even seasoned travellers can benefit from a few more expert hacks. Here are some advanced tips to elevate your packing game a little bit further.
Clothing choice counts
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to travel. If you’re headed off on a trip, try to prioritise wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and quick-drying materials like merino wool, synthetic blends, and certain types of treated cotton. These fabrics pack well and adapt easily to different climates.
Next, think about versatility, especially if you need to pack light. A sarong, for example, can serve as a beach cover-up, blanket, towel, or makeshift bag. Similarly, certain clothing items can be dressed up or down, so you're prepared for any occasion.
Elevate your electronics packing
Entangled chargers and cables can be a real hassle. Use small zippered pouches or cable organisers to separate and store different cables. Alternatively, wrapping cables around old gift cards or using binder clips can prevent them from tangling. If you’ll be away from charge points, invest in a quality power bank to ensure your devices never run out of juice on the move.
Get into zone packing
A classic approach to packing is sorting by item type. But zone packing can take your packing to the next level. For instance, have one cube/pouch for beach items, another for city exploration, and one for nighttime events, so everything is well organised and quick to hand regardless of what you might need.
The perfect pack for your nexttrip
Whether you’re headed off on that long-awaited beach holiday or just a simple weekend out of town, packing correctly can mean a great start to any trip.
And a great pack starts with a great bag. At Kipling, we’ve got dozens of backpacks, duffels, large suitcases, travel accessories and much more to suit any adventure.
So no matter where you’re headed, you’ve got the perfect bag for the journey ahead.
