How to pack a suitcase for travel sounds simple.
Or does it? Sometimes just a few ideas can help you not only make better use of space, but, it can also help you organize your ideas. Packing a suitcase efficiently and effectively can help you make the most of your travel experience. It can also serve as the first step in providing excitement and anticipation for your vacation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack a suitcase for travel:
Start with a packing list:
Create a list of items you’ll need for your trip. 
This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t forget anything important. It also helps your prioritize and make sure that you don’t overpack. Who wants to carry that extra weight of things that you don’t really need?
Check the weather and research your destination:
Search the weather forecast for your destination during your dates of travel. This will help you determine the type of clothing you should pack. It’s recommended that you check the weather about 7 to 10 days in advance. After all, the forecast can change.
Choose the right suitcase:
Select a suitcase that fits your travel needs, look at size, weight restrictions, and durability. It’s a good idea to opt for lightweight luggage with wheels for easy maneuverability. Most airlines limit the weight of a suitcase at 50 pounds. If your suitcase weighs over 50 pounds, it is likely that you will pay an overweight charge. There are a lot of suitcases to choose from. Tip: Choose a suitcase with an unusual pattern or color. This will make it so much easier to spot if you check it with the airline.
Also, add a luggage tag that you can easily recognize once it is off the luggage carousel at the airport. Whether you choose a personalized one or a tag that is an unusual color, this will help you find your luggage easier and much quicker. Click here to see the tags that I recommend.
Make sure to pack the most essential items:
Place your travel documents (passport, visa, tickets, etc.) in a secure and easily accessible pocket of your carryon bag. Do not pack those important travel documents in your checked bag. Additionally, pack any medications, electronics, chargers, and other important items you’ll need during your trip or flight in your carry on bag or your personal briefcase or purse. I’ll never forget the cruise where our luggage remained in Florida while we had boarded the cruise ship. Our luggage was brought to us the next day, but, it was a scramble to find clothing to wear the next day. One of the people in our party had packed their medication in their main checked bag. Never again! Medication and important documents need to remain with you and handy.
Roll your clothes:
That’s right, rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help save space and minimize wrinkles. Rolling clothing can also help with fitting them easily into your suitcase. Start with thicker and heavier items like jeans and sweaters, and then roll lighter items like shirts and underwear.
Packing cubes and/or compression bags can also make a big difference.
Packing cubes can help organization and can help compact your belongings. Group similar items together inside the cubes, such as shirts in one cube, pants in another, cosmetics in one, etc. Compression bags will reduce the volume of bulky items like jackets or blankets. I highly recommend packing one of your cubes with items that you might need for the first night should you have a layover or if you are going a night early for a cruise. This will help you in that you won’t have to unpack your entire suitcase to find those first night items. I have used compression packing cubes for a 9 day cruise and it helped me immensely. Click here to see the packing cubes that I highly recommend.
Use empty spaces:
Fill up the gaps within your packed items. Stuff socks, underwear, or small accessories in your shoes to maximize space. If your suitcase has extra pockets, use them to store smaller items.
Pack toiletries carefully:
Place toiletries in a separate waterproof bag to prevent leaks or spills from ruining your clothes. Remember to check the lids to make sure that they are tight and not apt to leak during travel. Use travel-sized containers or purchase travel-sized toiletries to save space. If you are only using a carry-on bag, remember to check the regulations for the size allowed for liquids
Keep important items in your carry-on:
If you’re traveling by air, pack essential items like travel documents (passport, id, reservation literature, tickets), medications, electronics, a change of clothes, and valuable items in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed. It happens. Don’t take a chance – make sure you have those important items in your immediate possession.
Secure your suitcase:
Lock your suitcase or use luggage straps to secure it. This provides an extra layer of protection and prevents accidental opening. However, be aware that TSA must be able to open your suitcase if they want to. Make sure that your lock is TSA compatible.
These are just a few ideas on how to pack a suitcase for travel. I hope that your next trip is full of fun and relaxation and that these tips help you get the most out of your next adventure.
Until next time!
