Experts Explain How Pack a Suitcase Without It Turning Into Total Chaos

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re a little out of practice, knowing how to pack a suitcase will make the entire experience of traveling a little simpler. While some of us are guilty of throwing a bunch of clothes into a suitcase and sitting on it until it zips up, there are far better ways to pack your things for a trip.

Importantly, no one wants to forget their essentials before hitting the road. “Being unprepared could lead to unpleasant situations, especially if international travel is involved,” explains Diana Vicheva, travel expert and editorial manager at Expo Travel Group. Thankfully, this guide has taken the guesswork out of packing for you.

From tools that help with packing your luggage to tips for staying organized ahead of a trip, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about how to pack a suitcase.

Invest in the right suitcase

First and foremost, it’s important that your suitcase is sturdy and will keep your possessions secure throughout your trip. And if you’re in the market for a new set of luggage, you may want to pay attention to its build before you buy.

“While it may feel like hard-shell cases are trendy right now, you might be surprised to hear that soft-sided bags can usually fit more in them,” explains Audrey Kohout, CEO of worldwide luggage shipping company Luggage Forward. “Plus, with less rigidity, it is sometimes easier to fit items that are funky shapes and sizes.”

Whichever type of suitcase you opt for, the case must be big enough for your needs and durable enough to withstand the journey.

Plan ahead

As with everything in life, planning can make all the difference when it comes to packing a suitcase.

“I’d recommend making a list of everything you need for your trip and laying it out in front of you,” explains Mattis Oppermann, the cofounder and designer at luxury travel goods brand Carl Friedrik. “This helps you avoid overpacking things you won’t need.”

If you’re unsure where to start, travel apps such as PackPoint can help you formulate your packing list, explains Vicheva.

“If you travel by plane, divide your checklist into two sections: carry-on and checked luggage,” she notes. “Make sure that all your valuables, IDs, tickets, and money go into your carry-on and that your suitcase doesn’t include any restricted items that could cause problems and delays at the airport.”

It helps to know yourself, as well. If packing makes you anxious and you’re convinced you’ll forget something, start the process as early as possible.

“To make the experience less daunting, I recommend starting to pack for a trip at least a few days in advance,” suggests Victor Tam, the cofounder and CEO of travel and lifestyle brand Monos. “This can relieve the seemingly inevitable stress in the final hours before heading out the door for your travels.”

Use packing cubes

One way to get organized ahead of any trip is to utilize packing cubes, which “are always a great tool, whether using in a weekender bag or a check-in suitcase,” Tam explains.

Packing cubes are available in many sizes, colors, and configurations. However, if you’re on a budget (and strapped for time), you can opt for a much cheaper alternative. “You can use plastic bags from around the house to keep track of your smaller items,” suggests Kohout.

Packing cubes are also an opportunity to organize outfits, keep your dirty laundry compartmentalized, or separate your beachwear from sleepwear. “Separate pajamas from athletic clothes and dressy dinner outfits so you’re not rummaging through your bag upon arrival,” says Kohout.

Maximize space

Who hasn’t struggled to squeeze everything into their suitcase ahead of a big vacation? To avoid putting yourself through that hassle, it’s worth trying to maximize space by using some simple, expert-recommended tricks.

“Fit small items like socks and sunglasses inside your shoes, and pack books down the sides of your suitcase to keep them straight,” says Oppermann. “When packing clothes into a suitcase, roll up soft items like T-shirts and shorts to help save space, and fold your longer and heavier items like trousers and sweatshirts.”

Savvy travelers might opt for compressible packing cubes, which make more room inside your suitcase and leave room for souvenir shopping, explains Tam.

Protect important items by packing strategically

Certain clothing items and accessories might need extra protection to ensure they don’t get ruined before you arrive at your destination. “A top tip for packing a shirt is to roll up a belt and place it in your shirt collar,” Oppermann explains. “This acts as a makeshift stiffener and prevents a squashed shirt collar.”

You can apply this same 2-in-1 logic to pack other fragile items more securely. “Put all your socks inside your favorite purse,” suggests Kohout. “Hats, which can be tricky to pack, can be used to hold other items. This helps maintain the shape, so your favorite sunhat doesn’t get crushed.”

It can be difficult to keep delicate items such as earrings and necklaces safe during travel. If you like to pack a selection of jewelry options, it’s worth keeping them safe in a dedicated case.

“I swear by a jewelry roll bag to keep all of my jewelry pieces together and safe,” says Vanessa Gordon, the founder of New York-based digital publication, East End Taste. “I never pack my jewelry in a checked bag and try to avoid checking my luggage whenever possible.”

Secure your electronics

In this digital age, most people travel with expensive electronics, such as tablets and laptops. Instead of shoving these devices into a crowded suitcase or backpack, invest wisely to avoid expensive breakages.

“When packing tech for travel, you want to make sure your items are secure so they aren’t damaged in transit,” says Tam. “I recommend using a bag with a dedicated laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets to not only keep your tech safe but also organized.”

Pack toiletries separately

After a long day of travel, there’s almost nothing worse than opening your suitcase to discover that your toiletries have leaked all over your clothes. Even in a carefully packed suitcase, you’ll want to take precautions ahead of time instead of risking spillage.

“Items like sunscreen and facial wipes can easily leak,” says Gordon. “I always pack these types of items in sturdy, sealable silicone bags to help eliminate leakage.” Gordon also suggests packing additional waterproof bags, such as Stasher bags, to keep wet bathing suits and washcloths separated from your dry things while in transit.

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper’s BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.