Have you ever thought about why does packing seems a difficult task sometimes? Perhaps, this is because most of us don’t know the strategies that make the packing process much easier and stress-free. So, in this guide, you’ll find some pro tips and tricks that will help you pack your suitcase strategically while having enough space for every item you may need during your vacation. Whether you're someone who starts packing a week ahead of time or waits until the last minute, these hacks will ensure that your favorite dress doesn't get wrinkled and you have plenty of room for souvenirs.

How to pick a suitcase?

However, before revealing the tips, at first, we should understand how to pick a suitcase to meet your needs and to store everything you’ll need. There are three basic variables to guide your decision.

1. Two wheels vs Four Wheels: Which is the best way to the wheel? Two-wheeled bags require you to drag them behind you in a straight line and pulling heavy ones can be a real chore. Four-wheeled bags, also known as spinners, rotate 360 degrees and are easier to maneuver; they can even be wheeled when they’re upright. But their design means that the wheels are more susceptible to damage.
2. Frequent travelers vs Occasional travelers: Travelers who are on the road several times in the year need a more durable suitcase, that will not fail even several years down the line. It is also worth noting that the more durable the suitcase, the pricier it will be. On the other hand, since occasional travelers don’t rely on their luggage nearly as often as road warriors, they can get by with a midrange bag, which will last them several years, and may have a limited warranty.
3. Soft- vs hard-shell suitcase: There are benefits for both hard- and soft-shell suitcases. However, the decision depends on your personal preferences. Hard bags are aesthetically sleeker, and also offer stronger protection than soft to the items inside, and are less susceptible to wear and tear. At the same time,  a hard-shelled suitcase will also strictly limit how much you can stuff into your bag — a benefit if you tend to pack too much. And since the new models are made with lightweight polycarbonate, they don’t scratch easily and aren’t heavy. In fact, some models weigh less than soft suitcases, but be wary of a bag that’s too light.

In terms of soft-shell suitcases, they tend to be light and have external pockets, which some travelers use to keep items like books or jackets handy. Many soft bags also have some give, a bonus if you like to cram as much as possible into a bag.

How big should your bag/suitcase be?

Check-in bags tend to range in size from 24 to 30 inches. In this case, we should not fail to note that some airlines may consider a 29- to 30-inch suitcase oversized, which could mean paying a fee to check the bag. So, choosing a design that’s 28 inches or less will be the best solution.

Packing tips

Now, when we know how to choose the best suitcase for your trip, and discovered the proper size of the suitcase, we can unveil the packing tips to pack efficiently and effectively for every trip.

1. The bigger the suitcase, the more you will put into it

Perhaps, the simplest and logical tip is to choose a hard-shell suitcase measuring no more than 22-inch, so that it will be easy to carry on. Besides, look for a suitcase with a structured shell so you can’t squeeze in any extras.

2. 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

For a week-long trip, the 1-2-3-4-5-6 is probably the best suitcase-packing tips that we know. According to this rule, you have to pack:

• 1 hat
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 3 pairs of pants or skirts
• 4 shirts
• 5 pairs of socks
• 6 sets of underwear

This list can be modified to suit your needs and the nature of your trip. For example, a business trip requires a different wardrobe than a cruise. In addition, throw in a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit jacket and dress if you’ll need them.

3. Think Tetris

Another model for suitcase-packing is the Tetris model. Perhaps, it is the best way to pack your bag. Fill every inch of space. For example, footwear should be stuffed with socks. Then lay your shoes together heel to toe at the bottom of your suitcase in a plastic shopping bag to protect clothes from dirt. How exactly you arrange everything in your suitcase is a matter of personal preference.

4. Keep liquids in easy reach and never unpack your toiletries

Toiletries should always be placed on top of your suitcase in a clear bag since you never know when T.S.A. might be interested in looking. We recommend keeping a separate toiletry kit for traveling. Keeping a set of bathroom products already packed also ensures that you don’t forget a toothbrush or contact lens case that you might use the morning of takeoff. Keep these items in a small pouch or box in the corner of a cabinet or drawer for easy access when packing for a trip. To streamline what you need, consider all-in-one options like BB creams, which combine foundation, moisturizer, and sunblock. To prevent leakage, double up that plastic bag.

5. Roll clothes and pack them first

The best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space is to use the roll method. Rolling clothes conserves space, reduces wrinkling, and makes it easier to find clothes in your suitcase. But do you really know how to roll? Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves, and roll from the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase before shoes and accessories; then, fit in other oddly shaped items like hair tools.

6. Use compression bags

Several companies make plastic travel compression bags that help remove air from bulky clothing by rolling (no vacuum cleaner required). Travelers' reviews are mixed. Some say they're the best way to pack a suitcase because you can pack much more and use the bags to hold dirty clothes on the way back. You can even wash clothes in the bag if you add water and soap and then shake and massage it. Other reviewers warn that compression bags wrinkle thin fabrics, and they can make it easy to pack too much and end up with an overweight bag.

7. Arrange to clothe thoughtfully

Place your softer, rolled items at the bottom of your suitcase first. Next comes your folded garments: For your middle layer, start with the longest items, like skirts and nice pants. Next, lay collars of shorter items, like shirts, at the hinge with the ends over the handles. Fold the collars and ends over once and fold the arms in. Finally, snake belts around the perimeter of the bag so they take up as little room as possible. If you’re carting liquor bottles, secure them in the bottom center of your bag.

Extra tip: In order to avoid overpacking clothes, consider having in mind what to wear each day of your trip and correspondingly make looks. This way you’ll reduce the number of unnecessary clothes and will have more space.

How to pack shoes?

Because of their shapes and heels, shoes generally take the most space of the suitcase. Consider one casual sandal or loafer, sneakers, and an evening shoe to be your holy trinity. Wear the heaviest, bulkiest pair and pack the other two. Place shoes into one-gallon-size resealable bags. Then set them along the sides of the bag. This will keep dirt and germs from your shoes from getting onto your packed clean clothes.

Before you leave

Once you’ve finished packing and ticked everything off your list, be sure to double-check the following:

• Make sure you’re not overpacked. Airlines list their luggage restrictions so weigh and measure your suitcase to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• At the same time, make sure you don’t under-pack so much that your belongings are rattling about in your suitcase. If you’re way under, pack an extra backpack for day trips or consider downsizing your bag.
• When you’re traveling, it’s good to have important travel documents on you, as well as a lightweight, pocket-friendly bag for medicines, hand sanitizer, or snacks. Remember to take a reusable bottle too!