How to Pack a Suitcase (2024)

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Originally published on June 26, 2017

By Shivani Vora and Michelle Higgins

Illustrations by Julia Rothman

Packing may seem simple, but it is a science with rules that travelers often learn the hard way over thousands of miles on the road. Doing it strategically can be the difference between a harried vacation with countless detours to local drugstores and a streamlined one with everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s our shortcut to packing the right way: how to find the best suitcase, minimize your load, pack what you need on a beach trip or a business trip and cut down on wrinkles.

  • 6 Packing Tips
  • How to Pick a Suitcase
  • Packing Lists by Trip
  • Packing for a Family Trip
  • Any Questions?

6 Packing Tips

Follow these basic tips to pack efficiently and effectively for any trip.

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How to Pack a Suitcase (2)

1. The bigger your suitcase, the more you will put into it: The simplest way to avoid bringing too many things is to buy a hard-sided suitcase, no more than 22 inches tall (so it can work as a carry-on) with a structured shell so you can’t squeeze in any extras.

2. Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs. Throw in a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit jacket and dress if you’ll need them.

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How to Pack a Suitcase (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to pack a suitcase? ›

Start with the longest pieces first, placing them in the bottom of the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides of the case. Then place smaller items on top of those. Keep layering until you've packed everything you need.

What is the most space efficient way to pack a suitcase? ›

Arrange Clothing Thoughtfully

Stack the garments on top of each other, alternating waists with hems. Lay them the length of your suitcase, draping leftover fabric over the opposite end. (This conserves space since thick waistbands won't be piled on top of one another.) Wrap the draping ends of the pile into the center.

Does rolling clothes really save space in suitcase? ›

Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.

What is the 333 packing rule? ›

The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.

What is the 333 packing method? ›

What is the '333 packing' method? The concept is fairly simple: Choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes to create different outfit combinations. The result is more than a dozen looks that fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

What is the 3 1 rule for packing? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

What is the 311 rule? ›

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

What is the most compact packing method? ›

Wrapping your garments up in neat little rolls dramatically reduces how much space they take up and makes it easy to find the perfect spot for them in your suitcase, minimizing wasted space. In terms of battling creases, if you get the technique right, you'll notice no difference between rolling and folding.

How do you pack a suitcase with too much stuff? ›

Have too many things? How to Pack your Carry-On for your Return Flight
  1. Put big, bulky things at the bottom. ...
  2. Roll up any clothing. ...
  3. Put smaller items on the outside of your luggage. ...
  4. Wear extra items. ...
  5. Use Ziplock bags. ...
  6. Store smaller items in your pockets. ...
  7. Ditch extra packaging. ...
  8. Use a Tetris system.
Apr 21, 2021

What packing method saves the most space? ›

Packing cubes are great for one thing, but one very important thing: Keeping your clothes organized. Rolling your clothes is the most space-saving option, but you won't necessarily be able to keep your outfits organized together with this method.

Does folding clothes make a suitcase lighter? ›

Rolling your clothes won't make them weigh less, so they won't make your luggage lighter. However, it can save space, allowing you to pack much more in your suitcase, which means carrying fewer pieces of luggage and ultimately reducing your load.

What is the most effective way to fold clothes for travel? ›

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to reduce wrinkles and save space. When you reach your destination, hang the clothes to prevent wrinkles. Bundle your clothes by first filling a small pouch with socks. Spread your clothes out flat, put the pouch in the middle, and wrap items around it to form a large bundle.

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