How To Pack a Suitcase For Maximum Efficiency (Step-by-Step)

That vacation is calling! Your stay is booked, you’ve purchased your travel essentials, and you can’t stop daydreaming about the incredible time you’re going to have. There’s just one thing left to do: pack your suitcase.

Knowing how to pack a suitcase like a pro is one of the first steps to having a successful trip. After all, who wants to waste vacation time rummaging around in a suitcase trying to find that perfect outfit, when you could be dressed and out the door in half the time? Not us!

So, whether you’re traveling around another continent for three months or hopping on a train for a weekend city break, knowing the most efficient way to pack a suitcase is a skill worth having. Let’s dive into our best packing tips for a suitcase…

Step 1 - Create an Inventory & Prioritize Essentials

Before putting anything in your suitcase, create a checklist of everything you plan to take. Try separating your list into categories—from clothes and shoes to toiletries, electronics, and travel documents—to ensure you cover all your bases. This will not only help prevent overpacking (gone are the days of trying to squeeze your whole wardrobe into your case!), but it will also reduce the chance of leaving something important behind.

Think about what you’ll need for your trip, keeping in mind:

• How long you’re away for
• Whether you’re going away for business or leisure
• What the weather will be like
• Whether you have any excursions or activities planned that require particular clothing 

Once you have your list of essentials, you can start packing things into your suitcase and carry-on. Just remember to check them off as you go. 

Step 2 - Roll or Compress Your Clothes For Efficiency

Looking for ways to save space? Rolling or compressing your clothes is the most efficient way to pack a suitcase.

Rolling clothes that are made from soft and flexible materials (think t-shirts, skirts, light dresses, and pajamas) is a great way to make extra room in your case. This can prevent your clothes from wrinkling too. First, lay the item flat on a clean, level surface and fold the sleeves inwards. Then, roll tightly upwards towards the collar or waistband starting from the bottom of the item. Finally, secure the rolled item with rubber bands or hair ties to prevent it from unrolling during your journey.

Compression bags are a brilliant space-saving solution for bulkier clothes, like sweaters, sweatpants, and jeans. They help to reduce the space that these items take up in your suitcase, leaving you with more room for everything else.

If you decide to purchase compression or vacuum-sealed bags, here’s how to pack your suitcase for travel:

• Place your clothing items inside the compression bag (making sure they are dry and clean)
• Seal the bag tightly, leaving a small opening for air to escape
• Using a vacuum cleaner or the built-in air valve, remove any excess air to compress the bag
• Once the bag is compressed, seal it completely to maintain it’s new size
• Add your compression bags to your suitcase and enjoy the extra space!

Step 3 - Arrange Your Items the Smart Way

One of our best packing tips for a suitcase? Don’t just throw things into your bag without carefully arranging your items. It will use up so much space unnecessarily. Instead, here’s the most efficient way to pack a suitcase:

Keep your suitcase stable and prevent it from toppling over by packing your heaviest items at the bottom. Shoes, toiletry bags, and bulky coats are all great items to pack near the wheels of your suitcase. They provide a sturdy base that makes wheeling your case much easier. Not only that, packing your heaviest items at the bottom will also help to protect lighter, more delicate items from getting wrinkled or damaged. A win-win all round!

What about your more valuable items, we hear you ask? It’s best to put jewelry and other valuables in the middle of your suitcase. Surrounding these with other clothes will not only protect them from damage while traveling but also make them less accessible to thieves. Necklaces always tangling in your suitcase? Our jewelry case is the perfect way to keep your jewelry organized while traveling.

Step 4 - Use Packing Tools

There are so many tools available to help you pack your suitcase more efficiently. Here are just a few:

Packing Cubes

If you love staying organized on your travels, packing cubes are a worthwhile investment. These lightweight, zippered fabric cubes come in various colors and sizes to help you compartmentalize your packing. Simply separate your items into various categories (tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, etc.) or daily outfits, then grab a packing cube for each one.

When you’ve folded or rolled your items into the packing cubes and safely zipped them up, pop the cubes into your suitcase. Not only will you feel like the queen of organized packing, but you’ll be able to easily locate each item without rummaging through your entire case. 

For even more packing cube top tips, read about how to use packing cubes to keep your carry-on organized.

Toiletry Bags

Organizing your toiletries in your suitcase can be a real hassle—unless you have a reusable toiletry bag that is! With multiple compartments and pockets for all of your toiletries, you won’t have to worry about your shampoo leaking all over your clothes ever again.

Our Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag even comes with a hook to hang on the back of your shower door. It really couldn’t be easier to transport your favorite toiletries from your home to your destination.

Compression Bags

Compression bags are a great tool if you’re traveling somewhere where heavy layers are needed, like puffer jackets and bulky sweaters. Simply use a vacuum cleaner or the built-in air valve to remove any excess air from the bag and watch the item reduce in size in front of your eyes.

Step 5 - Pack a Garment Bag on Top 

If you need to dress to impress on your trip, don’t forget to use a garment bag for your smart suit or evening gown. It’s the easiest way to carry them without causing damage or wrinkling. 

Shop our full range of packing accessories today to make traveling easy. Or, explore our selection of carry-ons, medium and large cases, and suitcase sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Most Efficient Way to Pack For a Trip?

Learning how to pack a suitcase isn’t hard. You just need to get organized early! Make a checklist of everything you want to take. Then, ensure you don’t leave anything behind by checking things off as they go into your suitcase. Make sure you choose the right size carry-on and check-in bag for your airline too. 

What Are the Different Types of Packing Methods?

It’s hard to nail down the most efficient way to pack a suitcase—but here are some of the top packing methods: Rolling your clothes helps to save space and prevent creasing, packing cubes are a great way to organize your items and make outfits easy to find, and compression bags can help to reduce the space that bulkier items take up in your case.

What’s the Best Way to Pack Shoes?

As shoes are heavy, it’s best to pack them at the bottom of your suitcase. This will help to stabilize your luggage and prevent your shoes from squashing any delicate items. If you’re worried about dirty soles touching the rest of your clothes, why not pop your shoes in a zippered pouch before putting them in your case?

What’s the Best Way to Pack Jewelry?

It’s best to pack jewelry in a case in the middle of your suitcase, where the padding of your clothes will prevent any damage.