Packing a suitcase smartly: 10 tips for more room and a clear overview
Packing a suitcase seems simple, until it will not close or you have to unpack everything at your destination to find your charger. With a few smart tips more fits in your case, your clothes stay neater and you find everything quickly.
1. Make a packing list
A few days before you leave, write down what you need and tick off what is in your case. That way you take nothing extra and forget nothing.
2. Lay everything out first
Lay everything you want to take on the bed. Then take a few things away again: most people bring more clothing than they need. Choose clothes that combine well.
3. Roll your clothes
Roll T-shirts, trousers and summer dresses up tightly. That saves room and gives fewer creases. Shirts and jackets are better folded, ideally with some tissue paper in between.
4. Heavy things at the bottom
Put heavy items, such as shoes and your wash bag, at the bottom of the case on the wheel side. Then your case stays stable and your clothes crease less.
5. Shoes in shoe bags
Put shoes in shoe bags, so sand and dirt do not get on your clothes. Fill the shoes themselves with socks or small items: that way you use that space too.
6. Use vacuum bags for bulky clothing
Jumpers, coats and a fleece take up a lot of room. In vacuum bags they become much flatter. Note: the weight stays the same, so bear your case's weight limit in mind.
7. A fixed place for toiletries
A hanging wash bag keeps your toiletries together and is handy in small bathrooms. With travel bottles you take only what you need. Travelling with hand luggage only? Then read travel bottles for hand luggage: what may you take?
8. Cables in an organiser
Chargers, cables and a power bank soon tangle in a bag. In a cable organiser you keep everything neatly together. Note: a power bank belongs in your hand luggage, not in your case.
9. Important things in your hand luggage
Put medicines, your passport, your bank card, electronics and a set of clean clothes in your hand luggage. If your case goes missing or arrives later, you still have the essentials with you.
10. Make your case recognisable and close it properly
A luggage strap keeps your case extra firmly closed and makes it quicker to spot on the carousel. Attach a luggage tag with your name and phone number too. You will find more tips in making your suitcase recognisable.
Bonus tip: leave some room
Like bringing souvenirs home? Then do not fill your case completely on the way out, or take a foldable extra bag.
Frequently asked questions
Is rolling clothes better than folding?
For most clothing, yes: rolled clothes take up less room and crease less. Shirts and jackets are better folded.
What goes in your hand luggage and what in your case?
Medicines, documents, money, electronics and a power bank belong in your hand luggage. Liquids over the permitted amount, scissors and large toiletries go in your case.
Do vacuum bags weigh less?
No, vacuum bags save room but not weight. So keep an eye on your case's weight limit.
How do I stop my clothes creasing?
Roll your clothes up tightly, put heavy items at the bottom by the wheels and make sure your case is well filled, so nothing can shift.
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