Suitcase packing secrets that will make you a better traveller!

Suitcase packing: Perhaps the worst part of a trip! A full suitcase with no room for more clothes, while you want to add more and more items. Admit it, you've experienced it many times!

 

However, there are several tips that will help you pack your suitcase better and fit as many things as possible!

 

• Practise

What most experienced travellers suggest is to practise packing and unpacking your suitcase. That is, pack and unpack your belongings several times before your departure. Organise a space in your home where you can practise with your suitcase. Sometimes, packing and then re-taking clothes out of your suitcase will help you pack your suitcase quickly and efficiently and carry as many items as possible.

 

• Pack in reverse order

An important tip is to first pack the items you'll take out last when you arrive! So, if your underwear will be taken out last, once you arrive at the hotel, then it's a good idea to place them at the very bottom of your suitcase. The same applies to other items such as pyjamas, slippers, any extra trousers you might have brought, and so on.

 

• Suitcase weight strategy

If you are carrying a backpack, then you need to strategically set up the weight of the rucksack. What do we mean? You should ensure the weight is not high up on your spine, but that items are as low down as possible. At the very top, your bag should be as light as possible. If you only have a regular suitcase and not a backpack, then you should pay attention to the weight in relation to the airline tickets you have booked. Usually, airlines offer one 20kg suitcase with tickets.

 

• Fold!

Imagine your suitcase as a Tetris board! Fold your clothes, put items inside whatever you can, e.g., in your socks, place one item of clothing inside another. For bulky items, such as jackets and towels, use the folding trick.

 

• Watch out for the "bricks"

Some items are characterised as "bricks" as they cannot be used in parallel with others or folded. Shoes, for example, are like this. These can usually be placed on the side of the suitcase as they also keep things from shifting or getting wrinkled. In contrast, shirts and tops can be placed in gaps to fill spaces.

 

If you have gaps inside your suitcase, you can fill them with socks and underwear. Always make sure to account for several pairs of these!

 

• Organise your bags well

If you have many bags and pouches, organise them well. Pack smaller pouches inside a larger one and also your small bags inside a big bag!

 

• Only take what you need

This is perhaps the most popular tip: Only take what you need with you! Try not to carry unnecessary items. If you're thinking of taking something and aren't sure, then don't carry it. If you really wanted it, you wouldn't be thinking about it.

 

• Get the right bag

As long as you are entitled to a suitcase up to 20kg for check-in, then make sure to choose the appropriate suitcase with suitable compartments. Unlike hand luggage, for suitcases checked in at airline counters, there are no dimension restrictions, only weight limits. Get a suitcase that suits you, is easy to move, and most importantly: can comfortably fit all your belongings.