15 Suitcase Packing Tips
This year to save money we booked a family ticket for our flights. The saving was great but it means the boys don’t get a luggage allowance. So four of us are going on holiday for two week with just two suitcases and our hand luggage. A plan is needed rather than my chuck as much stuff in as possible usual routine. So I’ve come up with 15 Suitcase Packing Tips along with the help of some other bloggers. So you and I can pack better this summer.
Make a list
Do you really need to take five different pairs of shoes? Are you really going to wear heels for example. Think about how you are going to realistically spend your time on holiday before you pack your Suitcase . You can grab my packing list printable at the bottom of the post.
Check the weights
It is one of the worst things when you get to the check in desk and your suitcase is overweight. You have tow choices then, either pay the over price option to carry the extra weight or try and decant all the extra stuff and then wear it.
You’ll need the right luggage when you’re confronted with an overweight suitcase. For instance, brands like Eminent or Carpisa are renowned for their ability to manufacture high-quality suitcases that strike a perfect balance between durability and lightweight design. No matter which variant you choose, these suitcases offer remarkable lightness despite their sturdy construction, making them convenient to transport and comfortable to carry. Whether you opt for an Eminent hard shell suitcase or a Carpisa alternative, you’ll discover that these luggage options prioritize lightness without compromising on sturdiness. This balance ensures that you can transport your belongings with ease and comfort, making your travel experience significantly more enjoyable. So, when planning your next trip, consider the importance of choosing the right suitcase to avoid the inconvenience of excess baggage fees.
Avoid the whole unfortunate scenario with a Suitcase scale which you can use at home to check your bags. Then dont forget to pack it, so you can weigh on the way home. When your suitcase is stuffed with souvenirs.
Use your hand luggage
If you hate queuing to collect your bags and you’re only going for a mini break. Why not use your hand luggage to it’s full potential. Pack a cabin holdall bag and then just stroll through the airport, quickly on your way to your holiday at the other end.
Be real
Are you going to dine out at fancy restaurants every evening or are you more likely to chuck a kaftan over your bikini before heading to the beach bar? Think about what you are most comfortable in when it’s hot and humid and pack for what you will most likely spend most of your time doing. For me I really only need clothes for the beginning and start of my holiday. The rest of the time I’m in my swimsuit!
Packing cubes
Why have I not had these in my life before! This is normally how my suitcase looks if I’m honest. I’ll spend more time on sorting the boys out that my packing often looks like a chaotic mess.
These luggage organisers £14.99 have been a god send. I am amazed how little space all my stuff now takes up.
You can use them in all sorts of ways too. You could organise by outfits or as I did in the end and group types of things together.
Everything packed down so well there will be plenty of room for hubby to bring his stuff too!
They also made my packing feel so luxurious in soft grey with rose gold zips, I can’t wait to unpack on holiday.
Lot’s more praise for packing cubes!
Packing cubes organise everything and make it much easier when in holiday as well!
‘Packing cubes are a fantastic way to organise your cases and clothes and they make things so simple once you arrive at your destination. You can colour co-ordinate all the cubes in the cases so everyone knows what is in what. For example, all the red cubes have underwear, the green cubes have swim wear etc’
‘Use smaller lightweight bags to group items. It’s much easier to pack and unpack that way. Also means if you need to get something out of the case, you only route around in one bag without messing up the whole suitcase’
thegrowingmum.com
Rolling clothes
Choose clothes that don’t crease easily and are lightweight. These leggings from Love Leggings are perfect as they roll up small and are perfect for yoga on the beach or throwing under a dress for the cool air of the plane.
‘Roll clothes! It seems to magically save space and also stops clothes from becoming creased.’
If you need to take bulky stuff with you, you could also try a Vacuum storage bag to pack more in.
Switch towels
Towels always seemed to big a big bulky and heavy addition to our luggage. Not this year though as we’ve switched to these compact beach towels from Theye £9.99. They are micro fibre so they are really absorbent but they don’t take up loads of room. Plus the sand doesn’t stick to them so they are a winner for taking to the beach.
‘We bought microfibre towels which fold up to such a tiny size and (also dry ridiculously quickly!) as towels are often the heaviest and bulkiest things in our suitcase. They’ve been brilliant and are perfect for swimming bags too’
Twinderelmo.co.uk
‘Use microfibre camping towels- they are much better in the sand and very absorbent and fold up small.’
Stack bras
If you need your bras on holiday. (I tend to ditch mine in favour of a bikini top) Stack them and you’ll find they take up a lot less room and keep their shape better.
Stuff hats
A sun hat is a vital accessory on holiday but unless you want to wear it on the plane. You need to ensure it keeps in shape.
I tend to stuff mine with my under wear and swimwear.
One swimwear item I will not be going without is my new Modibodi period proof bikini brief £31.50. As you may have already read I have been looking at ways to reduce my plastic use, especially when having my period and trying to have a more positive period experience. So I won’t be missing out on the fun of the pool or beach this year. The worry of a leak or accidentally being caught off guard has gone. Plus no one would ever know I was wearing period proof bottoms as they look just like a regular bikini. Here’s to a worry free summer.
Pack your clothes in side out
Avoid any marks ending up on your clothes whilst in your suitcase by packing them inside out. Then if they do look grubby it wont be seen when you wear the,
Pack two tops for every bottom
You get much more wear from your bottoms and you’re less liking to spill something on them then your top.
Put toiletries in a clear zip lock bag
Make sure you pack your toiletries in a water proof toiletry bag that won’t leak and ruin your clothes. Make it a clear one if you need to carry them in your hand luggage. Remember for hand luggage it’s no more than 100ml in each bottle and no more than 1 litre in total.
Mix it up
‘When travel as a family, I like to group our things together and use one case each for everyone’s clothes for a few days rather than split them to have a case per person. This can save space in a hotel room as we only have to open one case at a time and others can be stored under them. It also means that if any cases were to be lost, we would all still have a couple of outfits each in any one case.’
Check your list
Once you’ve made you list don’t forget to check it before you go. Grab the printable checklist below.
Keep it clean
On our way home we have one suitcase for laundry between all of us so it can go straight on the washing machine when we get home. No need for sorting, job done!’
Www.theincidentalparent.com
Grab a suitcase packing tips printable
Liked my 15 Suitcase Packing Tips?
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If you are a family and have several suitcases, then spread each members clothes among the suitcases. Therefore, if one suitcase goes missing, then at least nobody will be left without all their clothes!
I have saved a lot of space with tops after watching, how to fold a top in 2 seconds on you tube and it works brilliantly, if you haven’t seen it have a look, heres a link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz6rjbw0ZA0
I always make sure to pack spare underwear, spare T shirt, toothbrush and toothpaste in my hand luggage in case my suitcase goes missing.
Roll your clothes – space saving and crease free
Top packing tip – roll your clothes. Take several silk sarongs – they fold down to nothing, weigh nothing, and can be used as beach cover-ups, towels, seat covers etc. They are hand washable and dry in no time. Buy cheap silk saris from India (plenty on Ebay!) and you can get 2 sarongs from one sari.
What a fantastic tip
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. It saves lots of space.
Don’t leave the packing until last minute!
check if staying in an hotel what they provide. No point carting a boat load of toiletries and travel iron if they are provided
We pack for children so we slowly pack their clothes, starting a couple of weeks before going, so they dont just pull clothes out whilst your trying to pack their clothes
Pack everything in, in the order you will need it
Mine is make a list. As there are items such as toiletries that will need to be used prior to leaving for journey, therefore put into case last : Such as toothbrush and toothpaste. I have forgotten these on occasions. Worthwhile making use of the same list when packing to go home. I have unfortunately left dressing gown behind on one occasion. As often put on back of bathroom door to dry, prior to leaving for the return journey home.
Pop your underwear into your sun hat and shoes to save space!
roll everything up to save space x
put things inside of other things for more space x
I pack fresh toothbrushes, toothpaste etc with the rest of the luggage the night before, as it’s so easy to forget the ones you’re using the next morning!
Pack everything that you actually need before want.
I roll clothes up to create extra space
Roll clothes and stuff socks/underwear into shoes to save space. I always try and pack any beauty products tightly into the middle of the suitcase so they are padded and relatively protected (as well as taping the lids down).
Only pack what you know you’ll need!
My best packing tip is to pack your case, take a third out and you’ll find you will still have more than enough.
Outfit planning for sure because that way you’re more effective in packing items
I pack my socks in my shoes and I also plan my outfits so I am not overpacking
Make a list and stick to it !
My tip has to be to roll up clothes when you pack and it will save some space
I like to make lists to make sure I don’t forget anything
Make lists, only pack what you need and no ‘just incase’ and roll dont fold to save room
make a list so you dont forget to pack anything
I always spread everyone’s clothes across all cases in case one gets lost.
I like to fit things inside things to save room, like putting things inside shoes or bags
Rolling things instead of folding reduces creases
Make a list of everything you need to take before packing and crossed it off when packing.
Mine is do it last minute so it’s all fresh in your mind, that way you won’t forget anything x
I remind myself that I do not need every pair of shoes that I owm.
make a list in advance to make sure you don’t forget anything – include last minute items too like any medicines and anything you need to do round the house at the last moment like lock windows and put the bin out – if its on the packing list it won’t get forgotten
We travel hand luggage only and always roll all the clothes use socks to keep the rolls together
Roll the clothes up, less creasing and gives more room
Take in inventory of all the items you have packed to check later on that nothing is missing
Only take things you actually need and not thing we take with us for no reason, then bring it back with us. which takes up lots of room.
I write a list of everything need to remember and tick as I pack things in
Write a list so you remember everything you need, and roll clothes up to save space.
I roll as much as I can and fill shoes with underwear!
Always roll clothing
Ensure each suitcase contains a couple of outfits for every membe of your family, then if one case goes missing, you have something to wear. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Put cling film over the top of open lids before screwing the tops on to prevent spillage.
Do a list of all the stuff you need, so that you won’t forget anything
Take travel size versions of your usual beauty products rather than full-size to save on space and weight.
Ask my wife to do it. She’s awesome at it and calls herself “Optimum Packing Lady!” It’s a superpower she has. One of many.
Love to win
I put my shoes in my husbands case as he takes less than me!
On the way home from holiday, make sure you have made provision for separating wet and dirty clothes and footwear from everything else in the suitcase.
Pack light!!! Plan outfits before you go!! 🙂
Roll the clothes up!
Mine is leave robust small items, such as underwear, to last, and use them to fill in gaps.