4 Ways To Pack A Bag Or Suitcase Efficiently - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Travel
• Travel Packing

How to Pack a Bag or Suitcase Efficiently Download Article Co-authored by Julie Naylon

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 Approved

Download Article

• Maximizing Your Bag’s Space
|
• Packing Light
|
• Making the Most of Your Bag
|
• Packing Checklists
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Julie Naylon. Julie Naylon is the Founder of No Wire Hangers, a professional organizing service based out of Los Angeles, California. No Wire Hangers provides residential and office organizing and consulting services. Julie's work has been featured in Daily Candy, Marie Claire, and Architectural Digest, and she has appeared on The Conan O’Brien Show. In 2009 at The Los Angeles Organizing Awards she was honored with “The Most Eco-Friendly Organizer”. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 13 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 884,832 times.

Packing for a trip is much easier when you plan ahead. As you plan your trip, you can determine what you need to take with you by looking at the weather, location, and activities planned. It also helps to make sure that you have a sturdy bag that fits your basic needs. No matter what bag you bring, you can make the most out of it by packing carefully to optimize your space. Be sure to include toiletries, medications and valuables such as jewelry in a separate traveling case.

Steps

Packing Checklists

Packing Checklist for Winter Weekend Packing Checklist for Beach Trip Packing Checklist for Hiking Trip Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Maximizing Your Bag’s Space

Download Article

1. 1 Choose between rolling and folding your clothing. If you need more space in your suitcase and aren't worried about the weight, roll your clothes.[1] This will take a lot less room than folded shirts and pants. If you do not need as much space and want to keep the weight down, fold your clothes. Folding is also generally better if you have clothes that are prone to wrinkling.[2]
   • Roll items as tightly as possible in order to save the most space. You can even use rubber bands or hair ties to keep rolled clothes tight in your bag.
   • Rolled items will need to be packed tightly to stay organized, which is why this method is best if you’re trying to fit a lot into a smaller bag.[3]
2. 2 Use packing cubes to make sure everything fits together. Packing cubes are smaller bags that you use to organize your suitcase. Depending on your needs, these can be organized by outfit, by weight, or by items. For example, you may have a heavy, midweight, and light cube, or you may have one for all your shirts, all your undergarments, etc.[4]
   • Packing cubes are available from many department stores as well as major online retailers.
   • You may be able to find some packing cubes that you can vacuum-seal. Be careful to account for space after you open the bags, though. Unless you will have access to vacuum to compress the bags again, the items will take up more space after the cube is open.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Use the inside of your shoes as storage space.[5] Stuff your socks inside your shoes if there is no other room for them. Other small clothing items such as underwear are also easy to roll and place in your shoes.[6] Small, fragile trinkets and souvenirs also work well in shoes, as the shoes offer extra padding and safety[7] .
4. 4 Use creases and gaps to place underwear. Fit the underwear and socks down the sides and in the space between your clothing once the case is full. This will make sure that you don't use valuable space in the middle for smaller items.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Packing Light

Download Article

1. 1 Check out the weather at your destination(s) before you go. Look online or check the area’s news forecast to get an idea of what the weather will be during your trip. Pack items that will work well for the weather, and leave behind pieces that aren’t seasonally appropriate.[8]
   • Is it going to rain? Pack a rain jacket or something that can get wet and dry quickly. If it is going to be hot, pack shorts.
   • On the other hand, if it’s going to be snowing the whole time, you can probably leave your shorts at home, no matter how good they look.
2. 2 Plan your wardrobe to match your itinerary. Think about what you will be doing on your trip, and pick clothes that match your agenda. If, for example, you want to spend most of your time at the beach, focus on packing swimsuits and lightweight clothes. If you’re packing for a business trip, though, you may want to focus more on professional attire like collared shirts and blazers.[9]
   • If you can, try planning each day in advance. Pack in outfits, rather than singular items. This will help you decide exactly what pieces of clothing to take.
3. 3 Choose multi-functional items. While some trips may require certain outfits for special occasions, most trips don’t. In those cases, look for items that can be dressed up or dressed down depending on what you need for that day. Try to keep items in the same complimentary color palette to make sure everything you bring goes together.[10]
   • Instead of bringing a different dress for walking around during the day and going out at night, for example, try bringing one cute and comfortable black dress. Pair it with a cardigan or sweater to dress it down, or let it stand by itself for a night out.
   • Save shoe space by opting to bring one or two pairs of neutral tone shoes that can go with multiple outfits. A pair of black ankle boots with a chunky heel, for example, can take the place of a pair of casual flats, formal heels, and sturdy trainers for walking around town.
4. 4 Pack several lightweight layers. Light layers typically work well for both warm and cool weather. If you plan on visiting multiple climates, pack items like basic t-shirts, light jackets and sweatshirts, and scarves that can easily be put on and removed as necessary.[11]
   • If you are packing for multiple occasions, bring a few basic items like shirts or blouses. Then, dress them up with layers like jackets and blazers, or dress them down with casual accessories.
   • Light layers are often helpful, but they aren’t the right answer for every destination. If you’re going to the Arctic Circle in the winter, you should pack one durable sub zero-rated jacket rather than several lighter sweatshirts.
5. 5 Look into your accommodation’s facilities to see if there is laundry service. Some hotels and hostels will have laundry rooms for their guests to use. Others may be close to a laundromat or a dry cleaner. See if there is a laundry service at or near where you will be staying. If so, plan on doing a load or two of laundry so that you can reuse clothes instead of packing more.[12]
6. 6 Make a packing list. Once you have a clear idea of what you will need to match your trip’s weather and schedule, make a packing list. This will help keep you organized and bring only the things you need. If it’s not on the list, it likely doesn’t need to be in your bag.
   • Don’t forget to include things like underwear, socks, sleepwear, and toiletries on your packing list. These items can be easy to overlook.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Making the Most of Your Bag

Download Article

1. 1 Choose the right bag for your trip. Different trips will have different luggage requirements. Think about the type of bag that will be best for your trip. Are you going on a shorter trip? If so, you may want a smaller bag. Do you plan on going to a bunch of different destinations? Then consider an easy-to-carry backpack instead of a more cumbersome suitcase.[13]
   • If you prefer to sling your bag over your shoulder, carry it around with you, or want more flexibility in how you organize your bag, a duffel bag may be a better choice for you.
   • Suitcases tend to be easier to pack and unpack and easier to organize. However, they are harder to carry with you throughout the day and can be more difficult to store in small spaces.
   • Depending on your needs, you can find bags that have built-in toiletry kits, garment bags, shoe storage, laptop and tech storage, and other features.
2. 2 Pack your duffle bag from lowest to highest priority items. Duffel bags are great for getting a lot in a smaller bag, but they don't open up all the way like a suitcase. That means that you should put the items you will need sooner toward the top of your bag.
   • Lower priority items like spare jeans and shoes can go on the bottom.
   • Items you will need right away, including your toiletries if you will need to take them out for security screening, should be packed on top.
   • For fragile items, you may want to purchase a smaller hard case that you can pack in your bags. Items like shampoo and lotion that are prone to leaking should be packed in water-resistant bags such as a toiletries kit or plastic bag.
3. 3 Organize your suitcase from heaviest on the bottom to lightest on top. Always put heavier or larger items at the bottom of the suitcase. This will make it easier to find items and will keep heavy objects from crushing or damaging lighter pieces such as souvenirs and toiletries. [14]
   • Pack lighter items like dress shirts on top. This will help evenly distribute the weight and keep lightweight clothes from wrinkling.
4. 4 Pack fragile items in the center of your case. This way, they are less likely to be broken. You can also roll them up in t-shirts or other pieces of clothing to offer additional padding and protection.
5. 5 Bring plastic bags for dirty shoes and laundry. Carry a few plastic bags with you so that you can pack dirty shoes and laundry. This allows you to take your dirty items with you without having to pack an extra bag or use a whole side of your suitcase just for dirty clothes. You can use a grocery bag, small trash bags, or even shower caps for shoes.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do you stay organized while traveling? Allyson Edwards World Traveler & International Consultant Allyson Edwards graduated from Stanford University with a BA in International Relations. Afterwards, she went on to facilitate International partnerships with agencies in over twenty countries, and has consulted for companies in industries across education, fintech, and retail. Allyson Edwards World Traveler & International Consultant Expert Answer Whenever I go on a trip, I love to make lists based on my schedule for each day, from what I'll need to wake up to what I'll need just before bed. For longer trips, I do this for a week's worth of activities. Making these lists helps me stay organized by day, and then I don't have to think a lot and can devote more time to having a great time on my trip! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
• Question What is the best suitcase to use? Duffle or hard? Community Answer If it's carry-on, you may want something more flexible if it's going in the overhead bin. If being checked, the durability of a hard case might be better to avoid damage to the contents. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 50
• Question If I roll all of my clothes, will they wrinkle? Community Answer Not if you roll them tightly and don't roll in wrinkles. If they are loosely rolled, they will likely wrinkle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 127

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Reader Videos

Tips

• Place toiletries in a toiletries bag to prevent leakage on your clothing. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• In order to keep necklaces and bracelets from tangling, loop one end through a straw and clasp it on the other end. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• If you are traveling by plane or train, try wearing your bulkiest clothes during your journey. This will maximize the amount of space you have in your bag for other items. For example, wear your boots and pack your flats to save on shoe space. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• If you're packing bras, place one cup into the other cup to save space. Or, pack underwear inside the cups to prevent them from getting crushed.
• Fold your charger or use a cord organizer so it takes up less space in your luggage.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Many airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on and checked bags. Check with your carrier to see their weight restrictions and associated fees. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 2
• If you are traveling by airplane or going through a security checkpoint, make sure you don't bring any knives, guns, lighters, nail clippers, silverware, perishable items, letter openers, and large amounts of liquids, as they may be confiscated. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 3

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toPack a Duffel Bag How toPack in a Small Suitcase How toPack a Suitcase for a Week How toPack with Packing Cubes How toPack for a Trip How toPack for a 5 Day Vacation How toPack for a Two Day Trip How toPack Clothes in a Backpack How to Pack for a Two Week Trip Without Overpacking How toPack for an Overnight School Trip (for Teenage Girls) The Best Ways to Pack Clothes for Travel: Rolling, Bundling & More How toPack for Air Travel How toRoll Clothes for Packing Cubes How to Pack an Overnight Bag & What to Bring On Your Trip Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Julie Naylon. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/travel/how-to-pack-a-suitcase
3. ↑ Julie Naylon. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview
4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/travel/how-to-pack-a-suitcase
5. ↑ Julie Naylon. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview
6. ↑ Julie Naylon. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/travel/how-to-pack-a-suitcase
8. ↑ https://gizmodo.com/5-ways-to-pack-your-suitcase-way-more-efficiently-1477493311
9. ↑ https://gizmodo.com/5-ways-to-pack-your-suitcase-way-more-efficiently-1477493311

More References (5)

10. ↑ https://travelista.com/packing/how-to-layer-clothes-for-travel/
11. ↑ https://travelista.com/packing/how-to-layer-clothes-for-travel/
12. ↑ https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/laundry
13. ↑ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/how-to-pack-light-tips-from-a-master-packer
14. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/packing-tips-2014-5

About This Article

Co-authored by: Julie Naylon Professional Organizer This article was co-authored by Julie Naylon. Julie Naylon is the Founder of No Wire Hangers, a professional organizing service based out of Los Angeles, California. No Wire Hangers provides residential and office organizing and consulting services. Julie's work has been featured in Daily Candy, Marie Claire, and Architectural Digest, and she has appeared on The Conan O’Brien Show. In 2009 at The Los Angeles Organizing Awards she was honored with “The Most Eco-Friendly Organizer”. This article has been viewed 884,832 times. 43 votes - 78% Co-authors: 111 Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 884,832 Categories: Featured Articles | Travel Packing Article SummaryX

The most efficient way to pack clothes is to roll them up instead of folding them, since rolled up clothes tend to take up less space. You can make unpacking even easier by rolling up entire outfits together. Start by placing your pants or skirt on a flat surface, then place your shirt and undergarments on top of them in a neat pile. Roll your bundle so everything is tucked neatly inside, then when you’re traveling, simply grab that bundle to get dressed for the day. As you’re packing your suitcase, place larger items, like shoes, on the bottom of your suitcase. Tuck small items, like socks, into your shoes, then place your rolled clothing and toiletries on top of your shoes so they’re easy to find. For more tips on packing a bag or suitcase efficiently, including by using packing cubes, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian French Chinese Dutch Russian Indonesian Thai Hindi Vietnamese Korean Japanese Turkish Czech

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 884,832 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Lexy M.

  Jan 28, 2018

  "This article helped me a lot. In 6 days I'm going on a 3-day, 2-night school trip for a club and I was..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Julie Naylon Professional Organizer 43 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 111 Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 884,832

Lexy M.

Jan 28, 2018

"This article helped me a lot. In 6 days I'm going on a 3-day, 2-night school trip for a club and I was..." more

Spade Alexander

Jun 21, 2018

"The part that helped me the most was to pack fragile items in the centre as I was planning on just putting them in..." more

Nikki

Apr 6, 2017

"I'm going on a week-long holiday, and need to pack as small as possible because I am bringing a smaller bag..." more Rated this article:

Emily P.

Jul 9, 2016

"I never knew that people rolled their clothes for suitcases, and it has helped me greatly. Thanks."

Shay Sez

Jun 20, 2018

"Putting shoes in shower caps is genius! Now I pack all my shoes this way when I travel." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What's My Perfect Vacation Spot QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Tomorrow Styling QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Vacation Should You Go On?GenerateDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toPack a Duffel BagHow toPack in a Small SuitcaseHow toPack a Suitcase for a WeekHow toPack with Packing Cubes

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Style QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhere Should I Move QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take Quiz

• Categories
• Travel
• Travel Packing

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --576