Five packing hacks to help you fit more in your luggage

Packing for a trip can be a real test of patience and strategy. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers to pack light or someone who likes to have outfit options for every occasion, making the most of limited suitcase space can be a challenge. These five packing hacks, however, will help you maximize space, stay organized, and bring everything you need – without having to sit on your suitcase to zip it up!

1. Roll, don’t fold

Rolling clothes instead of folding them is a tried-and-true trick for saving space and avoiding wrinkles. By rolling, you can fit more items neatly into your suitcase, which can be especially helpful when packing bulky clothing like jeans, sweaters, or jackets.

Roll each item tightly, from jeans and t-shirts to bulky sweaters, and stack them along the edges of your suitcase. For lighter fabrics, try bundling them together before rolling to create compact rolls.

Pro Tip: Use rubber bands to secure rolled items or invest in packing cubes to keep your suitcase organized. Rolling clothes also makes it easy to see everything at a glance, so you don’t have to dig through a pile to find what you need.

2. Use packing cubes and compression bags

Packing cubes and compression bags are packing game-changers. Packing cubes help organize your items into neat compartments, while compression bags reduce the air around bulky clothes, making them take up far less space.

Sort your clothes by category (casual, formal, workout) and place each type into separate packing cubes. For bulkier items, place them in compression bags, seal them, and squeeze out any excess air.

Pro Tip: Use transparent packing cubes to quickly locate what you need, or colour-code cubes to easily identify different types of clothes. If you’re travelling with family, assign each person a different colour to make organizing even easier.

3. Stuff shoes with small items

Shoes can be one of the bulkiest items in your bag, but you can turn them into storage by filling them with smaller items. Using every bit of empty space is key when trying to maximize packing efficiency.

Stuff socks, chargers, jewellery, and small accessories inside each shoe. Just remember to wrap delicate items in plastic or fabric to prevent damage or contamination.

Pro Tip: Place shoes along the sides of your suitcase with the soles facing out. Not only does this save space, but it also keeps the interior of your suitcase clean. Shoe bags or shower caps are also great for keeping your clothes separate from shoes.

4. Limit liquids and bulky toiletries

Toiletries are notorious space-takers, but many of the items you need are likely available in travel-sized versions or in solid form, reducing the need to bring large bottles.

Opt for travel-sized versions of essential products, or even better, bring solid toiletries like shampoo and conditioner bars or toothpaste tablets. Many multi-use products are also available now, such as tinted moisturizers with SPF or all-in-one body and face washes.

Pro Tip: Use leak-proof, refillable containers for your must-have liquid toiletries and pack them in a resealable bag to avoid spills. Consider waiting to purchase basic toiletries until you reach your destination, which will save space on the trip there.

5. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane

Save valuable suitcase space by wearing your bulkiest items during travel. Coats, jackets, and boots can take up a surprising amount of room, so make them part of your travel outfit instead.

Dress in layers with your heaviest jacket, sweater, or shoes on the day of travel. Not only does this keep your bag lighter, but it can also keep you warm if the airport or plane is chilly.

Pro Tip: Use the pockets in your outerwear to hold small essentials like chargers, earbuds, and a book or e-reader. This keeps them accessible during your flight and allows you to pack even more in your suitcase.