Best Ways to Pack a suitcase

Trust me on this one: you do not need that fourth pair of high heels for your trip. Shoes are most likely the most bulky item that you will be packing. There are only three types of shoes you will really need: a pair of sneakers, a more formal high heel, and a pair of cute, casual sandals. Everything else is just going to take space away from the things you actually need. Wear the sneakers on your flight and pack the other two pairs for later.

The clothing countdown mantra is one of the best ways to streamline your wardrobe. It is called the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip. Limit yourself to no more than five sets of undergarments and socks, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and one hat. You can adjust this list as per your needs. Throw in a suit jacket, dress, or swimsuit if you think you will need them.

Keep a separate toiletries kit for traveling. Don't unpack your toiletries and other bathroom products. There is always a risk of forgetting it at the hotel and losing it. Most of our travel products are small and expensive, and we don't want to lose them. To streamline what you need, keep the items in a small pouch or box in the corner of a cabinet when packing for a trip.

Always place your toiletries at the top of your suitcase. You never know when you might need it. Also, think twice before you place anything in the bag. Ask yourself, do you need it? If it is in the "Just in case if I need it" category, then remove it.

Before you start yanking clothes out of drawers and stuffing them in your suitcase, sit down and make yourself a packing list for your trip. Making a list ensures that you stay organized and don’t overpack. It also keeps you from forgetting any essential items, like prescriptions or contact solution. Keep your list once you begin packing so that you can cross items off as you add them to your suitcase. Make sure to prioritize essentials and minimize any bulky items.

The best way to fit all your stuff in one bag is to not leave any of the space. Your socks should be stuffed inside your shoes. Pack your shoes in a plastic bag and lay them at the bottom of the bag. How you arrange your stuff is more of a personal preference. Here are a few guidelines to help:

Roll your clothes. This helps to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.

Try the bundle technique. Wrap each article of clothing around a central core. Keep the undergarments and T-shirts at the center and larger sizes at the outer layer.

Use packing cubes. Take smaller bags and keep your clothes compact and your outfits ordered.

One of the best ways to avoid bringing too many things is to buy a hard-sided suitcase, no more than 22 inches tall so that it can be used as a carry-on. Buy the suitcase with a structured shell so you cannot squeeze any extras and pack only what you need.

Along with making a packing list, it may be helpful to pack according to the outfits you plan to wear each day during your trip. This was a lifesaving hack that kept me from overpacking on a trip to New York City years ago. Each big event had a specific outfit that I wanted to wear for it. I also packed a few comfortable options for extra activities. Planning your outfits can help save you time and space on your trip.