Even with the best and most spacious luggage, why does packing have to be such a tedious activity? This is a question we still can’t answer. What we can do is make it less tedious, less stressful, and more efficient. I think most of the stress that comes with packing comes from the anxiety of not knowing what you will need when you get to wherever you’re going.

For instance, what if it rains the entire time? What if your suitcase gets lost? What if you don’t have time to do all the things you planned to do? Hence, you won’t need to pack those fancy shoes. Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of pressure on ourselves when it comes to packing, and I believe most of it comes from our expectations. Here are some efficient tips and tricks that will definitely make the process easier for you!

Think big, then edit.

Gather all the needed garments and put half of them back. Yes, that’s right. Select a couple of clothes in the same color family, and make sure you pack more tops than bottoms. For instance, for a five-day trip, you will likely need five shirts, two pairs of slacks and jeans, and one skirt.

If you’re about to go to cooler climates, try to save your bulkier outwear, such as a puffer coat, and travel in it. The standard regulation when it comes to carry-on luggage allows you to bring two pairs of jeans, three sweaters, two dresses, and five shirts. Isn’t this useful to know?

Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

We would definitely advise you to go for knits, wool, and cotton, mostly because these fabrics are quite good when it comes to resisting wrinkles. Moreover, they are very versatile, especially since some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that also work as pajamas.

Roll and fold your items.

Using a little bit of each packing technique is definitely the most efficient way to get things into your suitcase. Roll the softer garments and try to fold the stiffer ones. When it comes to underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear, you don’t have to worry that they will wrinkle when rolled tightly.

Other stiffer fabrics, like starched cotton shirts, blazers, or even dressy pants and skirts, require more care when it comes to folding.

Arrange the clothing thoughtfully.

Try to place your softer-rolled items right at the bottom of the suitcase. Next, you need to focus on your folded garments. For the middle layer, you need to start with the longest items, such as skirts and pants.

Also, try to stack the garments on top of each other, alternating between waists and hems. Also, a good tip is to lay them along the length of the suitcase, draping the leftover fabric over the opposite end. NEAT!

This way, you will save space because the thick waistbands won’t be piled on top of one another. Then, wrap the draping ends of the pile into the center. Next, try to lay the collars of shorter items, such as shirts, at the hinge with the ends over the handles. Carefully fold the collars and ends over once and fold the arms in. Ultimately, snake the belts around the perimeter of the bag so they don’t take up too much room.

Cover the piles with a dry-cleaning bag.

Given the dry-cleaning bag’s slippery surface, folded clothes don’t really need to stay in one place long enough for creases to set. Here’s an easy upgrade: just place a bag between each layer of clothing. To get to a specific layer more easily, just pull the ends of the bag up on either side.

Place the clothes you might need first at the top.

This might be anything from a dress to pajamas. It solely depends on where you’re going, what time you arrive, and what’s the plan once you get there.

Shoes: follow the rule of three.

Just consider one casual pair of sandals or loafers, sneakers, and even an evening hoop to be your holy trinity. Given their shape and especially considering heels, shoes tend to take up the most room. Try to wear the heaviest, bulkiest pair and pack the other two in your suitcase.

Have your shoes do some additional work.

Depending on how clean your shoes really are, you might want to stuff them with other items, whether it’s socks, sunglasses, or even electronic chargers. You will end up saving a bit of room here and there.

Place the shoes into one-gallon-size resealable bags.

Then, try to set them along the sides of the bag. This might keep the dirt and germs away from your shoes.

Toiletries: opt for travel-size containers.

Here’s another good trick: why not go for a tinted moisturizer that also serves as a foundation? Or a soap that you can also use as a shampoo? Not to mention those useful wipes that efficiently clean your hands and face at the same time!

Group similar products in properly sealed bags.

Designate only one bag for cosmetics and hair products and one for skin-related stuff. Then, tuck the bags in the side corners of your suitcase or in a zippered outside pocket.

Jewelry: stow inexpensive pieces in a seven-day pillbox.

Or, you can store them in a 35-millimeter film container lined with tissue. If you really want to take your precious gems, try to wear them during your travels to reduce the risk of loss or even theft.

Use clothing as padding.

Wrap those fragile items in thick and sturdy clothing. Also, place them in the center of your bag, surrounded by a buffer. If you’re carrying liquor bottles, make sure you secure them in the bottom center of the bag. If you bring beach towels, this might be a good place to use them.

Dirty laundry: shrink it.

Zipp your dirty laundry. It will take 80% of the volume. However, there’s a warning that comes with that: later on, this might bring some wrinkly consequences, so if the clothes don’t need laundering, just lay them flat and place fabric-softener sheets in between them. Also, consider your fresh-smelling clothes as a welcome-home gift to yourself!

Make a list!

Some people function really well with lists. If you are one of them, take the time to make a packing list a week or two before your trip. It will help you take everything you need and save a lot of time later on.

If you start early, you will be able to buy things you might need or even order from Amazon without all that last-minute stress. Start by creating the main categories, whether it’s clothing, toiletries, or documents.

Under every category, list the items you want to bring with you and get more specific. How many times can you wear that sweater, how many pairs of underwear will you need, and so on? Do you think you’ll need your sneakers? If you know you’re a bit of an overpacker, just start by making a lighter list. It all starts with the list! Also, here’s a great suitcase that will make room for everything you could possibly need!

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