5 Essential Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs to Know

Seriously, who among us hasn’t packed way too much in their suitcase? No judgments, we’re right there with you. At first thought, packing five white tees, three sneakers, and 14 pairs of underwear for a long weekend seems like a smart way to be prepared for whatever comes your way. (Spills? Stains? Sweat? You’re ready for anything.) 

On the flipside, jamming a bunch of stuff into your suitcase will make it virtually impossible to treat yourself to some souvenirs—not to mention make it difficult to pack everything up when it’s time to go home. If we’re being totally honest, there are some instances where we have to sit on our luggage just to make sure it’ll close without breaking.

However, if you’re looking to streamline the contents of your suitcase, you’re in luck: We chatted with two pack pros about the smart tips and tricks they swear by. Follow these simple rules and you’ll never get slapped with an overweight baggage fee again.

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Plan Ahead

They say good things come to those who wait, but that’s definitely not the case with your luggage. Honestly, it can be easy (perhaps inevitable) to overpack your suitcase if you’re looking for enough stuff to make it through your weekend. 

“Start organizing clothing at least a few weeks in advance,” says Anne McAlpin, a packing and travel expert based in Oregon. “Try on everything as well as wash, replace, or update items if needed.” 

Before you start to put items in your rolling bag, McAlpin recommends checking your airline’s baggage restriction as well as the TSA’s security guidelines. Not only will you pack more efficiently, but you’ll also reduce your chances of being stopped by airport security.

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Understand Your Itinerary 

Packing lists are a great way to stay organized—not to mention you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t—and the secret to them? Having a good grasp on your itinerary. “Think through what you’ll wear each day,” says Kim Tate, founder of Stuffed Suitcase in Seattle. “Look at your itinerary and decide what pieces of clothing you’ll need for each activity for the day.” While it’s a good idea to pack plenty of leggings and socks for an adventurous, sweat-drenched trip, Tate says you can always wear jeans or fancy dresses multiple times. If you want to get the most mileage out of your suitcase? Pack items that can mix and match. “Aim to coordinate them around a cohesive color palette, typically black, brown, or blue, and bring in accessories to provide pops of color and variety,” she shares.

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Always Account for Laundry

So how much should you bring on vacation? McAlpin recommends packing for a week—and doing laundry as needed. While larger pieces like blouses or pants may need to be dropped off at a local laundromat, McAlpin recommends her “travel washing machine” tip.

“Wash small items like undies, socks, or bras in your sink inside a two-gallon Ziploc bag,” she shares. “Pack some eco-laundry soap inside so you’re ready when needed—they come in sheet form— and drip dry items overnight.”

As a general rule of thumb, McAlpin recommends packing in threes: Three pairs of shoes and three shirts for every pair of pants. Another packing rule worth following: Be strategic about your outerwear. “Don’t pack one big heavy coat,” she says. “Instead, [add a] base layer, top, then puffer vest, [and then a] waterproof coat with hood.”

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Think Beyond Your Outfits

Believe it or not, the contents of your suitcase aren’t just clothes. Fortunately, there are a bunch of items that can make your next trip feel like an easy, breezy vacation. “People routinely forget stain-removing wipes or pens to help if you have any spills on your clothes,” Tate says. “Also, low denomination bills to help with tipping hotel staff and tour guides or shuttle drivers.” She also recommends throwing an AirTag into checked luggage so you’ll keep tabs of your stuff from drop-off to baggage claim.

When it comes to fitting everything into your suitcase, Tate likens packing to a game of Tetris. “Make each piece fit snuggly with the other pieces,” she says. However, if you’re getting short on room, try to find space-efficient alternatives to your travel must-haves. For example, Tate often trades in the travel steamer for anti-wrinkle spray. “I hang up any clothes that might form wrinkles and either spray them with my travel bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release Spray or use a wet hotel washcloth to help wipe the wrinkles,” she says. “Then I follow with a hair dryer to help further get rid of any wrinkles from packing.”

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Use Cubes

If you really want to maximize the space in your suitcase, reach for some packing cubes. In fact, McAlpin says packing cubes can let you pack three times the amount of clothes. “I packed my raincoat, scarf, gloves, hat, 32 degrees layer top and bottoms, and puffer vest all inside on a large bag, squeezed out the air, [and put it] in my carry-on,” she explains. McAlpin recommends options that have a one-way air valve and zip top, similar to this option from Roomimaster.

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