Let’s be honest, packing is either a thrill or a total nightmare. For me, it’s always a nightmare! I dread packing almost as much as I love travelling. I can’t help but stare at that empty suitcase with a blank face and a confused mind. Will it all fit? Do I really need five pairs of shoes? Are 20 outfits enough?

Whether you’re prepping for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, mastering the art of packing can make your trip smoother, lighter, and way less stressful. Welcome to the ultimate list of packing hacks that are not only tried and tested, but also designed to make your next trip smoother, lighter, and dare we say, more enjoyable. So… Let’s pack it!

1. Start with a Packing List (and Stick to It)

The golden rule of efficient packing: make a list. Don’t wing it. Even the most experienced travelers forget essentials when they pack last-minute or on autopilot. Start by writing down every item you think you’ll need a week before the trip. Then, as departure day approaches, start editing.

Cut out duplicates, consolidate products (do you really need both lotion and body butter?), and check the weather to avoid overpacking. Categorize your list into sections – clothes, toiletries, gadgets, documents, and miscellaneous. This helps keep things structured and ensures you won’t forget your passport or your favorite headphones. A solid list also helps streamline unpacking when you get home.

2. Pack Outfits, Not Items

Here’s the common mistake that many make: packing ten random tops and five pairs of pants and hoping it all works out. It won’t. Instead, plan outfits day by day based on your itinerary.

Going on a city tour? Comfy outfit. Fancy dinner? Chic look. If you can re-wear or re-style the same item across multiple looks, you’re winning. Think of neutral colors, layer-friendly pieces, and fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily. This approach not only saves space, but it ensures you look good and feel confident during your trip. Versatility is your BFF!

3. Roll, Don’t Fold

I am sure you know this already but this old-school trick is still gold. When you roll clothes tightly, you compress the air out, making more room in your bag. It also reduces creases and allows you to visually scan what you’ve packed, which is great when you’re living out of a suitcase.

Lay each item flat, fold in the sleeves, and roll from the bottom up like a burrito. T-shirts, leggings, pajamas, and gym wear are perfect for rolling. For delicate or wrinkle-prone fabrics like linen or silk, consider layering them between other items or folding gently and placing on top. Bonus: Rolled clothes are easier to fit into awkward corners.

4. Use Packing Cubes Like a Pro

I wish I knew this at the start – packing cubes are game-changers. They keep your suitcase organized and make unpacking a breeze. These lightweight fabric pouches allow you to group similar items together – tops in one, jeans, inners, and so on.

You can just lift each cube into drawers or keep them intact if you’re living out of your luggage. Compression cubes are even better—they zip down to squeeze out air, giving you extra space. For even more efficiency, label each cube or color-code them for different outfit categories. It’s perfect for those long trips and keep a separate bag for used clothes.

5. Stuff Your Shoes

Shoes are suitcase space hogs, especially when you feel like you need 3 of them! But instead of letting them waste precious area, turn them into mini storage compartments.

Stuff them with socks, chargers, small toiletry bottles, rolled belts, or even packets of accessories. Not only does this use space efficiently, but it also helps shoes maintain their shape during transit. Place each pair in a shower cap or reusable cloth bag to avoid dirtying your clothes. Then, position them at the bottom of your suitcase, soles down and heels facing the sides to maximize space. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how much extra room you suddenly have.

6. Layer Your Toiletries

Toiletries can be tricky. Leaks, spills, or bulky containers can throw off your whole packing game. So here are a few helpful and spill-proof steps.

Step one: decant products into travel-sized bottles (preferably TSA-approved). Step two: store all liquids in a ziplock or waterproof pouch to contain potential leaks. Step three: layer that pouch inside a structured toiletry bag for easy access. If you’re packing powders or makeup, insert cotton balls or pads inside the compacts to prevent cracking. Don’t forget multi-use products like a shampoo-conditioner combo or a tinted moisturizer with SPF. And always keep essentials like a toothbrush and face wipes in a spot that’s accessible for mid-transit freshening up.

7. The Rule of Three for Shoes

Shoe lovers, brace yourselves: you don’t need ten pairs for one trip. Unbelievable, right? I know. Follow the rule of three, one pair for walking, one for style, and one for comfort.

That might mean sneakers, a pair of flats or loafers, and flip-flops or slides. Choose shoes that are versatile and pair well with multiple outfits (such as trendy white shoes). Your walking shoes should be broken in already, no one wants to limp through a city tour. Save space by packing the two smallest pairs and wearing the bulkiest one while traveling. If you need special shoes (for hiking, weddings, etc.), adjust accordingly, but keep it tight. Your back (and baggage fees) will thank you.

8. Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

Jackets, boots, heavy cardigans, don’t waste suitcase space on them. Instead, wear them on the flight. Airports and airplanes are often chilly anyway, so that hoodie or coat might come in handy.

You can always take off layers and use them as a pillow or blanket mid-flight. Same goes for hats or scarves. If it’s too hot at your destination, tie the jacket around your waist or stow it in the overhead bin once you board. The key here is balance: wear the bulkiest items but stay comfy. Also, make use of a purse or a laptop bag to store some heavy items (this usually goes unchecked), later you can shift it into the check-in luggage.

9. Wrap Cords with Old Sunglasses Cases

Chargers, USB cables, earbuds, they all have a magical way of tangling themselves into a knot the size of your palm. Stop the chaos by coiling each cord neatly and placing it inside an old sunglasses case or a dedicated tech pouch.

This not only protects your cords but also prevents them from getting crushed or damaged by heavier items in your bag. You’ll also save time and sanity when you’re trying to find your phone charger in a hurry. If you’re a heavy tech user, consider a small cable organizer with elastic loops or compartments. It’s a simple trick that brings serious peace of mind. Travelling internationally, always have a universal charger in your bag and a charging cable in your purse.

10. Don’t Pack “Just in Case” Items

We’ve all done it, thrown in an extra sweater, a second backup power bank, or an extra purse “just in case.” Here’s the truth: you won’t use most of it. Those items not only weigh you down but also clutter your bag and distract you from what you actually need.

If an item doesn’t serve a clear purpose or if you haven’t used it on your last two trips, leave it out. Remember, most places have stores, and unless you’re venturing deep into the wilderness, you can usually buy what you forgot. Pack what you’ll truly use, and skip the maybes.

11. Create a Travel-Sized First Aid Kit

Accidents don’t send calendar invites, so being prepared is non-negotiable. A travel-sized first aid kit is like having your own mini pharmacy on the go, it’s small enough to fit in your carry-on but mighty enough to save the day. Start with pain relievers, motion sickness pills are essential, any allergy medication. Add a few antiseptic wipes and band-aids. If you’re going somewhere tropical, throw in mosquito repellent wipes or cream.

The trick is to keep it compact: no giant bottles, just travel-size packs or pills in a small zip pouch. You might need this kit when you least expect it.

12. Leave Room for Souvenirs

You’re not going to Paris and coming back without macarons. Or visiting Japan without some quirky KitKat flavors. That’s why leaving space for souvenirs isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a must.

If you tend to shop a lot, consider packing an extra foldable duffel bag or tote, it takes almost no space on the way there but can be your extra luggage on the way back. By leaving room from the start, you avoid that dreaded moment of sitting on your suitcase trying to zip it shut or paying extra for overweight luggage at the airport. Plus, it’s a lot nicer to arrive home with treasures rather than regrets about what you couldn’t fit in.

Pack Smart, Travel Light

Packing is the toughest hurdle to cross before your adventure. When you master these hacks, you’re not just saving space; you’re saving time, energy, and sanity. Imagine breezing through airport security, knowing exactly where everything is, and arriving wrinkle-free with all your essentials in place.

So go ahead, pack smart, travel lighter, and let the journey begin!