- Roll clothes and pack them first.
The best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase before shoes and accessories; then, fit in other oddly shaped items like hair tools.
2. Pack the first outfit you’ll want to wear on top.
If you know you’re getting off the plane and going straight to dinner or a meeting, plan your outfit and put it into your suitcase last. That way, when you arrive, you won’t have to dig through everything else to find it. This strategy is a great excuse to think about what you’ll wear in advance so you don’t make one of the biggest packing mistakes: waiting until the last minute to pack.
3 Place heavy items at the base.
Keep weightier things like shoes and books by the wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops other items from getting smushed.
4. Choose travel-friendly fabrics.
We recommend opting for knits and stretchy fabrics such as t-shirts made with spandex. Even when these fabrics wrinkle, the creases will fall out when you hang them up. Woven fabrics (like linen or cotton twill) are more prone to wrinkling.
5. Get an extra tote for souvenirs.
You’re going to want to shop so bring a foldable bag like this cute backpack. It won’t take up much space on the way to your destination and you can fill it with (almost) anything you buy on your travels.
6. Organise your liquids bags.
Stash any liquids you want to keep in your carry-on bag in a separate, clear bag so you can easily pass through security. Our must-haves: a do-it-all hydrating balm, cleansing wipes for your face or hands, and a lightly scented hand sanitizer.
7. Keep important medication in your purse.
Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there’s still a risk you could have to check it at the gate. If your meds are in your purse, you’ll have what you need even if the overhead bin space fills up and you end up having to check your bag.
8. Bring a scarf for the plane in your carry-on.
No matter what season it is, planes are often on the chilly side. Bring a pretty, warm wrap that you can bundle up in if the temp doesn’t feel comfortable.
9. Fill dead space
When it comes to packing, make use of every little inch of suitcase space that you can. Roll tops, underwear, socks, and other small items and stuff them into your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.
10. Stay fresh
It’s important to keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially if you’re on a long trip. By taking a small bag of potpourri, fabric conditioner sheets, or scented drawer liners, you’ll keep your clothes smelling sweet throughout the trip.