Efficient Packing Tips for 2023

So you’ve got an amazing trip planned (hooray!), but now you’re staring at a big pile of clothes and a suitcase that now looks a bit small and wondering how you’re going to fit it all.

I’ve been there. From packing for a three-week business trip in a 26-liter backpack to packing a duffel bag light enough to haul it into the Himalayas, I’ve dealt with some serious packing challenges. And I’ve learned a lot along the way.

Learning how to pack a suitcase for a big trip (or even a small trip) can feel intimidating, but fortunately, there are some easy packing tips that will help you along the way.

I’ll walk you through how to pack everything from socks to wine bottles, and the top packing tips for maximizing space in your suitcase. It’s a bit like a game of Tetris, and after you’ve done it a few times, packing your suitcase to take the absolute best advantage of your available storage space can become a fun challenge.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your suitcase, and let’s get packing!

How to Pack Clothes in a Suitcase

The bulk of your suitcase will be filled with clothing (unless you’re smuggling weapons, of course). It’s super important to pack your suitcase to maximize space for clothing so you can fit everything in. Here are some of the top tips to make the most of your suitcase space.

Pack Only Essential Clothes

The most common problem is overpacking. Of course, smart packing tips can help you to maximize space inside your suitcase, but ultimately there is a limited volume. Unless you’re Mary Poppins, there’s no way to fit everything in your bag.

The standard guidance you’ll hear for a weeklong trip is to follow the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule (5 pairs of socks and underwear, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 hat). I’ve found that works as a good starting point for trips of any length. It should get you through a seven-day trip, and if you’re staying for longer, you get to find the local laundromat.

Know When to Roll and When to Fold

Rolling clothes save space in your suitcase and make it easy to fill every little nook and cranny, but it can also lead to badly wrinkled clothes.

The trick is to mix and match the rolling method with normal folding. Soft items like underwear, t-shirts, and cotton pants can be rolled easily and won’t get too wrinkly. Stiffer items like button-ups, more formal dresses, slacks, and blazers should be folded.

Divide and Conquer With Packing Cubes

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