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Get ahead of the pack with our top 10 tips on how to pack a suitcase!
Feet starting to get a little bit itchy? If you’re feeling that familiar sense of wanderlust, it can mean only one thing. It must be time for a weekend getaway! As you dream of exploring exotic destinations, you might find yourself facing one teeny hurdle how to pack a suitcase.
Well, fret not, because we’ve got your back. In this post, we’ll delve into the art of suitcase packing for a weekend away. Get ready to uncover the top 10 suitcase packing tips to make your travel experience a breeze. So, grab your suitcase, and let’s embark on this adventure together.
1. Start with a packing list
Let’s get started with our first tip on how to pack a suitcase! No travel expedition is complete without a trusty packing list. It’s the backbone of organised travel. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and make a list of all the essentials you’ll need.
From clothes and toiletries to chargers and travel documents, write it all down. Remember, the key to a stress-free packing process is preparation and foresight!
2. The suitcase shuffle
Okay, picture this: you’re standing in front of your empty suitcase, and a wave of confusion washes over you. Where do you even begin? Well, it turns out the best place to begin is at the bottom of your suitcase.
Place your heavier items at the base. These could be shoes, toiletries, cans of baked beans (for those of you who need creature comforts abroad!). This way, you create a solid foundation. And you avoid heftier items crushing your more delicate ones. Then, simply work your way up with lighter garments.
3. Master the art of packing cubes
Don’t tell us you’ve never experienced the pure, unbridled joy of the packing cube. These little wonders are a game-changer. Just imagine perfectly organised compartments within your suitcase, with every item neatly in its place.
Use one packing cube for tops, another for bottoms, and voilà! You’ll never have to dig through your entire suitcase to find that elusive pair of socks again. That’s how to pack a suitcase!
Plus, they come in fun colours, making your suitcase look like a vibrant Rubik’s Cube of organisation! So, if you balk at the chaos of a stuffed suitcase, make these six-sided soldiers part of your packing army.
4. Let it roll
If you’re not keen on the cube, an alternative is rolling your clothes. But who comes out on top in the great packing cubes vs. rolling debate?
It really depends.
Rolling your clothes saves space. So, if you want to cram every item from your wardrobe into your suitcase, roll up your sleeves and get rolling!
However, you also need to think about the type of clothes you’re packing. Rolling works really well for lightweight clothes such as t-shirts, summer dresses and shorts. But bulky clothes like thick jumpers might end up taking up more space in your case when rolled.
So, a good rule is, if you’re going on a summer weekend break, get ready to roll! Cubes are good for colder winter breaks.
Can’t decide between folding, rolling and packing cubes? Combine them!
5. Pack a plastic bag for dirty laundry
Ah, the inevitable accumulation of laundry. The simple solution? Tuck a plastic bag into your suitcase; it’s a mini-lifesaver.
When it’s time to return home, simply throw your worn clothes into the bag. It’s like giving your clothes a holiday within a holiday! And if you’re sharing a suitcase with fellow travellers, they’ll appreciate the thoughtful separation of clean and dirty garments.
6. Mind the weight limit
We’ve all been there. You excitedly arrive at the check-in counter and hand over your bags, only to be given a sympathetic look by the airline attendant. Oh no. You’ve exceeded the weight limit. The agony!
Avoid this hellish scenario by being mindful of weight limits. Invest in a lightweight suitcase. That means 2 kg or less for hand luggage and 3–3.5 kg for a checked bag.
Why not go the whole hog and get a portable luggage scale for extra precision? Remember, a lighter suitcase means more room for shopping and souvenirs!
7. Utilise Every Nook and Cranny
Now, let’s get strategic. When you’re planning how to pack a suitcase, make sure you use every nook and cranny. Fill your shoes with socks or smaller items. Utilise the inside pockets of your suitcase for accessories. Stuff those empty spaces with underwear. It’s like a game of suitcase Tetris! Who ever said organisation was boring?
By maximising every square centimetre of your suitcase, you’re not only optimising space but also ensuring that each item finds its rightful spot in this organised chaos.
8. Pack smart with hand luggage
For a weekend getaway, where possible, use a carry-on suitcase instead of a large, checked bag. Not only will it save you time and hassle at the airport, but it also forces you to pack only the essentials.Let your carry-on be a symbol of your commitment to minimalism.
Plus, can we just talk about the satisfaction of strolling through the airport, feeling light as a feather, while watching others struggle with their oversized suitcases? You, my friend, are a packing champion!
9. Keep essentials within reach
As you pack for your weekend break, keep in mind that there are a few items you’ll want easy access to on your journey. Think of them as your trusty travel sidekicks, ready to help you tackle any situation that comes your way.
Consider packing a small bag with your passport, travel documents, phone charger and a spare set of headphones. This way, you’ll have everything you need at a moment’s notice. And you won’t without having to dig through layers of clothing like a pirate hunting for buried treasure.
10. Embrace the space
We’ve reached the final tip, and it’s a philosophical one. Embrace the empty space in your suitcase. Leave room for unexpected treasures and spontaneous adventures. Who knows what you’ll stumble upon during your weekend getaway?
So, pack light and make room for the memories waiting to be created.
Travelling Light
And there you have it: the 10 top tips on how to pack a suitcase for your weekend away. Now that you’ve read our post, you’ll be a ninja of efficient packing, ready to tackle any awkwardly shaped item that comes your way. So, now you just need to choose your destination, plan how to get around and get packing. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you need to take into account airline restrictions. You can pack liquids in your checked suitcase. You can also pack liquids in hand luggage, but they must adhere to the airline’s liquid restrictions. Place liquids in containers 100 millilitres or less, pack them in a clear, resealable bag and place the bag in an easily accessible spot for security checks.
To pack ironed clothes in a suitcase, fold them carefully and place them on top of everything else in your suitcase. Consider using packing cubes to keep them organised and minimise wrinkles. Depending on the type of material, rolling your clothes tightly may reduce creasing.
The most space-saving method for packing clothes is rolling them instead of folding. You can also use compression bags to maximise space and keep your clothes organised.