10 best space-saving suitcase packing tips you need to know
Heading off on a weekend getaway or a Christmas holiday sometime soon? Summer holidays are great but if the thought of packing for them fills you with dread, here’s how to optimise the space in your bag - read on for our best space-saving suitcase packing tips you need to know before your next trip.
1. Use a small suitcase
Go for a small suitcase – this will ensure that you pack light and if you’re travelling by air you can often get away with just a carry-on bag if you’re smart about the way you pack. Using a bigger suitcase invites the temptation to overpack, and you’ll probably end up taking things that don’t ever see the light of day at your destination. Investing in a small lightweight suitcase will encourage you to bring only your essentials, ultimately helping you save a lot of space.
2. Create a list of what you should pack
Before you even start packing, create a list first of what you need to bring with you. Make the order of the list from the most important things to less important ones. Cross them from the list as you put them in your bag - that way, you’ll know exactly how much space you need and what items are necessary for you to bring.
3. Choose lightweight clothes
The first thing you need to do before packing is to choose clothes made of thin fabric. While it may limit the choices of clothes you can take with you on your trip, it’s well worth it to avoid checking in a big suitcase (and having to pay baggage costs). If you’re going somewhere cold, invest in some lightweight thermals to keep the space requirements low.
4. Wear your bulky clothes
If you simply can’t avoid bringing bulky clothes, such as a jacket or a sweater, wear it on your flight instead of trying to squeeze it into your suitcase. Bulky clothes will definitely take up way too much space in your bag, reducing the room you have for all the other things you have to bring.
5. Roll your clothes
The best way to optimise the space in your suitcase – and prevent creases – is to roll your clothes rather than folding them. Roll from the bottom up for your tops and from the waist down for pants. Then put your clothes in the bag first and follow with the odd-shaped things like shoes and hair dryers.
6. Your sunglass case can be your best friend
We’re not suggesting you bring more than one pair of sunglasses here - we’re trying to save space in your suitcase, so one pair is enough. Pop your glasses on your head and then use the case to store your earphones, charger cord, hairpins, meds, or whatever small items can fit in there. You will not only save space, you’ll also avoid losing them while you’re on your trip.
7. One bottle, one sock
Perfume, deodorant, mouthwash and your skin care essentials – we all need them when we head away but there’s nothing worse than opening your case and finding something has smashed during your travels. Here’s a pro tip - put a bottle or two in a sock. That will save space and also protect your bottles from the risk of breaking while you’re travelling.
8. Pack mini-versions of essentials
There is absolutely no need to pack giant bottles of shampoo and conditioner or your regular size cleanser! Buy mini versions or simply decant into small plastic bottles and you’ll save heaps of space in your suitcase.
9. Fill the gaps
If you want to be really suitcase-savvy, it’s important to fill ALL the gaps in your bag. Remember, there’s plenty of room inside your shoes so stuff them with socks or even underwear (just make sure you place them in a plastic bag first). You should also check around the perimeter of your suitcase as there are usually small voids lurking that you can stuff a few extras in too.
10. Don’t leave it till the last minute
Last but not least and perhaps the most important tip on our list is not to pack at the last minute. If you leave it too late, the tendency is to throw everything in your suitcase all at once. Do most of your packing the day before your flight so you have time to plan and organise your suitcase accordingly.
Have a happy trip!
Going on a trip can be less exhausting and more exciting if you’ve been smart about the way you pack. And after the challenges of 2020, we think everyone deserves a holiday - but if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans from $1,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the cash into your bank account within a few hours - so you can go ahead and book your flights and accommodation for a fantastic summer getaway!