How to pack a suitcase: a guide

Packing your suitcase is one of those necessary evils of travel – love it or loathe it, you unfortunately have to do it! Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time flyer, packing right can really make your trip smoother. In this article, we’ll go into the details of how to pack your suitcase like a pro and pick the right luggage to boot. 

The suitcase matters

First things first: before diving into packing techniques, you need to find a suitcase that fits your needs. A good bag is worth its weight in gold. We’re big fans of the new Samsonite Proxis line. Here’s why:

• Tough materials: Crafted from Samsonite's proprietary Roxkin™ material, these bags redefine durability and style. Proxis bags, with their layered technology, provide unmatched resilience against bumps and knocks, ensuring your belongings stay secure whether you're embarking on a safari or a city break.
• Comfort and manoeuvrability: Proxis doesn't just promise durability—it delivers comfort too. With elongated double tube handles and smooth-rolling double wheels, you can easily manoeuvre through crowded marketplaces or busy city sidewalks with precision.
• In for the long haul: Each Proxis suitcase comes with an impressive 10-year global warranty. That's a decade of adventures, business trips, and weekend getaways – all with the peace of mind that your trusty travel companion is built to go the distance.

Now that we've covered luggage selection, let's dive into detailed packing strategies:

Make a list (and write it down) 

First things first, make a list. Seriously, it’s the backbone of a well-packed suitcase. Start a week ahead and jot down everything you need. You’re a lot less likely to forget something this way, and you can easily make revisions (without having to repack).

If you’re not sure where to start, break down your list by activities or days to make sure you have the right attire for each occasion. Apps like PackPoint can help generate lists based on your plans.

Don’t forget to check the extended forecasts for your destination — and to account for microclimates or elevation changes that might affect the weather. 

Roll with it

When it comes to actually placing items in your suitcase, the rolling method is a tried-and-true technique for maximising space and minimising wrinkles. 

For dress shirts, button them up, fold the arms across the body, and then roll from the bottom up. If you’ve got delicate or wrinkle-prone items, sandwich them between tissue paper before packing. Thicker pants might be better off folded, depending on how you organise your suitcase.

Packing cubes are a game changer

Packing cubes are your new best friend. These handy accessories allow you to sort your clothes by type or outfit so it’s easy to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase. 

Plus, you can squeeze the air out of them to save space, and they fit perfectly into the gaps between your suitcase handle rails. Keep one cube dedicated to dirty laundry to keep it separate from your clean clothes. And if you really want a beautifully organised suitcase, grab some colour-coordinated cubes.

Layer your suitcase with strategy 

If you’re facing a mountain of clothes and don’t know where to begin, start by placing your shoes (in dust bags) at the bottom of your suitcase. From there, layer your items from heaviest to lightest. This prevents softer items from getting squished and keeps anything delicate safe at the top.

Fill dead space…

Every nook and cranny is prime real estate when it comes to packing a suitcase. Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes to save space and help your footwear keep its shape. Use any hats you’re bringing to store small items. A pill organiser is a smart way to keep your jewellery untangled, or you can thread chains through a dress shirt's buttonholes before rolling it up. Sunglasses cases are perfect for storing charging cables and small electronics. If you feel like you’re playing Tetris while packing, you’re doing it right.

…but don’t pack to the brim either

While it's tempting to stuff your suitcase to the brim, unless you want to be that person wearing five shirts at check-in it's wise to leave some space. We recommend keeping 20-25% of your suitcase free for souvenirs or unexpected purchases. 

The last thing you want is to be frantically repacking at the airport at the end of your trip because your suitcase is overweight.

What about the carry on? 

To save on luggage fees, wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Your carry-on should include your most valuable items and an extra outfit in case of lost or delayed luggage. A small crossbody bag or fanny pack is perfect for storing plane essentials like your phone, eye mask, gum, and anything else you want to keep within easy reach.

Liquids are to be packed carefully

Packing liquids requires some extra care to avoid any messy spills. Use squeezable, leakproof containers like silicone travel bottles for your toiletries. For added protection, place a small piece of plastic wrap under the caps of your liquid containers. If you’re packing full-size liquids in your checked luggage, make sure they’re in the centre of your suitcase, cushioned by clothes on all sides.

Make it easiest to access your best items

Always keep important items within reach. As we mentioned, it’s best to pack a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case of lost luggage. 

At the top of your checked suitcase, include a small "first-night kit" with pyjamas, fresh underwear, and basic toiletries. This way, you can easily grab what you need for your first night without having to unpack everything.

Utilise the features of your suitcase

Play to your suitcases strengths and be sure to use the features that come with it.

For example, open a Proxis suitcase and you’ll find adjustable cross ribbons to keep your clothes organised, while a spacious divider with a variety of organisational pockets gives you quick and easy access to essentials. 

Compression straps ( a boon for chronic over packers) help to maximise every inch of space, while a soft-touch lining helps protect delicate items.

Remember, packing is both an art and a science. With the right techniques, you're sure to have a smoother and more enjoyable trip. Happy packing, and bon voyage!

This article was made in partnership with Samsonite. Tomorrow is Proxis. Tomorrow is Here.