As the summer sun tempts, it's time to embark on exciting adventures and unforgettable journeys. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring new cities or venturing into the great outdoors, packing efficiently is key to enjoying a stress-free holiday. To help you make the most of your upcoming summer travels, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to pack your suitcase like a pro.

Whether you opt for minimalist packing, desire extra room in your luggage or consistently find yourself packing unnecessary items for your travels, our comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for mastering suitcase organisation. With foolproof strategies and detailed instructions, we empower you to select essentials wisely and pack with utmost efficiency. Embrace our guidance and say goodbye to packing blunders forever!

Digitise your travel documents

Create digital duplicates of your identification and travel paperwork. We suggest storing them on a cloud platform, USB drive, smartphone or tablet. This practice allows you to reduce paper clutter and safeguard crucial data in case of luggage mishaps. Ensure to keep your USB drive apart from your checked-in luggage for added security.

Make a checklist

Simplify your travel preparations by creating a customisable checklist for your next journey. Consider using the free PackPoint app, which allows you to tailor pre-existing packing lists to suit the weather and activities of your destination. This handy tool saves you time and effort while ensuring you're well-prepared for your trip's specific needs.

Get it all together

Ensure you have plenty of space around you to organise your packing efficiently. Begin by gathering all items intended for your bag and sorting them into distinct categories: clothing (including shoes, tops, pants, jackets, outerwear, underwear and accessories), toiletries, electronic devices and miscellaneous equipment/gadgets. This methodical approach streamlines the packing process and helps prevent overlooking essential items.

Minimise your devices

Now, eliminate any items that can be substituted by another device specifically for this trip. For instance, if your intention is to capture casual photos, opt for a smartphone instead of a bulky camera. If your purpose is solely to access social media, a tablet or smartphone suffices instead of carrying a laptop. Furthermore, if your accommodation provides a Bluetooth-enabled speaker or stereo dock, you can ditch bringing a portable speaker. This selective approach helps lighten your load while ensuring you have the necessary tools for your trip.

Power up!

Next, assess your chargers. If all your devices utilise USB, you might only require one compatible charger, ensuring you pack all necessary cables. Alternatively, if your smartphone serves as your primary device, consider bringing a compact portable battery pack or charging case to ensure it remains powered throughout the day. This strategic approach minimises the number of chargers you need to carry while ensuring your devices remain functional throughout your trip.

Tackle your toiletries

If you're happy with using the toiletries offered at your accommodation, you can effortlessly trim down your packing list by omitting basic amenities. However, if you prefer using your own products, opt for screw-top containers to transfer liquids, gels and creams instead of carrying full-sized bottles. Pharmacies and supermarkets offer travel-sized versions of various essentials, including dry shampoo, hairspray, toothpaste and deodorant, as well as travel-friendly bottles and tubes. This approach allows you to streamline your toiletry selection without compromising on your personal care routine.

Cutt the clothing

Now comes the real challenge. The objective here is to cut each pile in half. Yes, that's correct – halve them (except for underwear!). Strategise your outfits to guarantee you're prepared for various weather conditions at your destination(s), as well as the social engagements and activities you'll partake in. Also, consider how often you'll have the opportunity to do your laundry.

Hard decisions?

Versatility, lightweight layers and a cohesive colour palette are crucial. Opt for clothing that can easily transition from casual to formal and layer effectively. It's advisable to stick to neutrals like black, white, grey or beige, with one or two complementary accent colours. Pay close attention when selecting heavier outerwear and footwear – opting for just one jacket or leaving behind a pair of shoes can significantly reduce weight.

Miscellaneous

In this pile, you might have items such as umbrellas, raincoats, books and pillows. If you're eager to lighten your load, contemplate alternatives or purchase these items upon arrival. For example, you could acquire an umbrella at your destination, pack a disposable poncho, read digitally on your tablet instead of bringing a book or grab a magazine at the airport. However, don't hesitate to bring along items that have proven their worth on previous trips – a neck pillow, for instance, could be indispensable for getting quality sleep during a long-haul flight or extended train journey.

Pack like a pro

Now, you can start packing with maximum efficiency and space-saving in mind (which leaves room for more shopping on your holiday!). Begin by placing the heaviest items closest to the bottom of your bag or suitcase, particularly at the end with the wheels. Many seasoned travellers swear by packing cubes: these cube-shaped organisers fit neatly inside suitcases, separating your clothing and keeping loose items contained (anyone who has experienced a Customs inspection can appreciate the convenience of this). Another useful space-saving technique is to tightly roll your clothing instead of folding and stacking it. Remember to roll up belts to prevent them from getting crushed, and fold shirts and clothing that can easily crease; place these items at the top of the case to keep them wrinkle-free.

Steamer is your saviour

Regardless of your packing method—rolling, folding, using cubes or being minimalist—your clothing will inevitably wrinkle during transit. That's why it's essential to always make room for a steamer. Invest in a travel-sized steamer. Nobody wants to deal with hauling out an iron and ironing board from the hotel closet, then spending 20 minutes smoothing out wrinkles in their clothes. The steamer is worth the extra space it occupies in your suitcase.

Fill the gaps

Utilise every inch of available space efficiently: fill any gaps with socks, underwear or T-shirts, and use socks to stuff inside shoes along with small, fragile items or jewellery (this also helps maintain the shape of the shoes). Safeguard delicate items by wrapping them in clothing and positioning them in the centre of your bag. Always place any potential leaky or soiling items in a zip-lock bag or securely sealed plastic bags to prevent any mishaps from ruining your clothing.

Pack extra plastic bags

Bring a separate, packable bag — even just a small plastic or trash bag — for dirty laundry.

Carry medication in your purse

While you may intend to bring your bag onboard, there's still a chance it could be checked at the gate. By keeping your medication in your purse, you'll have them handy even if overhead bin space is limited and you're required to check in your bag.

Stay hydrated

You can bring an empty reusable water bottle through airport security. Once inside the terminal, fill it up at a cafe or water station. It keeps you hydrated and is more eco-friendly than purchasing plastic bottles while sightseeing.