These professional tips work with any suitcase and any backpack. The right packing technique saves up to 30% volume.
The suitcase is packed – yet half of your things still don't fit. Anyone who uses packing techniques instead of just winging it saves up to 30% volume, avoids wrinkles and stays under the airline's weight limit. These 10 tips are the result of many holiday trips – and they work with any suitcase.
The 10 most important packing tips
Create a packing list
Write down everything you need. Divide it into must-have, nice-to-have, optional. This way, you won't forget anything important and won't overpack.
Roll clothes instead of folding
Rolled clothes need up to 30% less space and wrinkle less. Exception: shirts and blazers should be folded and placed on top.
Use packing cubes
Packing cubes separate items by category (tops, underwear, socks) and keep things organised – even on longer trips with frequent repacking.
Pack shoes cleverly
Pack shoes in shoe bags or shower caps. They belong at the bottom of the suitcase. Put socks and underwear inside the shoes – this way they keep their shape and no space is wasted.
Heavy items at the bottom
Place heavy items (books, shoes, hairdryer) at the bottom. Lightweight clothing and items prone to wrinkling go on top. This keeps the suitcase stable when rolling.
The layering method
Bottom: shoes + heavy items. Middle: rolled clothing. Top: items prone to wrinkling (shirts, dresses). Corners: use the gaps for socks, ties and other small items.
Versatile pieces
A dark jacket goes with both jeans and dress trousers. A scarf can be a scarf, a sarong or a beach towel. Fewer but more versatile items – the secret of experienced travellers.
Plan for extra space
Leave 20% of space free for souvenirs on the way back. A full suitcase becomes a problem on the return journey.
Protect fragile items
Pack perfume, sunglasses and electronics in the middle, surrounded by soft clothing. Put liquids in zip-lock bags as well – to avoid a perfume disaster in your suitcase.
Weigh before zipping up
A luggage scale or bathroom scale prevents surprises. Airline limit: usually 23 kg for checked luggage, 8 kg for carry-on. More on this in the carry-on guide.
Must-have, nice-to-have, leave at home
What really belongs in your suitcase – and what can stay at home:
- ID, credit card, cash
- Basic outfits for the trip duration
- Hygiene essentials
- Personal medication
- Charger + travel adapter
- Rain jacket / weather protection
- 1–2 spare outfits
- Nice shoes for evenings
- Small book / Kindle
- Snacks for the journey
- Travel pillow for long-haul flights
- Understated jewellery
- More than 3 pairs of shoes
- Valuable watches / jewellery
- Too many books (a Kindle is enough)
- A large cosmetics arsenal
- Heating pads, irons (the hotel has them!)
- Extra outfits "just in case"
The packing order step by step
- The day before: Go through your packing list, get anything that's missing
- Get the suitcase out and air it if needed: especially if it's been in storage for a while
- Heavy items first: shoes, books, large hairdryers at the bottom
- Rolled clothing: sorted by category in packing cubes
- Shirts and blazers: folded on top
- Fill the corners: socks, belts, small accessories
- Toiletry bag + chargers: in side pockets
- Liquids: separately in a zip-lock bag
- Document folder: within easy reach in your carry-on
- Weight check + zip up: check the weight, repack if necessary
Packing for long-haul and short trips
Your packing strategy depends on the duration and type of trip. As a general rule: 3 trousers, 5 tops, 7 underwear sets (the 3-5-7 rule) are enough for a week. For longer trips, it's better to do laundry along the way rather than pack more.
For long-haul flights, additionally: compression socks in your suitcase, a spare set of underwear in your carry-on (in case your suitcase gets lost), and a mini toiletry bag in your carry-on (toothbrush, deodorant, moisturiser). More tips in the long-haul flight guide.
Choosing the right suitcase size
Even the best packing trick won't help if your suitcase is too small or too big. A guide:
- Weekend trip (2 days): Carry-on 55×40×23 (35–45 L)
- City break (3–4 days): Medium suitcase 60–65 cm (55–65 L)
- 1-week holiday: Large suitcase 70–75 cm (80–100 L)
- 2-week holiday: XL suitcase or luggage set
Details in the suitcase size overview. Recommended brands for space-saving packing: Samsonite, Titan, Travelite.
Frequently asked questions about packing a suitcase
Rolling or folding clothes – which saves more space?
Rolling saves up to 30% more space than folding. For T-shirts, polo shirts and casual trousers in particular, rolling is clearly the better option. For shirts and blazers, folding is better – they wrinkle too much when rolled.
What are packing cubes and are they worth it?
Packing cubes are lightweight fabric bags in various sizes that separate your luggage contents by category. They save some space and bring a lot of organisation – especially useful for multi-week trips or when you don't want to unpack at the hotel.
How many outfits do I need for a week?
The 3-5-7 rule: 3 trousers (1 smart, 2 casual), 5 tops (T-shirts, blouses, jumpers), 7 underwear sets. For a beach holiday, add 2 swimsuits. This is enough for a week with smart combining.
Am I allowed to check in liquids in my suitcase?
Yes, in checked luggage, with no volume limit. It's best to pack all liquids (perfume, shampoo, sun cream) in zip-lock bags. For carry-on luggage, the rule is: maximum 100 ml per container, all in a 1-litre bag.
How do I avoid clothes wrinkling in my suitcase?
Fold delicate items like shirts and blazers with tissue paper and place them on top. Avoid sharp creases and don't roll clothing too tightly. Suits and evening wear belong in a special suit carrier or garment bag.
What should go in your carry-on for a long-haul flight?
A spare set of underwear (in case your suitcase is lost), a mini hygiene kit (toothbrush, deodorant, moisturiser), important documents, electronics and charging cables, medication, snacks. More details in the long-haul flight guide.
Conclusion: Pack like a pro
Space-saving packing isn't magic – it's technique. With a packing list, rolling, packing cubes and the layering method, you'll fit in significantly more, stay under the weight limit and save yourself ironing at the hotel. The most important rules once again:
- Plan: Create a packing list (must-have, nice-to-have, leave out)
- Roll: Clothes instead of folding
- Layer: Heavy items at the bottom, items prone to wrinkling on top
- Organise: Packing cubes, shoe bags, zip-lock bags
- Weigh: Before zipping up – not at the gate
You'll find the right travel companions in the Suitcases & Trolleys category. More helpful articles: How to pack a backpack correctly, suitcase size overview and liquids in carry-on luggage.
