Before the summer vacation with the family or the relaxing city trip alone, packing the suitcase is always a tedious but unfortunately necessary evil. However, with the right preparation, packing becomes child's play, and space-saving, efficient packing allows you to securely and compactly store necessary items in your luggage. We provide you with practical tips and tricks on how to pack your suitcase or bag properly and explain what questions you should ask yourself when preparing for your trip.
Our 8 Tips for Space-Saving Packing
With these tips, your suitcase will remain compact and organized:
1. Roll your clothes
Instead of folding your clothes awkwardly, you can simply roll them. This way, the garments will be wrinkle-free after the trip. This method creates hardly any wrinkles, and you also save a lot of storage space in your suitcase or backpack.
2. Use Packing Cubes
Another space-saving tip is packing cubes. With their help, you can store clothes and accessories sorted and make optimal use of the available space. Simply divide your wardrobe into categories, e.g., jewelry, underwear, shirts, and pack them into separate cubes.
3. Pack heavy items at the bottom
Heavy items, such as towels or shoes, are best packed at the bottom of your luggage to ensure stability and structure.
4. Plan outfits in advance
Before packing, consider what you want to wear on each day of your vacation and coordinate the clothing items. This way, you know which pieces you need to wash before the trip, can pack your suitcase purposefully, and avoid taking unnecessary items. If you plan to buy clothes and souvenirs during your vacation, make sure to leave enough space in your suitcase or bag for your return trip.
5. Choose the right shoes
The motto for shoes is: Less is more. It's best to select one to two pairs that can be combined with different outfits and occasions, e.g., comfortable sneakers for the day and stylish, light shoes for the evening. Shoes are also suitable for this space-saving trick – you can store small items like socks, underwear, and jewelry in the interior of the shoes.
6. Use vacuum bags
Vacuum bags are a real insider tip when it comes to saving space in your suitcase. They are ideal for bulky clothing items like jackets, sweaters, or bedding. The air is simply sucked out – either with a small pump or by compressing – and the items are reduced to a minimum.
7. Use travel containers for toiletries
Large shampoo and shower gel bottles not only take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but they also weigh quite a bit. A space-saving and environmentally friendly solution is to transfer your care products into small, reusable travel containers. These are available in many drugstores and fit perfectly into carry-on luggage. Make sure that the containers are leak-proof to avoid unpleasant surprises in your suitcase and extensive washing during your vacation.
8. Wear heavy clothing
Simple but effective – to save space in your suitcase, you can simply wear heavy clothing items during your trip. Instead of packing the thick hoodie in your suitcase, just put it on while you're traveling. This way, there is more room in your suitcase for other things, and you avoid additional weight in your luggage.
Packing your suitcase wisely – preparation as a travel pro
However, before you pack your suitcase, it is important to consider some basic points to ensure that you don't forget anything and that your luggage is well organized. Refresh your memory before each trip and follow the EU regulations for carry-on and checked baggage, so you can start your journey calmly at the airport.
With the following points, you can pack your suitcase wisely and thoughtfully:
- Climate & Weather: Inform yourself about the weather conditions at your destination to decide what type of clothing you need, e.g., light or warm clothing.
- Regional Particularities: Check in advance whether there are any cultural dress codes at your vacation spot that you need to consider.
- Duration of Travel: How many clothing items, changes, and shoes you need depends on the duration of your trip.
- Activities: Whether hiking, beach or business meetings – choose your wardrobe according to the occasion or planned vacation activities.
- Packing List: Create a detailed packing or checklist that includes all the items you need during your trip, such as clothing, hygiene products, medications, travel documents. With our printable PDF packing list, you can start packing right away.
- Checked or Carry-on Luggage: If you are flying on vacation, you should inform yourself about the size and weight restrictions of the airline to know which backpack or suitcase sizes are allowed.
Packed well is half traveled! So you don't miss anything on the way, we have compiled the most important packing tips for you:
| Category | Tips |
| Weight Distribution | Distribute the weight evenly between the front and rear wheels to maintain balance. |
| Accessibility | Store frequently needed items within easy reach (e.g., snacks, maps, rain jacket). |
| Weather Protection | Check the weather report and use waterproof bags in case of rain. |
| Safety | Keep important items like money and documents safe and on your body. |
| Emergency Equipment | Always carry a spare tube, multitool, and first aid kit. |
| Power Supply | Plan for a power bank and possibly a dynamo charger for long trips. |
➡️ Find the right suitcase now!
The most important tip at the end: Take sufficient time to pack your suitcase! Packing under time pressure often leads to packing either too much or the wrong things. Plan a few days before your trip to have enough time to create a list and pack everything systematically. This way, you can calmly check if you really have everything and avoid the rush just before departure.
With good preparation and the right strategies, packing your suitcase will not only be stress-free but also efficient. And the best part: You can start your journey relaxed because you know you are perfectly organized!
