How to pack like a pro for your next travel adventure

Updated March 14, 2025, 5:01 p.m. | By Lifestyle Reporter

Are you going on vacation soon? Here's how to pack your suitcase efficiently so you can have enough room for souvenirs.

Open suitcase on a bed — File photo: iStock

Planning a vacation is exciting. Packing your suitcase? Not so much!

If the thought of packing your suitcase is stressing you out, keep reading. We have put together ten tips that will make the job much easier.

There are two types of holiday packers: people who overpack and people who underpack. Each has its downfalls.

Over-packers risk paying expensive fees for overweight luggage and have the not-so-fun job of dragging their suitcases from one end of the airport to the next.

On the other hand, under-packers could also pay more than expected because they must buy the essentials they forgot to pack when they arrive.

Here's how to pack smartly for your trip and maybe even get everything to fit in your carry-on luggage!

1. Don't wait for the very last minute

The first step to stress-free packing is not to wait until the last minute to do it! You're more likely to forget to pack essential items and we don't just mean your underwear! Some things are an absolute must, from your phone charger to your passport, and leaving them behind could cause major headaches, potentially ruining your trip.

2. Choose your suitcase wisely

Whether you are packing for a short or long trip, the type of suitcase you use matters. There are hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases, each with its own pros and cons. While hard-shell luggage offers more protection and durability, soft-shell suitcases are lighter and more flexible, so you can make room for a little more space if needed.

When selecting a suitcase, you must also consider wheels, handle lengths, and security.

3. Make a list

Stay organised by making a list of everything you need to pack. Create separate sections for clothing, technology/gadgets, toiletries, medication and travel documents.

4. Check the weather

If you are going on a beach holiday, you might be tempted to pack only swimsuits, shorts, dresses and other lightweight clothing. However, there might be rainy days during your trip, and a backless, halterneck dress won't work. Check the weather a few days before your trip to understand what you can expect.

5. Consider multi-purpose clothing

Avoid over-packing by selecting multi-purpose clothing that can be dressed down for day activities and dressed up for a night out. Jeans are always great because you can take them from casual to fancy in minutes.

6. Get organised with packing cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to maximise your suitcase space. It also makes it easier to find what you are looking for when you reach your destination. You don't have to empty your whole bag on your hotel room floor to find one pair of socks.

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7. Roll, roll, roll

If you don't have packing cubes, rolling your clothes instead of folding them is still a pretty decent way to pack smartly. Not only does it save space, but it also helps prevent your clothes from wrinkling.

8. It's all about the layers

If you're not using the packing cube or rolling method, make sure you layer your clothing correctly in your suitcase. Shoes are at the bottom, heavier items like jackets next, and lighter items are at the top.

9. Don't forget about the fragile items

Use a towel or clothing to cushion fragile items. Placing them in the centre of your suitcase is also a good idea as putting them at the bottom or very top could cause them to break when they are being handled at the airport.

10. Keep calm and carry-on (your luggage)

It seems impossible, but you can pack everything you need for your holiday in your carry-on luggage. Digital creator Erica Louie packed one month of clothing in her carry-on bag. No, she didn't pack 30 days worth of clothes, she just packed smartly.

You can also consider the 5-4-3-2-1 or 3-2-1 rule, which is a packing technique that limits you to a certain amount of clothing:

5 tops
4 bottoms
3 pairs of shoes
2 layering piece or dresses
1 accessory like sunglasses or a hat

You can play around with the numbers and items but this is also a good way to get the most out of packing light, especially if you pack multi-purpose clothing.

The goal is to travel as light as possible without leaving behind any essentials while ensuring you have enough room for souvenirs!

Happy packing!

ALSO READ: Thuso Mbedu’s guide to a stress-free trip