How To Pack A Suitcase

If you are planning a trip for two weeks or longer you may be confused about how to pack a suitcase for long-term travel. Whether you are taking a long vacation, studying abroad, working abroad, visiting extended family, or taking a gap year to discover the world, we’ll share with you great tips for maximizing your luggage space, deciding what to bring, and determining what to leave behind.

We’ve been traveling for over 3 years so far and have learned a lot along the way. So in this article, we’ll let you know the do’s and don’ts for packing for an extended trip.

Check out our full packing video below to see exactly how we fold everything to make it all fit!

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to our favorite travel gear. If you purchase anything using our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Hope you love the recommended travel gear as much as we do!

Table of Contents

To Check a Bag or Not?

I’ve seen many people who can travel the world with just a carry-on bag, and those who prefer to check a bag. I’ve tried both and I’m happy to report that both work! After several years of travel, I personally prefer to travel with a 20-inch carry-on-sized suitcase because it’s lighter, and easier to carry up and down stairs. Plus, it’s easier to fit in small economy cars.

However, I’ve also traveled with a 24-inch suitcase that required me to check my bag. I liked this bag because it gave me a lot of variety in the clothes that I could bring, plus it allowed me to bring full-sized toiletries and tools like scissors which are so useful to have when you are traveling. The only drawback here is the weight. Carrying around so much is exhausting, especially if you are changing locations frequently.

It really is your preference which you prefer to use. However, please try to avoid the 28-inch suitcases altogether as they are extremely difficult to travel with because this suitcase may not fit into the trunk of small economy-sized cars and it can easily become overweight when fully packed. Paying overweight luggage fees is just not worth it!

Tip #1: Use a Two-Sided Suitcase

We like our luggage to have two separate sides instead of one big compartment because we find having two separate sides is a more efficient way to organize your belongings. You can reserve one side for all of your clothing, and the other side is for shoes, toiletries, and medicines. We find this way of separating our belongings very practical and efficient.

Having an expandable suitcase is also a nice feature. We always recommend leaving home with your suitcase unexpanded, but if you should return home with souvenirs or gifts the expandable feature will really be a lifesaver.

Tip #2: Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are essential for staying organized and saving space when you travel. They compress your clothes so they take up less space, and they make your bag so much neater should you have to open your checked luggage for inspection at any of the many checkpoints along the way.

We’ve used both regular and compressible packing cubes, and can honestly say that compressible packing cubes save the most space. Use the smallest packing cube for underwear, socks, and bras. Use the medium-sized cube for shirts and swimming suits, and use the largest packing cube for pants, skirts, and dresses.

A set of 3 packing cubes fits perfectly on one side of a 24-inch suitcase. However, if you are using a 20-inch suitcase, you will put the two larger packing cubes on one side and the smaller underwear cube on the other side. Make sure to place the biggest packing cube at the bottom of the suitcase and the smaller, lighter cubes on the top, because you want your heaviest items on the bottom so your suitcase is more balanced.

Some packing cubes come with laundry bags, but I’ve never found laundry bags useful as they don’t fit well into my luggage which is already perfectly laid out with packing cubes. Instead, I use laundry bags to store my shoes and the packing cubes themself to store my laundry. At first, I use the smallest cube for the laundry. As the days pass, I will use the medium-sized cube for laundry until all cubes are filled with laundry. When laundry day finally comes, you can throw your cubes in the wash as well if you like.

Tip #3: Fold 6-7 Clothing Items at One Time

How to pack a suitcase step by step clothes folding instructions

Instead of folding 6-7 shirts individually, I like to stack them all into one pile and fold them all into one compact bundle. Start with the largest shirt on the bottom so it can hold the structure of the smaller shirts and tank tops that are on the top. I find that this strategy both saves time folding and saves space too. To maximize space further put this bundle into your packing cube. Below are 12 shirts stacked, folded, and compressed into a packing cube for maximum space saving.

12 shirts packed in a packing cube - How to pack a suitcase

You can use the same strategy for your pants and dresses as well. Stack them into a pile and fold them over 3-4 times. Then, put this bundle in your largest packing cube to save space.

Tip #4: Use a Toiletry Bag

Our toiletry bag has been one of my favorite travel organization purchases. I’m able to fit my facial cleansers, my makeup, and jewelry all in one bag. It’s so easy to take my toiletry bag out of my luggage put it in the bathroom and I’m good to go for the rest of my stay. Talk about one-step unpacking!

We like the Wayfarer brand of toiletery bags because they have a version with a jewelry holder for the ladies and a version without a jewelry holder for the men. We have both versions and they serve our unique needs perfectly!

If you plan on traveling carry-on only, then you will need a toiletry bag specially designed to hold liquid bottles that are under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). These toiletry bags allow you to carry a variety of cleaners and moisturizers in sturdy leak-proof containers. Plus, the small compact size is perfect for your carry-on luggage.

Tip #5: How to Pack Shoes

Shoes are the dirtiest thing in your luggage, so make sure to put them in a separate bag. You can use a reusable canvas, nylon, or a plastic bag to store them. The average person should only need to bring 3 pairs of shoes on any trip. That includes a pair of sneakers for walking around and for exercise, a pair of sandals especially if you are traveling in warm weather, and a pair of dress shoes for evenings out. We recommend wearing your athletic shoes on the plane so that you have at least one bulky pair of shoes outside of your luggage. Then, store your sandals and dress shoes in separate bags inside your suitcase.

Socks and shoes belong together, so store them together. Stuff your socks into your dress shoes to take up less space in your packing cubes. Shoes tend to be one of the heaviest items that we own, so store them at the bottom of your bag. Keeping your heavy items on the bottom of the bag prevents your luggage from tipping over easily.

Tip #6: Use a Packing Checklist

Having a packing checklist can be useful in keeping you organized and preventing you from forgetting your important items. You can always make your own checklist, but if you would like our free Packing Checklist PDF delivered directly to your inbox, please enter your email below! Not only will you receive the ultimate packing checklist but you will receive weekly updates on how to travel long-term and live your travel dreams!

Tip #7: Leave Your Electronic Hair Tools at Home

Hair Tools - Leave them at home when you travel

Because of different voltages, we do not recommend bringing any type of electronic hair tools. This includes hair trimmers, beard trimmers, blow dryers, hair straighteners, and hair curlers. These devices are made specifically for the voltage in your home country. For example, in North America, the voltage is 120 volts, but in Europe and Asia, the voltage is 220 volts. When you plug a 120-volt device into a 220-volt socket, you could blow the socket and even cause the electricity to go out in an entire building. How embarrassing!

There are some battery-operated hair trimmers that can be charged by USB that should be fine to use abroad, but any shaver, dryer, straighter, or curler that has to be plugged into the wall should be left behind. This is good for saving space anyway!

Once you have all of these elements together, we recommend putting the largest cube at the bottom of the bag and the other two smaller cubes on the top. On the opposite side of the bag, pack your shoes at the bottom and your toiletries and medicines at the top.

Tip #8: Use a Backpack for Your Carry-On

Once you know how to pack your suitcase, it’s time to focus on your carry-on. We like using backpacks for our carry-on because it’s easier to carry all of our electronics in a backpack instead of a roller bag. Our backpacks are designed for safely carrying laptops, tablets, cameras, important documents, and our electronics bags.

Using a backpack will also make your luggage easier to transport in small cars. Having two roller bags instead of one is just too difficult to manage and transport. A backpack can easily fit on top of your checked bag so it’s easier to transport if you have to walk to a train station or a bus stop.

Backpacks are also good for short weekend trips. Instead of bringing our big 24-inch suitcase, we’ll pack up the backpack with a packing cube and our electronics bag and are able to live out of a backpack for 2-3 nights.

Backpacks are also versatile enough that you can store them in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. This is especially useful if the overhead bin is full and you want to avoid checking all of your fragile electronics.

Tip #9: Use an Electronic Bag for Your Chargers

Depending on how many electronics you have, you might want to consider getting an electronics organizer bag. These bags store all of your charging cables, power banks, external hard drives, SD memory cards, and outlet adapters in one convenient location. It’s nice to have all of these important but easy-to-lose items in one central location so they are easy to keep track of them.

Tip #10: Use a Travelon Bag as Your Purse/Man Purse

As a travel purse, I can highly recommend Travelon. I’ve been using the same Travelon purse since 2016 and I’m still impressed by how durable and effective it has been. It can hold a GoPro with a gimbal and a full DSLR camera effortlessly. It also has a locking zipper which makes it harder for pickpockets to get to your valuables.

I even suggest Travelon bags for men because they have masculine colors and shapes as well and are so good for carrying camera equipment. Plus, these bags are small enough that you don’t have to check them at museums.

These bags are also great for storing your passport, wallet, hand sanitizer, and your itinerary.

Tip #11: Pack for the Current Season Only

We made the mistake of bringing a winter coat to a tropical climate. Our logic was that we were going to be traveling for two years, so we would experience winter eventually. Although this is true, I would have much rather left the coat at home and simply bought warm clothes as needed. It’s a hassle to carry clothes that you may not use for months or years at a time, so only pack what you need for the first month while you’re away.

Our Final Thoughts on How to Pack a Suitcase

Mastering the art of packing a suitcase is a skill that can significantly enhance your journey’s comfort and convenience. By adhering to the 11 essential packing tips outlined in this article, you can streamline your packing process, maximize your luggage space, and ensure that you have everything you need while on the road.

Now that you know how to pack a suitcase? Check the helpful articles below!

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