Tips for Packing a Suitcase

In the past, whenever I started to think about packing for a trip, I would immediately feel overwhelmed. I would find myself overpacking in every situation, even when I was just going away for the weekend. I never wanted to forget ANYTHING! Now that I have two kids, this has drastically changed. While I still get overwhelmed with packing, especially when it comes to packing up the kids, I’ve gotten so much better about packing for myself. I have strategies in place that make getting ready for a trip so much easier, which means once we leave for a trip and get to where we’re going, I’m so much more at ease. This didn’t happen overnight but I’ve learned a thing or two along the way and today, I’m excited to share my tips for packing a suitcase with you!

Tips for Packing a Suitcase

Check the Weather

While the weather can change day-to-day, at least having a sense of what the weather is going to be like will make packing so much less overwhelming. Once you know what the weather is going to be like, think of a couple of core items that you know you’ll want to incorporate into your travel wardrobe. From there, you’ll be able to put together a packing list.

Create a Packing List

Putting together a packing list has been one of the biggest game changers when it comes to packing for trips. Before I start thinking about exact outfits, I’ll outline what I’ll be doing each day and what I’ll need outfits for. Once that list is together and I know what the weather forecast is going to be, I’ll figure out outfits for each day/event. To avoid overpacking, I like to opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Utilize Packing Cubes & Toiletry Bags

If there’s one thing I swear by when it comes to packing a suitcase, it’s packing cubes and toiletry bags (I love this one, this one, and this one!). These not only keep everything extremely organized in your suitcase, but they also save you space. You might be rolling your eyes, I did too, but packing cubes are truly game-changing. Be mindful when packing your packing cubes, they fit a lot so it’s easy to add unnecessary weight to your suitcase.

Opt for Travel-Size Items

Even if you’re checking your bag, always opt for travel-size products. This will help give you more space in your suitcase and will limit the number of bags you need to bring with you. I love using this toiletry bag to keep all of these items organized. It’s compact, it’s cute, and it can be hung up at your destination to make accessing your products even easier.

Fill Your Shoes & Bags

If you’re packing any closed-toe shoes or bags in your suitcase, take advantage of the space by filling them! There are a few ways you can do this, but play around with how they’re situated in your bag to see what makes the most sense. For this, I always either fill them with undergarments (socks, underwear, etc.) or items that need a little bit more protection like my camera.

Leave Some Space

If you’re anything like me, you love picking up a souvenir or two and doing shopping while you’re traveling. To help avoid trying to cram everything into your suitcase or additional fees for an overweight bag, always leave some extra space in your suitcase. I know it can be hard, but I promise it’s worth it!