How to Pack a Small Suitcase More Efficiently

Even though some people don’t put that much thought into packing before travelling, many of them do think of this. In fact, most of them get panic-packing attacks, especially when having to pack in a small luggage, and the most interesting thing is that this type of anxiety is completely different from pre-travel anxiety.

Getting panic-packing attacks is closely related to being successful in an organisation and packing only the most essential things. Women, especially, are known for overpacking and carrying things just in case, so travelling with a small travel suitcase seems a bit of a problem. But even though challenging, packing in cabin suitcases isn’t that difficult if you know how to do it.

How to Pack More Efficiently?

Consider Your Suitcase Size

Whether packing for a short trip or booking a ticket only with carry-on, cabin suitcases offer convenience, ease of use and peace of mind. Being smaller means that they are easier to carry and move around. While they seem quite small, the truth is that these luggage options are big enough to help you carry all of the needed essentials without worrying about their weight or how much space they would take up.

But before packing, the first thing you should have in mind is to consider the desired model’s size and see how much available space you have in it. Size it up with your eyes, as that way you can know approximately how many things you can pack in it. Check in with the measurements when buying, so you have more of an idea, and preferably look for one with compartments if organisational skills aren’t your strong side.

Narrow Down Your Essentials

Making a list is the key to staying organised every time. Making a list of the most essential things you need will help you take only the necessary things and reduce the need to overpack. Limit yourself to taking only one or two pairs of bottoms (whether pants, jeans or skirts) and a top for every day.

Depending on your preference and weather conditions, you can also carry dresses, which seem more space-savvy than carrying tops and bottoms separately. Plan on taking underwear for each day, hygienic and cosmetic products packed in travel-size bottles/containers, makeup, a charger and pyjamas. These things are just the bare minimum you need to have a comfortable trip without compromising on anything.

Fold Your Clothes More Efficiently to Save Space

Once you have picked the things you plan to carry with you, now it’s time to learn a trick or two about folding clothes and saving up space in small suitcases. Experienced travellers take pride in the rolling instead of folding clothes trick. They say that rolling clothes instead of folding saves up significantly more space in your luggage, which you can use for taking a few more essentials that might aid you, like a curling iron or hair dryer, for instance. According to experts, folding clothes takes up more surface area, and the need to stack clothes turns out to take up more height space as well. Rolling clothes, on the other hand, seem great for filling even the tiniest space in your suitcase.

Arrange Them Properly

In order to reduce wrinkles, but more importantly, to prevent the suitcase from tipping over, adding the heavier items to the bottom of the suitcase is always a better idea. When placed at the bottom, coats, jackets, jeans, and some other heavier clothes will create the perfect balance because of their weight, which is why adding lighter clothes like shirts, t-shirts and skirts over them is better.

Pack Your Smaller Essentials in the Front Suitcase Pocket

Those of you who have a soft shell (fabric) suitcase would probably love the idea of having their socks, jewellery, charger and cosmetics in hand. In those times when travelling longer distances or when just wanting to freshen up, having them in hand means the world. For ease of organisation, make sure to pack them in packing cube bags, as they seem quite convenient and easy to use. These cubes are perfect for keeping them all together yet separate, thanks to their separate zipper compartments, making them the best small bag invention so far.

Packing Shoes

If planning to wear more than one pair of shoes, then you should calculate things wisely. Have a look at the outfits you plan to wear and take an extra pair of shoes that will go with your outfits. That way, you won’t only avoid overpacking, but you will also reduce the weight you carry in your bag. The weight is of vital importance when travelling by air, so make sure to follow the rules and pack only the most essential things.

Pack Electronics Last

Packing your electronics last (tablet or laptop) is a good idea so that you will always have them with hand. This can come in handy, especially in times when going through security screening at airports, when taking them off for a checkup might be needed. By being packed last, you will have easy access to them whenever needed. And lastly, be sure to keep their cables in the packing cube bag for better organisation.