How to Pack a Suitcase to Ensure Everything Still Tidy: Best Travelling Hacks

Traveloka Team
28 Jun 2024 - 5 min read

Packing a suitcase is like playing a Tetris game, as you have to fill every space in the suitcase. It may be the most annoying part of travelling preparation, especially when you are trying to avoid extra baggage fees. Then, how to pack a suitcase more efficiently?

How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Pro

Imagine this! You are arriving at your dream destination, but all the outfits in your luggage are wrinkled. Also, you might leave some clothes because no space is available in your suitcase.

Fortunately, by using the strategies below, you can transform the packing activities into a streamlined process.

7 Packing Techniques

Follow these hacks to ensure the suitcase fits all your essentials without sacrificing accessibility and organization.

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1. The Rolling Technique

How to pack a suitcase with a lot of clothes? Try the rolling methods to save space and minimise wrinkles. This technique is popular among travellers as it can be applied to suitcases and backpacks.

Here is how it works:

1.
First, lay your clothing item flat.
2.
Then, fold in any sleeves to create a rectangular shape.
3.
Roll them tightly to create a compact cylinder shape.
4.
Next, put them in the suitcase and make sure there is no space left.

Pros:

Save more space
Reduce wrinkle
Easy to see all the items in the luggage

Cons:

Not ideal for all fabrics

2. The Folding Technique

If you wonder how to pack a suitcase for a flight, this technique may be the most popular and easiest.

How to do it:

1.
You just need to lay the clothes flat and fold them into squares or rectangles.
2.
Then, stack them neatly in your luggage.
3.
Make sure to place the heavier items like jeans or jackets on the bottom.

This method is easy to do, but it also has some drawbacks.

Pros:

Easy to execute
The luggage looks tidy
The clothes are accessible

Cons:

It takes more space compared to rolling
Easy to wrinkle

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3. Packing Cubes Technique

Packing cubes are essential for travel. These are zippered plastic bags that help you organise items within a suitcase. Packing cubes come in various sizes to accommodate different clothing and accessories.

Then, how to pack a suitcase with packing cubes? First, sort your clothes by type or day when you wear it. Roll each item and place them into the packing cubes. Then, zip the cubes and put them in your suitcase.

Another good thing is you can also vacuum these bags to squeeze out the extra air. So, you can have extra space.

Pros:

You can keep your belongings neat and organised.
Unpacking can be simpler.
Compressed packing cubes offer extra space.

Cons:

Purchasing packing cubes involves upfront expense

4. The Wrapping Technique

Do you want to pack long or luxurious clothing items such as dresses, suits, pants, or coats? It is better to use the wrapping method. This technique can prevent creases and wrinkles on your clothes.

Here is how it works:

1.
Start this packing activity by placing the long dress or coat on the bottom.
2.
Let the ends of the clothes hang over the suitcase.
3.
Then, put other clothes such as shirts, underwear, or other items on the top.
4.
After that, fold the part of the dress on top of other folded items. It will create a compact bundle, and your dress will always be neat.

Pros:

It prevents wrinkles and creases.

Cons:

It creates a thicker layer.
Items in the middle of the bundle are harder to reach.

5. The Bundling Technique

If you have no idea how to pack a suitcase for a week or more, this method can be the best solution. You can separate your clothes by day. So it is easier to unpack.

The bundling method is like the wrapping technique. But the difference is that you pack your clothes by the outfit. For instance, you want to wear a casual outfit on day one. So, you can wrap your underwear and socks with your T-shirt. Then, wrap this bundling with your pants.

To maximise the space, place every bundle of cloth in a packing cube and remove the air.

Pros:

Easy to organise the outfit by day
By minimising folds, the clothes are less likely to crease

Cons:

You need to unpack the bundle when you need the item inside.

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6. Vacuum Packing

If you travel in winter, you need to carry a jacket, coat, and other bulking clothes. To reduce their volumes, you can try vacuum packing or compression methods.

Here’s how to do it:

1.
First, you should prepare vacuum-sealed bags.
2.
Then, place the folded clothing items inside these bags. Use a small hand pump or USB mini vacuum to remove the trapped air.
3.
Once the air is removed, close the valve to maintain the vacuum seal.
4.
Now, the bag is much smaller in size.

Pros:

It is space-saving
The plastic bag protects the clothes from moisture

Cons:

You need to prepare the vacuum-sealed bags and mini vacuum tools.

7. The 5-4-3-2-1 Method

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method? This strategy helps you to simplify your travel wardrobe. It involves packing 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 2 pairs of footwear, and 1 accessories (hat, watch, and sunglasses). You can carry one swimsuit as well.

There are no strict rules about what to carry. You can choose any clothing items you need. So it is easier to mix and match.

Pros:

It ensures a variety of outfits while minimising luggage
You can focus on the essential things for lighter travel.

Cons:

It requires careful selection to accommodate different weather conditions.

What Is the Most Efficient Way to Pack A Suitcase?

Each packing method has its unique benefits and weaknesses. So, you can choose the best strategy based on your travel needs and preferences.

Then, is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase? Rolling the clothes is the best choice if you want to minimise creases and wrinkles. Besides, it is also OK to combine two techniques.

For instance, you can fold and place your clothes in vacuum-sealed packing bags. This way, you can get two benefits: space-saving and moisture protection.

So, which packing method will you choose for your next trip? After reviewing the guide about how to pack a suitcase above, you can practise the packing techniques to maximise the space in your luggage. Make sure you leave some space for souvenirs! Want to go on holiday now? Use the Traveloka App to make your holiday easier. With one App, you can book your flight tickets. There's no need to be afraid to run out of hotel rooms because you can also book your dream hotel room with Traveloka. Not only that, Traveloka also offers unique activities for couples and families, so which location will you choose for this holiday?

In This Article

• How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Pro
• 7 Packing Techniques
• 1. The Rolling Technique
• 2. The Folding Technique
• 3. Packing Cubes Technique
• 4. The Wrapping Technique
• 5. The Bundling Technique
• 6. Vacuum Packing
• 7. The 5-4-3-2-1 Method
• What Is the Most Efficient Way to Pack A Suitcase?

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 20 May 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)
Start from USD 161.10
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Sat, 24 May 2025
AirAsia X
Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)
Start from USD 179.32
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Fri, 16 May 2025
VietJet Air
Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)
Start from USD 229.19
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