How to Pack a Suitcase

Packing a suitcase may sound like a straightforward and simple task. However, if you're like many people, you may have arrived at your destination only to find that you have forgotten a vital item or have packed way more than what you need. To learn how to pack a suitcase for maximum efficiency, refer to the tips provided in this guide.

Packing a suitcase may sound like a straightforward and simple task. However, if you're like many people, you may have arrived at your destination only to find that you have forgotten a vital item or have packed way more than what you need. To learn how to pack a suitcase for maximum efficiency, refer to the tips provided in this guide.

• If you're a seasoned traveler, you likely know that you can save yourself a lot of time and stress by packing everything you will require for your trip in a single carry-on bag. Doing so not only saves you the hassle of having to wait for your checked luggage to be unloaded from the plane, but also reduces the chances that it will get lost. If, however, you are going on a long trip, packing more than one bag is unavoidable. Regardless of the length of your trip or your method of travel, this guide will provide tips on how to efficiently pack the items you will need in your suitcase.

• Although some people may simply throw everything they think they will need for their trip into their bag at the last minute, packing this way can not only increase the chances that you will forget some of the items you will need, it can also result in wrinkles and an unorganized suitcase. Set aside some time at least one day before you are scheduled to leave to pack. This way, you'll not only be able to get yourself organized, but will also have time to throw in some last minute items if you realize that you have forgotten something.

• When you are ready to pack, begin by laying out everything you think you might need on your bed.

1. Think of how many days you are going to be away
2. Think realistically about what you will absolutely need
3. Plan out your day and night outfits
4. Choose clothes in colors and styles that you can easily mix and match.

• Once you have determined what you will need, put back anything that you planned to pack and then realized you are unlikely to wear or use.

• Some things you may want to consider include:

1. If you will be staying in a hotel, keep in mind that you will likely be provided with shampoo, soap, towels, robes and a hairdryer, so you don't have to bring these items with you
2. If you will be heading to the beach or doing any swimming, remember to pack your bathing suit
3. Don't forget your camera and cell phone charger!

• To maximize space and reduce the chances that your clothes will get wrinkled, use the following tips when packing:

1. Place any shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. If possible, place socks, underwear and any other smaller items inside your shoes
2. Place any toiletries or liquid items inside plastic bags. Then, place the items at the bottom of your suitcase, so that they will be at the bottom when your suitcase stands on its end
3. Place any belts around the outside perimeter of your suitcase
4. If you are packing any T-shirts, jeans, or other items that you don't mind getting a little wrinkled, roll them into tight cylinders to help save space and place them along the bottom and sides of your suitcase
5. If you are bringing dress shirts, try to keep the top part unfolded and only fold the bottom half—you will be tucking this part into your pants, so it doesn't matter if it gets a little wrinkled
6. Place your pants along the length of the suitcase, allowing the upper and lower portions to hang over the edges. Then, place dress shirts, skirts and other items that should possibly wrinkle neatly on top of the pants. Fold the top and bottom portion over the pants over the other clothes to create a neat, clothing "packet." This reduces the chances that clothing will move around, thus minimizing wrinkles
7. If you are traveling for an extended period of time and have to pack a lot of clothes, try to pack the items you are less likely to use first, at the bottom of the suitcase. This will reduce the amount of rummaging and repacking you have to do
8. After you have nearly everything packed, look for empty spots where you can stuff in any remaining socks, underwear and other small items

• Packing a suitcase, like virtually any other task, becomes easier with some planning and organizing. Use the tips provided above to maximize the available space in your suitcase and help reduce the chances that your more delicate clothing items become wrinkled and unwearable.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Get a Tent
• Step 2: Organize, then Minimize
• Step 3: The Packing Process
• Conclusion