Skip to main content

10 must-know packing tips to help you travel smarter and lighter

These pointers will help you leave packing mistakes in the past

Man carrying luggage in both hands
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) / Unsplash

Packing is one of those travel chores we all have to deal with, no matter how unpleasant it can be. ​​Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of packing mishaps, from overstuffing a suitcase to forgetting essentials like a toothbrush (lesson learned!). These packing tips come from experience and will help you pack smart, no matter where you’re headed.

1. Always start with a packing list

black packing list next to laptop
Markus Winkler / Pexels

If you’re the type to wing it and just toss things into your bag, it may be time to try something new. A packing list is a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling a million pre-travel to-dos. Jot down everything you’ll need: clothes, shoes, toiletries, chargers, and any must-have items specific to your trip.

Recommended Videos

The beauty of a list is that it keeps you focused. Instead of second-guessing if you packed your phone charger or enough socks, you can check it all off and relax.

2. Roll your clothes instead of folding them

open suitcase with rolled clothes inside
Kindel Media / Pexels

If you haven’t tried rolling your clothes, you’re missing out. Rolling saves space and helps keep your clothes wrinkle-free – a win-win. It’s perfect for T-shirts, pants, and lightweight jackets.

For bulkier items, like sweaters or jeans, fold them and place them flat on top of your rolled clothes. Need even more room? Stuff smaller items, like underwear and socks, into shoes or corners of your bag.

3. Pack clothes you can mix and match

a man packing clothes in his luggage
Vlada Karpovich / Pexels

One of the best packing tips for travelers is choosing versatile pieces that work together. Think neutral tops and bottoms that you can mix and match, plus a couple of statement pieces if you’re planning a nice dinner or event.

REI recommends bringing one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (including short sleeves, long sleeves, or outer layers), five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. This combination should cover you for a two-week trip.

Layers are key, too. A lightweight jacket or scarf can keep you warm without taking up much space. And don’t forget comfortable shoes that go with everything!

4. Invest in packing cubes

Cube meshed bags with rolled clothes
sasimoto / Shutterstock

Using packing cubes might seem like overkill, but once you use them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. These little organizers make it easy to group your clothes, shirts in one, bottoms in another, and so on.

When you get to your destination, unpacking is easy. Rather than digging through your whole suitcase, you can simply pull out the cube you need. They also help compress your clothes which gives you a little extra room to work with.

5. Don’t forget a laundry bag

dirty laundry in a blue basket
Annie Spratt / Unsplash

This one’s so simple, but so effective. A designated laundry bag (or even a large plastic bag) keeps your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones.

If you’re traveling for more than a few days, having a place to stash dirty clothes helps keep your suitcase organized and your clean items fresh; it makes a big difference!

6. Be smart about shoes

line up of sneakers on rack
Hermes Rivera/Unsplash / Unsplash

Shoes are one of the bulkiest things in your bag, so pack them wisely. The sweet spot is usually three pairs:

  • Comfortable walking shoes for the day.
  • A dressier option for evenings or special occasions.
  • Casual sandals or sneakers, depending on your destination.

7. Keep toiletries to a minimum

man packing personal case essentials in a bag
Supply / Unsplash

It’s easy to overdo it on toiletries, but unless you’re heading to the middle of nowhere, you can skip bringing your entire bathroom cabinet. Stick to travel-sized versions of the essentials: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Want to save even more space? Try solid alternatives like shampoo bars or multi-purpose products. And always, always pack your toiletries in a leak-proof bag because no one wants to deal with a shampoo explosion mid-trip.

8. Always pack essentials in your carry-on

someone carrying a duffel bag and someone carrying a backpack next to each other
Diana / Pexels

If you’re flying, your carry-on is your best friend. Use it to stash anything you can’t afford to lose, like your passport, medication, and electronics.

It’s also smart to include a change of clothes and basic toiletries in case your checked luggage gets delayed. Pack snacks, headphones, a book, and anything else you need to stay comfortable during the journey.

9. Plan to do laundry if you’re going on a longer trip

Man loading washing machine
Antonio Arcos / Getty Images

When you’re traveling for more than a week, one of the best packing tips for packing light is planning for laundry. Instead of cramming your suitcase with enough outfits for 14 days, pack for 7 and plan to wash your clothes midway through.

Many hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels have laundry facilities, or you can bring a small pack of travel detergent for quick sink washes. 

10. Double-check weight limits and luggage rules

Airport
geralt / Pixabay

Before you head to the airport, take a minute to weigh your bags and check your airline’s luggage policies. Overweight fees are no joke, and different airlines have different rules for carry-on sizes and checked bags. A quick check now can save you time (and money) later.

Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Flying with your golf gear? Here’s how to pack golf clubs for a flight
This is how to get your golf clubs to your destination in one piece
Golf clubs in a golf bag on a golf course.

Packing for a golf trip? Before you can tee off, you’ll face a unique challenge – getting your golf clubs to your destination in one piece. After doing the research, I can safely say that packing your golf clubs for a flight requires a bit of planning to ensure they survive the journey intact. But the time and effort are worth it (the last thing you want is to find out your driver didn’t survive baggage handling). So don’t worry – I’m here to help! Here’s a guide on how to pack golf clubs for a flight.
Tips to keep your golf clubs safe during air travel

Follow these steps to keep your golf gear safe no matter how much it gets tossed around.
Invest in a quality golf travel bag
First things first, you need a travel bag that’s up to the task. There are two main types of travel golf bags to choose from: soft-shell and hard-shell travel bags. Here’s what you should consider when making your choice:

Read more
Here’s what to wear on a plane (with the help of travel experts)
Insights on what to avoid when picking a travel outfit
Person rolling luggage through the airport

From the days of flying in your Sunday best to wearing those velour tracksuits, plane attire has changed a lot over the years. Picking out what to wear these days could mean wearing your pajamas or choosing your favorite outfit to go out in right when you land.

But there are some definite don'ts when it comes to your wardrobe for the flight, no matter what. I’ll never forget when I decided to wear brand-new, tight jeans to the airport without thinking twice. Big mistake. Halfway through my flight, I was shifting in my seat and counting down the hours until I could peel them off.

Read more
How to pack shoes in a suitcase (without sacrificing space)
This is how to make packing your shoes a piece of cake
Shoes sitting on top of a suitcase

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to pack shoes in a suitcase, you aren’t alone. Figuring out how to pack shoes has always been one of those little travel dilemmas for me. The struggle of figuring out how to fit them all in without wasting precious space or ending up with dirty soles touching your clothes can feel like a puzzle and not the fun kind. I’ve made my share of packing mistakes (who hasn't over-packed shoes at least once?), but over the years, I’ve learned some easy tricks that make shoe-packing easier. Here are some tips to help you pack your shoes smarter.
Choose the right shoes for your trip

Before we get into the packing tips, let’s talk about what you’re packing. Overpacking shoes is a common mistake (one I’ve made a few times). Ideally, you should limit yourself to 2–3 pairs, depending on the length and type of trip.

Read more