How to pack your suitcase to maximize space is an essential skill to have in this day and age. With airlines increasing the rate of checked bag fees (higher than we have seen in the past 15 years), we now need to make sure that every single thing we put in our suitcase is absolutely needed for that trip, or that it is packed in a way that maximizes space. I have been traveling as a remote worker for the past 10+ years, and after having visited 28+ countries in this beautiful world, I have learned some key strategies that I want to share with you in this article. Whether you are looking to learn to pack smart for your first international trip or revisit your packing strategies for your upcoming trip, this article will provide you with key tips and strategies to learn how to pack your suitcase to maximize space.

But first…

Why you need to pack your suitcase to maximize space for future trips?

Because it’s always a good idea! But even moreso, right now, the rates of checking in bags have increased, and learning good strategies to maximize the space in your suitcase when packing could help you avoid an additional checked-in bag. Moreover, packing your suitcase to maximize space has other benefits that make the entire travel experience a lot more enjoyable.

It makes it easy to carry your bags: A well-packed suitcase is easier to maneuver through airports, train stations, and other travel hubs. It also reduces the strain on your body and ensures a more comfortable journey.

It makes it easy to keep your suitcase organized: When your suitcase is organized, it’s a lot easier to locate and access items without having to waste too much time and feel frustrated, especially on days when you need to be on the go with your travel adventures.

It can help you avoid overweight baggage fees: we know that airlines charge fees for exceeding weight or size limits. So, when you pack your suitcase to maximize space, you can actually  stay within these limits and avoid unnecessary expenses.

It makes you more flexible during your trip: Having a well-organized suitcase provides you with more flexibility during your trip. For example, you can pack for various activities without feeling weighed down by excess baggage. You can also pick up additional items such as essential souvenirs, without worrying about having an overweight suitcase when you return.

Now that you know why (beyond avoiding the excess baggage fees) you need to learn how to pack your suitcase to maximize space, let’s look at essential packing strategies that you can try for your next trip to make this happen.

Essential Packing Strategies to Pack your Suitcase to Maximize Space

1. Start with a Packing List

Before you even begin packing, it’s important to know what you are packing, and make sure everything you are packing is needed (or potentially needed). That’s why it is critical to have a comprehensive packing list that covers all the possible areas of your trip. I have created complete packing lists that will make your next trip easy and worry-free, when it comes to packing! They include packing lists for family travel, for couples travel, or if you are going on your own, for solo travel. In my packing lists, you also get to categorize items based on their type and priority, based on the destination where you are going, and even based on the travel season! These are easily the most comprehensive travel packing lists you will get out there, and you can grab your packing list here!

2. Choose the Right Suitcase

Once you have your packing list, the next step is selecting the right suitcase. This is very important when it comes to packing your suitcase to maximize space. Some suitcases allow you to have more space inside than others, and some have expandable compartments and added pockets to help you maximize the space within your suitcase. When picking your suitcase, you need to consider factors like size, weight, and the number of compartments for sure. To make it easier for you, you can also check out my comprehensive guide of how to pick the right suitcase for your trip.

3. Rolling vs Folding your items to maximize space

A lot of people recommend rolling items vs folding them, and I do have a different approach to this. Whilst rolling items tends to provide you with more space, it also runs the risk of having your clothes wrinkled when you arrive. Personally, I prefer having my clothes ready to wear when I arrive at my destination. I also love the idea of looking at an organized and visually pleasant suitcase when/if it is opened at the customs. So, I recommend rolling items that are less likely to form wrinkles, and folding the others. Another strategy that I actually use consistently when I pack is the layering technique. With this technique, I place heavier and bulkier items at the bottom of the suitcase, and layer lighter and more delicate items on top to prevent crushing. This definitely helps me pack my suitcase to maximize space, and keeps the items neat and tidy for when I arrive.

4. Maximize the space in your Shoes when Packing

Use the space inside your shoes for smaller items like socks or accessories. Additionally, you can place the shoes along the edges of the suitcase to maximize the space in your suitcase. For shoes with heels, I like to wrap them within a piece of clothing and tuck them at the base of my suitcase. And of course, always clean your shoes before packing them in!.

5. Packing Toiletries in Travel-Size Containers:

One of my favorite tools to pack my suitcase to maximize space has been travel-size containers. This is where I put my soaps, lotions, creams, or anything else that I need for daily care. These are also particularly helpful especially if you don’t want to buy travel size products: just put your regular products from home into travel-size containers, and you’re good to go! Here are the travel-size containers I use for my trips. I like them because they are simple, stylish and comply with airline regulations.

When using travel-size containers: make sure you keep them in sealable bags to prevent leaks and spills. Fortunately, the ones that I use and recommend come with a clear container pouch where they fit easily after you have filled them, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or spills.

How to Pack your suitcase to Maximize Space: Pack Dual-Purpose Items:

The choice of your wardrobe plays a big role in how you pack your suitcase to maximize space. As a “new” minimalist (but in style), I now opt for pieces of clothing and items that can serve multiple purposes. This could be a white top or blouse that I could wear with multiple pants or skirts, or a scarf that can help accessorize different outfits. But this can only be achieved when you decide to be intentional and start to shop for strategic pieces. The online fashion store Ngaska is my go to place for long lasting, stylish pieces that I use to travel the world.

How to Pack Documents and Electronics in Your Suitcase:

When it comes to documents, I always keep my essential documents in my carry-on and personal items: this is a non-negotiable! Documents that I would pack in my suitcase would include bigger documents (like work/study books). Additionally, my essential electronics also go in my carry-on. Tips to keep your electronics organized include wrapping the charger cords and securing them with a rubber band, or using a specific pouch or pockets in your carry-on for your charging cables.

Other items that seem to help to pack suitcase to maximize space:

Using Packing Cubes to Maximize Space in Your Suitcase

Though a lot of people out there are advocates for packing cubes, I personally have never used them. They seem to be effective in maximizing space through compartmentalization. With packing cubes, you can group similar items together, and pack and repack your bags easily. You could also pick between compression cubes and non-compression packing cubes. However, I have personally never tried them because all the techniques I have used have worked well for me, and also because I have seen and heard mixed reviews from people. However, if you decide to try them out, leave a comment under this post or drop me a message on Instagram or Facebook to let me know how it worked for you!

Using Compression bags to Maximize Space in Your Suitcase

Compression bags seem to be useful in removing excess air, reducing the overall volume of your clothing. I have seen travelers use them for bulkier items like jackets or sweaters. I have personally not yet used them (at the time of writing this article). For my bulkier items (like parkas when I travel during the winter), I just wear them on me. If you end up trying them out, let me know how it goes!

How to pack your suitcase to maximize space is definitely a skill that is needed by every traveler and vacationer in this day and age. Even if you are not a master (or pro) at packing bags to travel, I hope this guide provides you with the strategies and guidance you need to level up your packing game and pack your bags better. TO get started with better packing, check out my amazing packing lists here. They will make packing your suitcases for your next trip a breeze!