Top Packing Tips from Travel Editors

The SmarterTravel team logs a lot of miles each year, and we’ve become experts when it comes to packing. From weekend getaways to long international trips, our seasoned writers have encountered and overcome a wide range of packing challenges, developing excellent strategies along the way.

The tips we’ve gathered can help you streamline your packing process, maximize your luggage space, and ensure you’re well-prepared for any trip. We’re excited to share our favorite packing tips, each based on real-life travel experiences and lessons learned on the road. These insights will help you pack smarter and travel lighter.

Use packing cubes (in the right situation)

I always use packing cubes if I'm traveling with a duffel bag or backpack as my main carry-on. Otherwise, I end up getting frustrated digging around trying to find the item I need that inevitably ends up at the bottom. My favorite packing cubes are Eagle Creek Pack-Itsthat compress your clothes so you can fit even more in.

Depending on what works for my trip, I organize my packing cubes in two ways:

1. Daytime: Each cube contains a complete outfit for a specific day.
2. By category: Separate cubes for pants, tops and other types of clothing.

I label each cube with a piece of tape with a written description of what's inside. This allows me to quickly see what's inside without opening them.

However, I never use packing cubes if I'm traveling with a rolling suitcase. In that case, I prefer to roll my clothes to keep them wrinkle-free (and to fit more in my bag).

Keep a travel bag

Packing is the hardest part of preparing for a trip. To save time, I keep two small bags ready to go at a moment's notice. One is my toiletry bag, which I refill after each trip. The second is my travel bag, a small pouch that I keep stocked with everything I'll need on the plane (earbuds, hand sanitizer, a charging cable, lip balm, and tissues).

When it's time to hit the road again, I feel like my bags are already half packed.

Combine rolling and folding

When it comes to the rolling suitcase vs. folding suitcase debate, I fall somewhere in the middle. The best way to pack a suitcase is to combine both strategies.

I fold thicker, heavier items like sweaters and jeans and lay them flat at the bottom of the suitcase. Lighter items like t-shirts and tank tops are rolled up and layered on top.

Finally, I stuff small miscellaneous items like socks, underwear, and swimsuits into the empty spaces in between (bonus tip: if you're packing a pair of shoes, put your socks inside to save space).

Using a Packing Planner

Creating a packing list based on your plans for each day of your trip can help you avoid overpacking. All of our editors swear by it SmarterTravel Packing Plannera free downloadable PDF that lets you input the weather forecast and your planned daily activities to help you decide what outfits and shoes you'll need.

Breaking down each day is helpful in eliminating the urge to throw away unnecessary clothes “just in case.”