Hi Lykkers! Are you getting ready for a trip but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing?

Don't worry — we've all been there! Figuring out how to fit everything we need into a single suitcase can feel like solving a puzzle.

But with a few clever tricks, we can pack smarter, stay organized, and make our travel experience a whole lot smoother. In this article, let's walk through how we can properly organize our travel items in a suitcase, step by step.

Start with a Packing List

Before we even unzip our suitcase, it's super helpful to make a packing list. This doesn't have to be anything fancy — just jotting down essentials like clothes, toiletries, chargers, and documents helps make sure we don't forget anything. Think about the weather, activities, and length of the trip. This way, we're packing based on real needs instead of just throwing in random things “just in case.”

Choose the Right Suitcase

Size matters — especially when it comes to travel. We want a suitcase that's just big enough to fit everything, but not so large that it becomes bulky and heavy. For shorter trips, a carry-on is usually enough. For longer getaways, we might need a medium-sized suitcase. Try to go for one with separate compartments, compression straps, and smooth-rolling wheels — they make a big difference.

Use Packing Cubes to Stay Organized

Packing cubes are a total game-changer. These zippered fabric bags help separate clothes by category — like tops, bottoms, sleepwear, and underwear — so we're not digging around the suitcase every time we need something. They also help compress clothes, which creates more space. If we don't have packing cubes, even simple ziplock bags or drawstring bags can work just as well.

Roll Your Clothes, Don't Fold

Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and helps reduce wrinkles. We can roll up t-shirts, pants, dresses, and even pajamas. For bulkier items like sweaters or jackets, it's better to fold them once and place them at the bottom of the suitcase. We can also tuck small items like socks or scarves into shoes to save space and keep their shape.

Put Heavy Items at the Bottom

To keep our suitcase balanced and easy to roll, we should always put heavy items (like shoes, hairdryers, or toiletry bags) near the wheels or at the bottom of the suitcase. This way, when we stand it upright, the weight is distributed evenly and doesn't tip over. Lighter and more delicate things like shirts or dresses can go on top.

Use Every Little Corner

The corners and gaps in a suitcase are perfect for small items. We can slide belts around the edges, tuck socks inside shoes, or fill in gaps with swimwear or lightweight tops. Using these little pockets of space helps us fit more in without creating a mess.

Keep Essentials Accessible

Always keep items we might need during the journey — like passports, boarding passes, chargers, hand sanitizer, tissues, or a small jacket — in a separate pouch or the outer pocket of the suitcase. If we're flying, these things should be in a carry-on backpack or handbag, so we don't have to dig through our main luggage in a rush.

Seal Liquids Properly

To avoid spills, it's a good habit to place any liquid items like shampoo, lotion, or toothpaste in a waterproof zip bag. Even if the bottles are sealed, cabin pressure or rough handling can sometimes cause leaks. Trust us — no one wants to open their suitcase to find shampoo all over their clothes.

Leave a Bit of Extra Space

When packing, it's smart to leave a little room in case we pick up souvenirs or snacks during the trip. If our suitcase is packed to the brim, we'll struggle to close it later. Folding a collapsible tote bag or backpack and packing it flat can also be handy for bringing back extra items.

Use the “Wearing Rule”

This one's simple but golden: wear your bulkiest items during the trip — like jackets, sneakers, or sweaters — instead of packing them. This saves a surprising amount of space and keeps us more comfortable when the plane or train gets chilly.

Final Thoughts

Packing doesn't have to be a stressful task, Lykkers. With a little planning, smart organizing, and a few clever tricks, we can make every trip smoother from the moment we zip up our suitcase. It's all about knowing what we need, using space wisely, and keeping things easy to find.

So tell us, what's your go-to packing trick? Do you roll, fold, or stuff? Share your tips with us — we'd love to learn from you too. Let's all become packing pros together!