How to Maximize Space in your Stuffed Suitcase

Packing is always a pain - unless you’re a super neat freak. However, If you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself having to sit on your suitcase just to get it to close. Have you ever wondered how everyone else does it? How they are able to perfectly fit everything into their suitcase without cramming, shoving and occasionally shouting abuse at an inanimate object? Well, after years of failing miserably, i’ve finally mastered the art of packing, and i’m going to share my secrets with you.

This is how to pack the perfect suitcase in 5 easy steps:

1. Plan Ahead

Plan, plan, plan - I can’t say it enough! Firstly, decide on what you actually need, and don’t attempt to pack everything that you own - I know the temptation is strong, but you won’t need it all. Think about how long you will be going for and the things that you will be doing. This will help you to decide how many outfits you will need, and the kinds of clothes that you should take. If you’re going to a warm destination, you don’t want to be filling your suitcase with jeans and jumpers!

2. Be Ruthless

Once you have planned your outfits, sort through the items and get rid of anything that you know you won’t wear. I mean it, be brutal! But don’t forget to include necessities like clean socks and underwear.

3. Roll Vs. Fold

Ahh, the age old question - rolling or folding? Well, from my experience rolling your clothing is the best way to maximise space in your suitcase. If you prefer, you can fold them but this only increases the amount of wrinkles that you will have in your clothes, and let’s face it, you don’t want to be ironing while you’re on holiday! Try and roll your socks into your shoes along with any undergarments. This will form the foundation of the suitcase.

4. Pack Smart

Once you have done this, search for thicker items of clothing, for example denim shorts. Roll these up as tight as you can and add these into the suitcase. This is also a good time to put in anything fragile such as perfumes or your camera. You can even roll these up inside clothes or towels for extra protection. Make sure that you keep these in the middle so they’ll be cushioned by clothes.

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In addition, think ahead, are you staying in accommodation that provides facilities you need? Check online or make a phone call to check if your accommodation supplies hair dryers and towels to guests - if so, take these out of your suitcase and take advantage!

5. Fill The Gaps

Next roll up lighter clothes like tops and shirts, and fill the gaps within the suitcase.

Add things like belts and jewellery around the corners of the suitcase, and then add your toiletry bag on top *essentials only* - remember that most accommodation provides things like shampoo and conditioner, so you can ditch that 500ml bottle of Herbal Essences that you were planning to take! Try and buy travel-sized items, or buy travel sets and pour your liquids into clear 100ml pots.

Now close the suitcase and you are done! Yes, it’s that easy. The main problem that we have is taking too much, and as long as you have a few emergency outfits, you’re good to go. Remember that they will have shops wherever you are going, so if you do forget something, you can always pick them up there. Don’t overpack, it will be a nightmare trying to get everything in.

One more thing - You don’t need to take your iPad or laptop with you on holiday! Take the necessities and just enjoy yourself! For your return, you can throw in your clothes and slam your suitcase shut. You’re only going to be coming home anyway!

About the author:

This article has been written by Danielle Bagworth, an avid writer on the topics of fashion, lifestyle and travel. She recommends a David & Goliath suitcase for a stylish way to travel!