Packing Your Suitcase - 9 Easy Steps

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or you're about to travel on your well-deserved trip to Europe or a tropical island - you'll need to pack a suitcase or at least carry-on luggage.

We share with you how to pack light and how to pack the right way with these nine easy steps! Follow these fun tips and save time, save space and pack your clothing, accessories and other items efficiently ad securely. Before you know it, you'll be basking in the fresh ocean breeze and making memories in no time.  

1 | LAY OUT YOUR GARMENTS AND TOILETRIES

First, write out a checklist for what you'll need for your trip. Then lay out all your garments, electronics, toiletries and miscellaneous items to give you a visual scope of all the items you are (potentially) taking with you on your trip. It helps you to see everything and not forget anything. 

The quickest way to do this is to lay out all of your clothing, passport (if travelling overseas), electronics, medications, jewellery and all other items on your bed, the bedroom floor, the lounge or the kitchen table (whichever works for you). Sort them out in separate piles of tops, pants, shirts, shorts, dresses, suits, shoes, accessories, toiletries and so on.

Then remove at least three-to-five items you think you may need or 'just in case I need it' items so you don’t overpack, or worse, you're bags are overweight at check-in. If you do need an item, you can always buy it at your destination.

PRO TIP | Pack exactly what you need - no more, no less and take inventory of the remaining items.

2 | PLACE LARGE OR HEAVY CLOTHING AT THE BASE OF YOUR SUITCASE

Place heavy or large items at the base of the suitcase (the end with the wheels) including your bulky jackets, hairdryer, handbags, and shoes, These items are best placed above the wheels because it creates a more solid base and better support for your belongings when in transit, and they're easier to find when required.

3 | TO ROLL OR TO FOLD?

To roll or fold? This is the question! Using a bit of each packing technique is the most efficient way to pack your suitcase. ROLL softer garments (underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton garments, and knitwear). FOLD stiffer garments like jackets, blazers, dressy pants and skirts should be carefully folded or laid flat.

If you need more space in your suitcase, then roll your clothes. Make sure that the item is as flat as possible before you roll and that you do not roll in any wrinkles.

If you have space in your suitcase or overnight bag, it is better to fold your clothes. To minimise wrinkles, fold your clothing along the garment's natural seam line.

PRO TIP | If you enjoy being organised (and want to save on ironing time), add acid-free tissue paper, or a cotton shirt between your garments' to prevent wrinkles.

Both techniques work. To pack for your destination, learn what best suits your needs and your luggage as you may find yourself altering between rolling and folding your items to maximize space and minimise wrinkles. 

4 | PACK LIGHTWEIGHT LAYERS

Packing different layers of clothing will work well for both hot and cold weather destinations. You can add more layers if it’s too cold and remove others if it gets too overheated. Remember to pick bulkier items to wear on the plane or in the car, so they don’t take up precious space or weight in your luggage (because the last thing you want is an excess luggage fee). 

PRO TIP | Pack track pants that can double-up as pyjamas to save space. A sarong can double as a wrap.  

5 | PACK YOUR CLOTHING AND DELICATES SEPARATELY 

Segment your suitcase by packing your clothing, delicates, lingerie, underwear and socks separately in breathable, lightweight cotton packing cells. These fun bags keep your belongings clean, fresh and protected from the other items in your luggage.

Avoid using plastic bags, non-woven, mesh, nylon, drawstring bags and packing cubes for your delicates and underwear. They can become odorous and a breeding ground for bacteria, and for dust and dirt particles to settle into your underwear and your other packed items. 

When travelling, be sure to keep your delicates and underwear in a fully enclosed and zippered cotton bag. The bonus in this is that cotton breathes, it allows fresh air to flow through your suitcase and belongings, as cotton is a more hygienic, eco-friendly alternative than fabric packing cells and packing cubes. 

Delicates Wash Bags are also a great way to sort and keep your clean underwear from your dirty underwear and clothes when travelling. Whether you're handwashing during your travels, using a laundry mat or hotel service, use quality wash bags to keep your items clean and minimise lost articles.

Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Packing Cells and Delicates Wash Bags are available in a range of colours and packs to suit your travel needs.  

6 | FRAGILE AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Place fragile and personal care items in a padded fabric or cotton bag, preferably fully zipped, to prevent any breakage and leakage. They are best kept in the centre of your luggage, so they’re buffered by all of your surrounding clothes.   

Remember to opt for travel-size deodorants, creams, toothpaste etc. if you’re flying. Any liquids or gels have to be packed into travel-sized containers and stored within a clear plastic bag in your checked luggage. Visit http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en for more information on carry-on luggage. 

7 | MAKE GOOD USE OF NOOKS AND CRANNIES

Nooks and crannies include the space between your clothes, the internal pockets, side pockets and zipped sections of your suitcase. These hidey-hole spaces are a blessing and are awesome for small items including your belts, socks, scarves, swimsuits, kids items, charging cords and more. 

 

If you are travelling to an event, a wedding or just for fun and need to take your jewellery, then a secure Travel jewellery box (with lock) or a sealed pouch is best. They're a great alternative to mindlessly placing your jewellery pieces in a plastic bag, and they'll keep your treasured jewellery safe and in one piece during your travels. They also fit into the nooks and crannies as they're compact and yet necessary for transporting your jewellery. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 | TOP LAYER

Pack the clothes you'll need first at the top of your suitcase. Think ahead, and think about a change in clothes when you land, or if you may need a jacket or scarf because it's colder than you expected at your destination. Placing what you need at the top will make it easy to find and wear it, and you'll be well-prepared for the fun day of travels ahead.

The top layer is also reserved for your finer garments, including suits, dresses, linen, silk, jackets and coats. These finer garments should always be covered in a garment bag for added protection during transit. 

If you have an event or are a bride (or in the bridal party) and heading to your destination wedding with your dress or suit then the top layer of your suitcase is where you would pack your garments if you can't carry them on board with you. 

9 | LEAVE ROOM FOR SOUVENIRS

Souvenirs! We love them. They remind us of our travels, where we were at the time and the memories made and shared. You all know as well as I do that you will be bringing home souvenirs or trinkets from your travels for your yourself and your family and friends. If you had packed lightly from the start (refer to Point 1) you’ll have no problems allocating space for these mementos in your suitcase. 

Keep in mind to place any breakables such as perfumes, fragile pieces or souvenirs in the middle of the suitcase for extra support and padding from the clothes surrounding it.

Your suitcase is now sorted. Packing is complete. Well done! Now you’re set for that fabulous holiday you so deserve! Take lots of photos, make memories and enjoy EVERY moment, and continue to protect your favourite things with Kazzi Kovers.

Thanks for reading.  

Remember if you ‘Love it, Cover it!®.’  with Kazzi Kovers.

Updated | 17th November 2023.

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Author and Founder | Maria Kazzi

Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, blogs, tips and updates. 

 

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