How to Pack a Suitcase For Travelling & FAQs

Packing a suitcase may seem simple, but doing it efficiently can make all the difference in how smoothly your journey unfolds. Whether you're heading on a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, knowing what to pack, what to leave behind, and how to organise your suitcase can enhance your travel experience.

In this article, we’re sharing our tips and tricks for how to pack a suitcase for travel and answers to commonly asked questions.

Effective packing isn’t just about fitting everything in—it’s about travelling safely and smartly. A well-packed bag can make your trip more enjoyable, stress-free, and efficient. Here’s why getting it right is essential:

• Safe and Secure Travel: The last thing you want is for your delicate accessories to break or toiletries to spill while in transit. Packing with safety measures in mind will ensure your belongings make it to your destination safely and completely intact.
• Maximised Space: Smart packing techniques allow you to fit more in your luggage while keeping it organised. This ensures you can carry everything you need without overpacking.
• Separation of Clean and Dirty Clothes: Using separate compartments, like packing cubes or extra fold-up bags keeps clean outfits fresh and prevents cross-contamination, especially on longer trips when you can’t access a laundromat.
• Easy Accessibility: Packing in a structured way helps you quickly locate essential items without rummaging through your entire suitcase, saving time and frustration when you’re low on time.

A well-packed suitcase makes unpacking easier and ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips.

1. Use Packing Cubes: These are a game-changer for keeping clothes organised and compact, making it easy to find what you need. Use the large packing cube for bigger and bulkier items, while smaller cubes can house items like socks, t-shirts and even dirty laundry.

2. Bring Extra Fold-Up Bags: A small, foldable bag is great for storing dirty laundry or last-minute purchases. Plus, they fold up to practically nothing and can sit at the bottom of your cabin bag or backpack to save space.

3. Pack Heavy Items First: Place shoes and heavier belongings at the bottom of your suitcase to create a stable base. You can use an old pillowcase or shoe bag to protect your clothes from any unwanted smells.

4. Keep Valuables in Your Carry-On: Items like passports, electronics, and jewellery should always stay with you, especially on flights and train journeys where checked luggage can be misplaced.

5. Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and minimises wrinkles. Use the inside of shoes for small items like socks and chargers.

Don’t forget that sometimes when it comes to packing a suitcase, less is more, and there’s a chance you’ll be able to purchase additional items once you get to your destination.

If you’re travelling for the first time and not sure which accessories could help you pack efficiently, discover our Accessory Set of 3 or 5 Packs, which each come with the most important accessories to make travelling and packing super easy.

When flying, there are strict rules on what can be packed in cabin baggage and checked luggage. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Allowed in Checked Luggage: Clothes, toiletries (within airline liquid restrictions), shoes, non-perishable food items, books, and larger electronics.

2. Not Allowed in Checked Luggage: Power banks, lithium batteries, lighters, e-cigarettes, and certain sharp objects.

3. Allowed in Carry-On: Essential medications, travel documents, electronics, a change of clothes, and small liquid bottles (under 100ml, packed in a clear bag).

4. Not Allowed in Carry-On: Large liquid containers, sharp objects (like scissors or knives), and flammable substances.

For non-air travel, such as road trips, restrictions are more relaxed, but it’s still a good idea to keep essentials easily accessible. For international travel, each airline will have its own variation of what it allows in the cabin and checked luggage. Be sure to check with each airline before finalising your packing.

Rolling shirts is the best way to save space and prevent wrinkles. If using packing cubes, stack them neatly to maintain structure.

If you’re not using a garment bag, turn the jacket inside out, fold it carefully along the seams, and place it in a dry-cleaning bag to prevent creases. Lay your suit pants and shirt carefully on top of your other items right before you zip up your bag. Once at your destination, hang up your suit to avoid excessive wrinkling.

For delicate or formal dresses, we recommend using a garment bag. Otherwise, roll them gently or fold them with tissue paper between layers to reduce wrinkles. Once at your destination, hang up your dress immediately to avoid excessive wrinkling.

For hard-shell suitcases that have two sides, use one side for clothing and the other for shoes, toiletries, and accessories. A luggage strap will help keep everything secure.

Yes, but small electronics like laptops and cameras should always go in cabin bags, like a travel tote or backpack to avoid damage or theft. Be sure to check airline regulations for lithium battery restrictions.

Use a waterproof toiletry bag or cosmetic case and ensure liquid items are sealed to prevent leaks. For flights, keep travel-sized toiletries in a clear, resealable bag.

Mastering the art of packing makes every trip easier, stress-free, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re flying across the world or heading out on a weekend escape, these tips will help you travel smarter and pack like a pro.

Discover the range of packing accessories online from Nere UK to make your next trip a breeze.