Whether you're heading off for a weekend city break or a two-week beach holiday, knowing how to pack efficiently can save you time, money and stress. From avoiding excess baggage fees to arriving with wrinkle-free clothes, these expert suitcase packing tips will transform the way you prepare for your next trip.

Should I roll or fold clothes?

Rolling is generally better for saving space and preventing wrinkles in most fabrics, like t-shirts, casual trousers and lightweight dresses. However, structured items like blazers and dress shirts are better folded or hung in a garment bag. For maximum efficiency, use a combination: roll casual items and fold formal wear.

To save even more space, roll your clothes instead of folding and then place them in vacuum compression bags. Simply put your clothes in, seal the bag and then squeeze the air out. This technique can reduce the volume of your clothing by up to 50%, giving you significantly more room in your suitcase.

Space-saving suitcase packing tips

1. Cube your clothes

Another good packing solution is packing cubes or packing bags: these help separate your items and can also help you find things faster later. Packing cubes compress your clothing and create a modular system that maximises every centimetre of space. You can find packing cubes and packing bags for suitcases on Amazon and other online shops.

2. Fill dead space

When it comes to packing, make use of every inch of suitcase space. Roll tops, underwear, socks and other small items, and stuff them into your shoes or empty corner spaces to make sure every possible space is filled. This simple suitcase packing tip can free up significant room for additional items.

3. Place heavy items near the wheels

Put any heavy or bulky items (toiletries, shoes, etc.) in your case first and place them at the bottom near the wheels. It helps the weight distribution of the suitcase and won't squish and wrinkle your clothes.

4. Leave books at home

Save space and weight. Whether it's a steamy romance novel or a travel guide, download the eBook before your trip. You also don't have to count on Wi-Fi to jump back into the story from your perfectly positioned beach chair. Just remember a water-resistant cover.

5. Use solid toiletries

Consider solid alternatives like shampoo bars and stick deodorant to save space and avoid liquid restrictions. These products take up minimal room, won't leak and don't count towards your liquids allowance at security.

Organisation strategies

6. Make a list

Toothbrush? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Workout clothes? Check. If you write out a list and review it as you pack, you won't forget anything important. You can also include your boarding pass on your checklist and pre-print it, or just download the digital version to your phone. Get all the essentials covered with our holiday packing list.

7. Seal your liquids

The air pressure in the cabin can cause the air in your toiletries to expand, and yes, explode. An easy hack is to put your toiletries in a sealed plastic bag or put a little bit of beeswax or cling wrap over the top of your bottle before you screw the lid on.

For airport security, pack your liquids in a clear bag at the top of your carry-on for easy access. Most airports follow the rule of packing containers of 100ml or less in a single 1-litre clear bag.

8. Pack gadgets in (reusable) ziplock bags

How do you usually organise all of your electronics, cables and those fiddly bits that take you ages to dig out at security? Simply place your phone charger, camera charger, adaptors and headphones in ziplock bags for easy access.

9. Pack makeup in cotton wool

To prevent your pressed powder or eye shadow from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton wool pad in-between the pressed powder and the lid.

10. Save room for souvenirs

Love a souvenir or a memento from your hols? Make sure you leave a little space in your suitcase and keep your weight under the maximum allowance to bring home those treasured keepsakes. Wrap any fragile items in clothes to keep them from getting damaged.

Cost-saving tips

11. Buy a lightweight suitcase

The most expensive designer suitcase won't get you an upgrade. It's better to be inconspicuous and go for a lightweight option. If you're using a hardshell suitcase, this can add up to four kilos of weight before you've even started packing. Expensive isn't always best.

12. Know your luggage limits

Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline. Make sure you're aware of your limits before you reach the airport. Some, but not all, carriers will allow you to check two bags, and the weight allowance can vary. Make sure you understand the hand luggage allowance and avoid costly charges at the gate.

13. Avoid extra baggage fees by weighing your luggage

Make sure you weigh your bags on both legs of the journey to see how close you are to reaching the weight limit. If you're close to the limit, wear some of the heavier items or cut down on what you pack in the first place.

Security and safety tips

14. Pack valuables in empty bottles

To avoid the worst-case scenario of being robbed, be inconspicuous and don't flash cash or expensive jewellery. Worried about valuable stuff in your hotel room? Hide it in an empty suntan lotion container. Use empty lip balm containers to hide rolled-up notes. Consider travel insurance too.

15. Make the most out of your hand luggage

Checked bags can go missing. Put valuables in your hand luggage and always pack a spare change of clothes in your carry-on too, just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed. Familiarise yourself with these unusual items that are not allowed in your cabin bag.

How to pack everything in a carry-on

Travelling with just hand luggage is one of the best ways to save money and time at the airport. Here are suitcase packing tips to master carry-on-only travel:

Choose a maximum-sized cabin bag that meets the airline's requirements (typically 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, but always check your specific airline's policy). Use packing cubes to compress clothes and create a modular system that maximises every centimetre of space.

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane – your heaviest shoes, jacket and jeans – to free up valuable suitcase space. Stick to a strict capsule wardrobe of mix-and-match pieces in neutral colours. Plan to do laundry if you're away for more than a few days, or pack quick-dry travel clothing.

Decant toiletries into travel-sized containers and remember the liquids rule (containers of 100ml or less in a single 1-litre clear bag). Consider solid alternatives like shampoo bars and stick deodorant to save space and avoid liquid restrictions entirely. Roll clothes tightly and fill every gap – stuff socks into shoes and tuck underwear into corners.

The key to successful carry-on-only travel is ruthless editing. If you're debating whether to bring something, leave it at home. You can almost always buy forgotten items at your destination.

How much to pack: Weekend, week and longer trips

Knowing how much to pack depends on your trip length. Here's a practical guide.

Weekend trip (2-3 nights):

• 2-3 tops

• 1-2 bottoms (trousers, shorts or skirts)

• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals or smart shoes

• 3 sets of underwear

• 1 set of pyjamas

• Minimal toiletries in travel sizes

Week-long trip (7 nights):

• 4-5 tops that can be mixed and matched

• 3 pairs of trousers or shorts

• 2-3 pairs of shoes (trainers, sandals, smart shoes)

• 7-8 sets of underwear

• 2 pairs of pyjamas

• Full toiletries kit

Two weeks or longer:

• 6-7 versatile tops

• 4 pairs of bottoms

• 3 pairs of shoes maximum

• 10 sets of underwear (plan to do laundry)

• 2-3 pairs of pyjamas

• Full toiletries, plus laundry detergent sachets

For longer trips, plan to do laundry rather than packing more clothes. Most accommodations offer laundry facilities or services, and packing laundry sheets or travel detergent takes up minimal space.

Build a travel capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is one of the best suitcase packing tips and the secret to packing light whilst still having plenty of outfit options. The key is choosing versatile pieces in a coordinated colour palette that all work together.

Start with a neutral base:

• 3 pairs of trousers or shorts in neutral colours (black, navy, khaki, grey)

• 4 tops that can be mixed, matched and layered

• 1 lightweight jacket or cardigan

• 1 versatile dress (optional)

Choose multi-purpose shoes:

• Comfortable trainers for sightseeing

• Sandals for casual wear and the beach

• Smart shoes for evenings out

Keep it simple:

• 2 pairs of pyjamas for a week

• Enough underwear for your trip length

• Accessories that work with multiple outfits

Every item should work with at least two other pieces in your suitcase. Stick to two or three complementary colours and you'll create dozens of outfit combinations from a minimal number of items. This approach works whether you're heading to the beach, exploring cities or mixing business with pleasure.

Pack smart, travel better

Mastering the art of packing transforms your travel experience. By rolling clothes, using packing cubes, weighing your luggage and building a capsule wardrobe, you'll save money on baggage fees, breeze through the airport and arrive at your destination with everything you need still in great condition.

Remember the golden rules: make a list, pack versatile items, use every inch of space and always keep valuables in your hand luggage. Whether you're heading off for a weekend or a month-long adventure, these packing strategies will serve you well.