Maximising Suitcase Space: Our Expert Tips On How to Pack Efficiently

Packing light weighs heavy on the minds of even the most seasoned travelers. No matter how leisurely or lavishly you’ve traveled before, every new vacation presents the hopeful idea to lessen your load and the tempting thought to include new items that you think you “need”.

There are dozens of lists detailing the right and wrong things to pack for a trip, but since each type of traveler is as different as each destination, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to pack light while being equal amounts practical and prepared. There’s the old joke that travelers always overpack their underwear to the point of having more pairs of drawers than actual days of the trip itself. But are we really that crazy for packing with a “just in case” mindset?

Let’s look at a few different strategies for packing light that try to find the perfect balance between too much and underprepared.

This packing method is more formulaic than the abstract methods below. In some ways, it makes difficult decisions for you. Instead of wondering which things to pack for a trip, this packing philosophy gives you a set of guidelines. For instance:

5 pairs of underwear and socks
4 shirts/tops
3 pairs of pants/shorts/bottoms
2 pairs of shoes and swimsuits/seasonal specifics
1 hat

That example prioritizes articles of clothing you’ll want fresh every day and takes focus off of the “fun” items or accessories like swimsuits and hats. This type of list may be better suited for an adventure-based trip, like one involving hiking and camping: you’ll have enough clothes to rotate frequently without overloading your shoulders.

Another example:

1 jacket
2 shoes
3 accessories/hats/scarves
4 pants/bottoms
5 shirts/tops

That example assumes that you’ll pack underwear and socks appropriate for the amount of days you’ll be gone and focuses on providing you with multiple outfit combinations. This type of list may be better suited for a relaxed trip, like a beach vacation: shorts and t-shirts are lightweight, as is a pair of sandals and a light jacket.

Long-time globetrotter Rick Steves has packed more than his fair share of suitcases over the years. And as impractical as it may sound, he suggests limiting yourself to a single piece of luggage if possible.

His philosophy is simple: less weight makes for a more comfortable journey. You won’t have to lug around multiple pieces of luggage and you won’t be charged extra for checked baggage.

What is packing light according to Rick Steves? Planning for the best case scenario, not the worst case scenario.

He suggests asking whether or not you will use an item enough to justify packing it. Too often, we bring things that we find may be useful, but we rarely question whether or not their use is worth their weight.

Essentially, if you’re not convinced you’ll use it daily, leave it at home. If you’re pretty sure you’ll need it, and it’s something you could probably purchase abroad, leave it at home. Your bag should only be full of what you’ll need and use near-constantly during your vacation.

The general consensus among travelers is that you should pack as light as possible…then unpack it, take away a few items, and repack it. One packing philosophy insists that you should only bring half of what you planned to pack.

But packing light is easier said than done, especially when you have a variety of unrelated activities planned. When you’ve got a walking tour through the jungle followed by an afternoon at the pool then a formal dinner planned, how does one pack for every occasion?

With as much creativity and as little items as possible.

Try to choose articles of clothing that are acceptable for multiple contexts. A casual dress, pair of slacks, and shoes can all look presentable enough for more buttoned-up events like group dinners yet still be comfortable and practical for everyday events walking tours.

It might take a few combination attempts, but you’d be surprised how much lighter your suitcase will feel when you pack only a single sweater that acts as a substitute for a jacket and a collared dress shirt.

Read next: Handy packing tips for your first (or next) Insight Vacation

Always ask “what’s one more thing I can do without” then repeat until the answer is “nothing”. We all want to look and feel our best on vacation, but remember that you’ll have to carry your coat around everyday even if you only wear it once.

It’s also important to define your necessities based on your destination. If you’re staying in a remote area, substantial sunscreen and insect repellent are must-haves. But if you’re downtown at a hotel? Take small bottles and purchase new ones if needed.

Also keep in mind how your luggage is traveling with you. The one-bag philosophy is great, until you realize that the one bag you’ve chosen must be checked on a flight, not carried on.

Don’t leave home without these in your pack.

Prescriptions or daily medications
Small first aid items like bandaids and aspirin
Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries
An adapter and charging cables for your electronics
A small towel or washcloth
Photocopies of travel documents
Collapsible, reusable water bottle
Emergency documents like health insurance proof and emergency contact info
Enough local currency for a small emergency purchase, like food or a cab ride

Learn more: 9 need-to-know tips for choosing eco-friendly accommodations

The biggest mistake travelers make when attempting to pack light is not walking around with their luggage after it’s packed. You can lift a backpack with your two hands or slide it across your shoulder to gauge its weight, but until you properly walk around and feel how this weight impacts your mobility, you’ll have a hard time determining your limits on how heavy the bag should be.

You shouldn’t assume that your small items are harmless. A DSLR camera, for instance, is a great resource for avid photographers. But for those who normally take photographs with their cell phones? It can be just as unnecessary of an inconvenience as taking an additional pair of shoes that you’ll hardly wear.

Helpful tips: The Insight packing guide for chasing the Northern Lights

Rethink adding these things to your luggage when trying to pack light.

Irreplaceable or expensive jewelry
New clothing or shoes that aren’t broken in or knowingly comfortable
Excessive toiletries or makeup
More than one book (if any)
Specialty clothing you don’t absolutely need, like workout gear
Activity-specific items you don’t absolutely need, like snorkels or hiking sticks
Common “must-have” accessories with limited use like neck pillows or travel irons/hair dryers

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