Suitcase packing guide:

how to pack efficiently

Every year, as your long-awaited holiday

etches ever closer, attention must inevitably
turn to an irritating and often time-
consuming task: suitcase packing.

A calculated approach to this task is crucial because the

consequences of packing poorly are well-documented:
liquids spilling onto valuables, creased shirts and suitcases
that simply refuse to shut.

We don’t want any of the above outcomes to spoil your

holiday — so we’ve decided to tackle one of modern
travel’s most pressing questions: how to pack a
suitcase efficiently?

Suitcase packing guide 1

 Before suitcase packing can begin

It’s a few days before your summer holiday and

you can almost taste that first cocktail by the
pool. But first falls the unwelcome job of packing.

For self-confessed overpackers — 62% of Americans

according to a 2019 study — this step presents a challenge.
We believe the secret to becoming a light packer is the
First there’s the question of soft vs hard-shell suitcases. 54321 method. For a weeklong holiday, that means you’ll
The former option tends to be lighter, more flexible need: five shirts and/or T-shirts, four pairs of trousers,
(allowing you to pack more than you bargained for) and three accessories (think hats, belts and sunglasses), two
features useful external pockets. While hard-shell suitcases pairs of shoes and one pair of swimming trunks. Add in
generally have greater durability and are better qualified to socks and underwear, and that’s the core of your packing
protect valuables. The decision is ultimately yours. complete. A little tip: the key to making a success of the
54321 mantra is to select flexible clothing items that can
Once you have located an appropriate suitcase, it’s time to easily be mixed and matched.
create a travel packing list. Preparation is key, so it helps to
make an extensive catalogue of potential holiday items and
then minimise your load by cutting ruthlessly.

Suitcase packing guide 2

Travel packing tips

Utilise every inch of space

It goes without saying that when packing a suitcase, every
nook and cranny is a storage opportunity. Depending on
whether they are clean or not, the interiors of your shoes
represent an ideal compartment to hold smaller items,
like sunglasses, chargers or socks. And for those who
enjoy a leisurely holiday read in the sun, it’s advisable to
store books down the sides of suitcases. That way they
remain upright and streamlined, and help to protect other
items in your case.

Make use of suitcase packing cubes

Packing cubes are the ultimate clothing storage solution.
By compressing and categorising items, they save copious
amounts of space and bring organisation to any suitcase: a
utilitarian dream.

Carl Friedrik’s set of four Packing Cubes come in varying

sizes to cater for shoes, shirts, socks and ties. Ever had
to unpack your entire suitcase just to find a specific
item of clothing? Never again. And because the cubes
are conveniently shaped, they can easily be stacked on
top of one another for efficient storage. A final benefit of
packing cubes is that they pack clothes tightly together,
preventing them from moving around while in transit and
becoming creased.

Suitcase packing guide 3

 Roll and fold clothes
To roll, or to fold? A polarising debate in the world of
suitcase storage. While folding is the default option,
the likes of Marie Kondo, Netflix’s tidying expert,
have clearly highlighted the advantages of rolling. To
answer the question posed above, it’s probably best to
incorporate a combination of both methods.

Folding is certainly a fast and easy way to store

garments. It’s what we’re most familiar with, and it
works particularly well for structured, stiffer clothes,
such as denim trousers and shirts, but not so well for
softer garments. Additionally, folding leaves small gaps
in your suitcase, meaning space is used less efficiently.

In contrast, rolling is the best option if space

optimisation — and Tetris-inspired fun — is the target,
as you will fit more into your suitcase. Another benefit
is that you can see the entire contents of the suitcase at
any time because items are not stacked on top of each
other — helpful if you need to quickly access something
while travelling. While rolling is great at keeping softer
garments wrinkle-free, stiffer fabrics (blazers, skirt,
stretched cotton shirts) should always be folded.

The shirt collar hack

Whether made using linen or cotton, worn casually
in the day or in a sophisticated evening setting, the
shirt is a staple part of any man’s holiday wardrobe.
Unfortunately, many of us are all too familiar with the
sight of squashed collars when we remove our favourite
shirts from our luggage.

There is, however, a practical solution to the issue. By

rolling up a belt and placing it in your shirt collar, it acts
as a makeshift stiffener — keeping the collar rigid and
secure throughout the journey.

Suitcase packing guide

The correct way to
pack a suitcase
Now you’ve decided on an appropriate suitcase,
established a trip packing checklist and brushed up
on some useful tips, it’s time for some compact
suitcase packing.

Start by rolling your softer items up (T-shirts, shorts)

and laying them at the base of the suitcase. Now for a
slight change of tactic. Fold your longest and heaviest
items (trousers, jumpers) and carefully stack them
across the surface area of your suitcase, covering
fully the rolled items below. Should you be taking any
valuable or fragile items (laptops, tablets) on holiday, it’s
best to put them in now, as they will be well protected
within this layer.

The remaining shorter clothing items can then be folded

and placed on top. Thinking ahead to your arrival, it’s
also wise to arrange the clothes or accessories you’ll
need first at the top: a hat for the sun, or a jumper if
you’re arriving at night, for example.

Ideally, shoes should be placed in resealable bags and

positioned by the sides of the suitcase, preventing
them from coming into contact with other possessions.
Toiletries must always be kept in a separate Dopp bag,
eliminating the chance of leakages. And leaving a touch
of room during the outbound journey for souvenirs is
definitely best practice.

Ultimately, the most efficient way to pack a suitcase

will vary depending on the contents, size of the suitcase
and nature of the journey. But this section is a good
reference point for every time you start packing.

Suitcase packing guide 5

How to pack a suit in a suitcase

Packing a suitcase doesn’t mean

impending rest and relaxation for all of
us. For those who regularly get sent out
on business trips, suitcases and packing
are features of day-to-day life. That
doesn’t mean that stowing away bulky
and wrinkle-prone suits gets any easier.
While creases can be ironed or steamed
out, it’s hardly the extra work you need
after a long day crunching numbers
with clients.

Objectively speaking, the best way to pack a suit is to use a

suit carrier. Once inserted in the carrier, take the bottom of
the suit jacket and fold it up, so that it rests over the lapel.
Then carefully lay it at the top of your suitcase. Expect a
crease-free journey.

For those packing without the luxury of a suit carrier,

there is another (wrinkle-free) suit packing method we
recommended:

1- Start by picking up your suit jacket and turning both

shoulders inside out (do not pull the entire sleeve inside
out, just the shoulders).
2- Fold the suit jacket in half so that the lapels are touching.
3- Fold in half again and pack at the top of the suitcase.
4- Once you have arrived, turn the shoulders back the right
way and get ready for business.

Suitcase packing guide 6

Summary

Efficient suitcase packing is an art form that

takes careful planning and practice. Moving
forward, try and incorporate some of the tips
referenced in this packing guide, and don’t be
afraid to branch out with your research: there
are plenty more handy tricks out there.

And with the short staycation sure to be back

in vogue this summer, why not check out our
guide on packing for a weekend trip.

Suitcase packing guide 7