How To Pack A Suitcase Like A Travel Pro: Essential Tips from a Travel Agent

Let’s be real—packing can feel like a never-ending game of Tetris. But it doesn’t have to! Over the years, I’ve picked up some tried-and-true packing tricks that make the whole process a breeze. Let me share my top tips to pack a suitcase so you can feel like a pro and focus more on enjoying your trip.

Start Early and Save Yourself the Stress

First things first—don’t leave packing to the last minute!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people scrambling the night before, stressed out, and forgetting things. Instead, give yourself a few days to gather your essentials.

This way, if you realize you’re missing something (like your favorite sunscreen or adapter), you’ll have time to get it.

Ideallystart packing in a section of your home separate from everything else (like a guest bedroom, or corner of your living room.) That way you can start and stop as needed without having to disturb the process!

Pro tip: Keep a master packing list either on your phone, or with a packing note pad that you can update for each trip. It’s a lifesaver and helps you stay organized.

Clothing: Less is More

Most of us tend to overpack, especially when it comes to clothes. The trick? Pick versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Go for neutral colors or items that work well together, so you can create multiple outfits without packing your entire closet. As for shoes, stick to two pairs: one comfy pair for walking during your travel and one for dressier occasions. Unless you are going some where destination specific like the mountains or beach, you probably won’t need more than that.

Pro tip: If you’re flying, pack a suitcase for carry on with a change of clothes and basic toiletries, just in case your luggage goes on its own adventure!

Try on Your Outfits

If you’re headed on a work trip or something where you’ll be pressed for time, this tip is a lifesaver: try on all your outfits before packing.

Snap some quick photos of what everything looks like, so you don’t waste time figuring out what to wear when you’re there. Plus, this ensures everything fits and works the way you want it to.

While you’re at it, count how many outfits you’ve packed. This will help you spot any extras you don’t need and keep your suitcase light.

Pro tip: Aim for outfits that can be used in multiple settings—like day-to-night looks. This will save space and still give you plenty of options.

Location-Specific Gear

Depending on where you’re headed, you might need to pack some location-specific items.

Headed to the beach? Don’t forget swimsuits, flip-flops, and sunscreen.

Going somewhere cold? Make sure you’ve got snow gear like thick jackets, gloves, and a hat.

If you’re headed to a tropical location, remember to pack bug spray, breathable fabrics, and maybe a light rain jacket.

Or if headed to Italy with a baby, don’t forget all the things a little one will need to stay happy on their journey!

When you’re packing for these specific situations, think about how often you’ll be using each item. Do you really need three different swimsuits for a long weekend at the beach? Probably not.

Pro tip: Research your destination’s weather beforehand so you can pack exactly what you’ll need, and nothing more.

Packing Like a Pro

Ready to maximize space in your suitcase?

Start by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling not only saves space but also helps reduce wrinkles.

And if you’re all about staying organized (and who isn’t?), packing a suitcase with packing cubes is your best bet. They keep everything tidy and make it easy to find what you need without tossing everything around!

Another genius space-saving hack? Use those air-tight compression bags that let you roll the air out. They’re perfect for bulky items like jackets, sweaters, or even towels.

Just roll them up, push out all the air, and voila—you’ve freed up tons of space for the rest of your things. These are great if you’re trying to pack a suitcase light, but still need some space for bulkier clothes.

Keep Important Items in Your Carry-On

This tip is super important: always keep your most valuable or time-sensitive items in your carry-on bag. Lost luggage is rare, but it happens.

So, if you’re traveling for something important like a wedding, a business presentation, or a big event, make sure that key outfit—a dress for the wedding, a suit for your presentation, or even your toiletries—is packed in your carry-on.

This way, even if your checked luggage goes missing, you’ll have everything you need to look and feel your best.

This happened last time we took our kids to Italy, and I was so happy I had extra clothes for them, and our clothes for an important event in my carry on suitcase.

Pro tip: Pack a suitcase with at least one full outfit in your carry-on (including shoes if needed), plus any crucial accessories or toiletries. It’ll save you so much stress if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive on time.

Extras for the Journey

Don’t forget those little extras that can make a long trip more comfortable.

For long flights, a cozy travel pillow, blanket, and maybe a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference.

If you’re crossing time zones, a sleep mask and earplugs are a must to help you get some shut-eye.

For international trips, make sure to double-check your passports, visas, and any vaccination requirements.

And having some local currency in hand for when you land is always a smart move.

The Essentials—Keep Them Close!

Now that you’ve got your clothes and gear packed, let’s talk about the essentials—the things you absolutely cannot lose or leave behind.

Your passport, travel documents, phone, charger, medications, and any valuables need to be kept within reach. Whether that’s in a carry-on bag or a personal item, make sure these key items are easy to access at all times.

And don’t forget to pack your carry on suitcase with a portable charger bank! Keeping your phone charged while you’re on the move is essential—especially if you rely on it for navigation, communication, or entertainment during your travels.

Having a portable charger can be a lifesaver if your phone battery runs low, and it ensures you’re never without power in case of an emergency.

Pro tip: Use a small travel pouch or folder for your important documents, tech, and valuables. It keeps everything in one place, so you’re not frantically searching when you need them.