Start with a clean, empty suitcase and a packing list

Before you put anything in your luggage, lay out every item you plan to take on a flat surface—your bed, a table, or the floor. This lets you see the actual volume and weight before you commit to packing. Go through your list twice: once to gather items, and again to remove things you won't actually use. Most people pack 30 to 50 percent more than they need.

Check your airline's weight and size limits before you start. These vary by carrier and ticket type. A typical checked bag limit is 50 pounds and 62 inches (length plus width plus height), but some airlines charge extra for bags over 40 pounds, and budget carriers may have stricter limits. Weigh your packed bag on a bathroom or kitchen scale before you leave home—not at the airport, where you cannot fix an overweight bag.

Key Takeaways

  • Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles, and place heavier items at the wheel end of the suitcase.
  • Pack shoes in the corners and stuff socks or small items inside them to use dead space and keep shoes from crushing clothes.
  • Put liquids, gels, and creams in a separate clear plastic bag and place them where you can reach them if security needs to inspect.
  • Wear your bulkiest items—coat, boots, heavy sweater—on the plane instead of packing them to save luggage space and stay warm.
  • Keep medications, valuables, and documents in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.

Roll clothes vertically to fit more and reduce wrinkles

Folding clothes flat takes up more space than rolling them. Lay a shirt or pair of pants flat, fold it in half lengthwise, then roll it tightly from one end to the other. Rolled clothes take up roughly 30 percent less space than folded ones and come out with fewer creases. This method works for almost everything except delicate items like silk blouses or dress pants you need to look pressed.

For items that wrinkle easily—blazers, dress pants, formal wear—fold them once lengthwise and lay them flat on top of your rolled clothes, or pack them last so they sit on the surface. If you are checking a garment bag inside your suitcase, lay it flat at the bottom and pack rolled items around it.

Arrange items by weight and fragility

Place heavier items—shoes, books, toiletries—at the wheel end of the suitcase (the end that rolls). This keeps the weight balanced and makes the bag easier to pull through an airport. Lighter items go at the handle end. Never put heavy items on top of delicate ones.

Shoes go in the corners, where they do not crush softer clothes. Stuff each shoe with socks, underwear, or small items to use the hollow space and keep the shoe from collapsing. Belts can wrap around the inside perimeter of the suitcase. Jeans and other sturdy items form a base layer; delicate items and anything you need to look neat go on top or in the middle.

Pack liquids, gels, and creams in a separate bag

All liquids, gels, creams, and pastes must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, all fitting in one clear quart-sized plastic bag, one bag per person. This includes shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and makeup. If you are checking a bag, you can pack full-size bottles, but place them in a separate waterproof bag or plastic wrap in case they leak and damage your clothes.

Put the liquid bag where you can reach it easily—near the top of your carry-on or in an outside pocket—because security will ask to see it. If you are checking luggage, place the sealed bag in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes that will absorb any spill. Never pack aerosol cans in checked luggage unless they are specifically marked as safe for air travel.

Wear your bulkiest items instead of packing them

Your coat, winter boots, heavy sweater, or bulky jacket take up enormous space in a suitcase. Wear them on the plane instead. You will stay warm during the flight, save luggage space for other items, and avoid wrinkles. If you are flying to a warm destination and do not need the coat there, pack it in a separate bag you can check or leave with someone at the airport.

The same logic applies to shoes. Wear your everyday shoes on the plane and pack only the shoes you need at your destination. Most people can get by with two pairs—one casual, one dressier—plus whatever specialty shoes the trip requires (hiking boots, formal heels, sandals).

Keep medications, valuables, and documents in your carry-on

Never pack prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids, or medical devices in checked luggage. If your checked bag is delayed or lost, you need these items when ready. Carry them in your personal bag or backpack. The same rule applies to jewelry, electronics, important documents, and anything you cannot replace quickly.

Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, and hotel confirmations in your carry-on as well. If your checked bag is lost, you will have proof of your identity and reservations. Store originals in a separate pocket or envelope so they are straightforward to find if an airline agent asks for them.

Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and save space

Packing cubes are small fabric boxes that let you organize clothes by type—one for shirts, one for pants, one for underwear. They make it easier to find things without unpacking your entire suitcase, and they compress clothes slightly to save space. Compression bags (also called vacuum bags) use a one-way valve: you pack items inside, seal the bag, and press out the air by hand or with a vacuum. They can reduce volume by 50 percent, but they add weight and take time to pack.

Packing cubes work better for most trips because they are faster and lighter. Compression bags are worth using only if you are severely limited on space—a long trip in a small carry-on, or a checked bag that is already close to the weight limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a suitcase the night before, or should I wait until the morning of my flight?

Pack the night before if you can. This gives you time to weigh the bag, remove items if it is too heavy, and make sure you have not forgotten anything. If you pack in the morning, you risk rushing and either overpacking or leaving behind something important. The only exception is if you are packing perishable items like fresh food—pack those a few hours before you leave for the airport.

What should I do if my suitcase is overweight?

Remove items and redistribute weight between a carry-on bag and checked bag if you have two. Wear heavier items on the plane instead of packing them. If you still cannot get under the limit, you may need to check a second bag (which usually costs extra) or ship items to your destination ahead of time. Weigh the bag at home, not at the airport, so you have time to fix it.

Is it okay to pack a suitcase completely full, or should I leave some space?

Leave a little space—about one to two inches—so the suitcase closes smoothly and the zipper does not strain. A completely stuffed bag is harder to close, more likely to burst open during handling, and puts stress on the zipper. If your bag is so full that you have to sit on it to close it, you have packed too much.

Should I pack my carry-on bag the same way as my checked bag?

Carry-on bags should be packed so you can reach items you need during the flight—a book, headphones, medications, a change of clothes in case your checked bag is delayed. Keep these items on top or in outside pockets. Pack heavier items at the bottom so the bag is balanced and easier to lift into the overhead bin. Checked bags can be packed more densely since you will not need to access them until you land.

Can I pack a full-size bottle of shampoo in my checked bag?

Yes, full-size bottles are allowed in checked luggage as long as they are sealed and placed in a waterproof bag or wrapped in plastic. Pack them in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes that will absorb any leaks. Do not pack them in carry-on bags unless they are 3.4 ounces or smaller.