June 21, 2022, 2:00 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Summer vacation is approaching, and with it, the dreaded task of packing. What should you take? And how do you fit everything into your suitcase? To avoid stress, you need a plan. These nine packing tricks can help:

1. Only pack clothes that mix and match well

“When traveling, you should bring clothes that can be easily mixed and matched,” advises Sonja Garrison, a style consultant from Königstein near Frankfurt. The motto: Opt for simple, solid-colored basics rather than too many extravagant pieces. You can enhance and change outfits with jewelry and scarves.

Accessories also take up little space in the suitcase. Jewelry is best stored individually in small fabric bags. “This way, nothing gets tangled, and the clothes are protected from sharp edges.”

In fact, Garrison is something of a packing expert as a style consultant. Many of her clients travel frequently for work and often seek her advice.

2. Place heavy items at the bottom

Toiletry bags, books, and shoes belong at the bottom of the suitcase or near the wheels. Garrison recommends placing “the heaviest items at the bottom and center.” Otherwise, they disrupt the order in the suitcase and cause wrinkles in the clothes.

3. Put liquids in a bag

Shower gel, shampoo, and creams are well-packed in small travel bottles and jars with screw caps. Additionally, the style consultant recommends a resealable plastic bag to encase them in case of leaks.

4. Roll instead of fold

“Scarves, light shirts, and pants can be rolled instead of folded,” says Garrison. They wrinkle less and are easier to stow. The handy clothing rolls are distributed in the suitcase to create a flat surface.

Folded blouses and shirts can be placed on top. But not for too long: “Delicate clothing should be unpacked quickly at the destination so it can hang out.”

Here you can see a video with more packing tricks:

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5. Pack tightly rather than loosely

Here’s one of the most practical packing tricks for wrinkle-free clothes in your luggage: “Pack tightly rather than too loosely.” This way, the clothes are “held in place,” and there are fewer wrinkles because the clothes don’t shift in the suitcase.

This only works if the suitcase size matches the contents. In a suitcase with a lot of empty space after packing, the clothes inevitably get jumbled. Conversely, a smaller suitcase can encourage you to pack a little less.

Also interesting: Why you shouldn’t place your suitcase on the floor in a hotel

6. Fill gaps to save space

Sonja Garrison recommends packing individual clothing items in an offset manner. “It’s more space-efficient and keeps the clothes together better.” It’s helpful to cleverly fill the gaps. “Underwear and socks should be packed last,” she advises. They can also be stuffed in.

7. Use organizers and wardrobe suitcases

If you can’t get used to the rolling technique but still want to create order, you can use insertable packing cubes. These organizers are useful, says the style consultant. The small boxes can be filled with outfits and placed directly from the suitcase into the closet at the destination.

An alternative is wardrobe suitcases with built-in compartments. Garrison recommends them for longer trips with many stops, as you don’t have to unpack every piece of clothing. Wardrobe suitcases are also useful if you want to pack many other items like books and toys alongside clothes. The individual compartments help keep things organized.

More on the topic

Carry-on Too Small? 5 Tips to Pack More Clothes in Your Carry-On

A Week of Vacation How to Pack Your Suitcase Efficiently with the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule

8. Keep essentials in your carry-on

If your suitcase gets lost during a flight, your carry-on should be equipped for emergencies. Although the airline reimburses necessary emergency purchases to a certain extent, it’s better to be prepared: So pack underwear, a few toiletries, and a warm large scarf, Garrison recommends. Valuables and electronics like a camera or laptop should be in your carry-on anyway, as should medications.

Important to know: All spare batteries, including lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries, must not be in the suitcase. They must be carried in the cabin. This is pointed out by Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport.

Also interesting: Why many Russians sit on their suitcase before traveling

9. Secure with a luggage strap and TSA lock

Hardshell suitcases should be secured with a luggage strap, advises Sonja Garrison. This prevents them from suddenly popping open if the latch is defective. Another idea is to have the suitcase wrapped in plastic at the airport for a fee (“wrapping”). This also protects it from dirt and scratches.

A TSA lock on the suitcase prevents the luggage from being forcibly opened during security checks. In Germany, for example, security service providers commissioned by the federal police open suitcases if there is suspicion of prohibited items, explains a Fraport spokesperson. They use a master key for TSA locks.

According to lock manufacturer Travel Sentry, 55 countries and 650 airports worldwide use this standard, marked with a red diamond, from the American Transportation Security Administration.

with material from dpa