18 Space Saving Packing Hacks to Travel Light

Inside: Use these 18 space saving packing hacks to travel light, move faster and avoid luggage fees on your next trip.

Yes, vacation time!  You are excited to get out of town, but first things first…you have to pack (the least favorite part of travel; well that and long security lines at the airport).

If you are looking to pack light or get everything into one piece of luggage, follow these space saving packing hacks to make your next trip a packing breeze. Save yourself hassle, energy and, possibly, money (i.e., luggage fees).

But why bother packing light, why not just toss what you need in a bag especially if you are short on time or just hate the packing process? 

Benefits to packing with a more organized, space saving approach:

• Less to keep up with, therefore less to lose
• Less to carry (move faster through the airport)
• Less to pay for (airline luggage fees)
• Less clutter during your trip (don’t waste time figuring out what to wear or where you put your sunscreen — enjoy your destination!)

By utilizing a few space saving hacks, you’ll be able to pack more efficiently and avoid lugging extra stuff you likely don’t need. Check out the tips below before you pack for your next trip.

18 Space Saving Packing Hacks

1. Start with a list

The first step to efficient packing and saving space in your suitcase is to write a list. Begin with a list broken down into categories (i.e., tops, bottoms, sweaters, accessories) and note how many of each you will need.

questions to help you brainstorm a packing list:

2. Lay everything out

Before placing items in your suitcase, lay everything on a clear surface to review before actually packing (your bed is good for this).  Categorize your clothes in piles; for example, tops, pants and shorts, sweaters, pajamas, etc.

Do this before tip #3 below.

3. Edit, edit, edit!

Perhaps the most important space saving hack of all is to edit your suitcase.  Before you put clothes inside your bag, edit at least 3 things.  Then edit again.  Refer back to your packing list and the questions above, then remove unnecessary items or duplicates. This is almost like cleaning out your closet, on a much smaller scale.

Do the editing process 2-3 times while all items are laying on your bed.

4. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a traveler’s dream.  These small to medium sized bags keep your wardrobe organized and are the best use of your suitcase space.  You’ll be surprised by how much you can fit into them. Once you start using packing cubes, you’ll never pack without them.

5. Take only travel-sized toiletries

If you are carrying luggage on an airplane you’ll especially need to follow this space saving hack since security will not allow large-sized liquids onboard.  Even for a checked bag, travel sized toiletries save space and weigh less.

Curate your own collection or purchase a set by your favorite cosmetic brand.  Many beauty brands offer travel-sized sets with their top sellers.

6. Pack multi-use toiletries

When packing toiletries and personal items, look for ones that are multi-purpose.  This packing hack will increase space in your cosmetic bag and not let it get so heavy.

Multi-purpose TRAVEL toiletry ideas:

• Shampoo-conditioner in one
• Body wash that is foamy enough for a shaving cream (I like Bath and Bodyworks ultra creamy body wash for this). 
• Face and body lotion combo
• Multi-use makeup stick you can use for eyes, cheeks and lips

7. Pack multi-use wardrobe items

Save space with clothing items that can be used for more than one type of wear.

multi-purose travel clothing ideas:

• An oversized shawl or pashmina can also be a travel blanket (never be cold on a plane again)
• A comfy sweatsuit for daytime can be used as pajamas
• A silk scarf as a neck accessory, headband or “belt” for your waist
• A sundress as an outfit for day or night and swimsuit coverup
• A crossbody bag that can be used as a purse or cool belt bag around your waist

8. Use a pillbox for medication

Save space by not packing full size medication bottles.  Organize your medications in a pillbox or small tin.  Be sure to label what is what.

9. Exchange liquid for solid form cosmetics

Instead of packing liquid form cosmetics, pack the solid version.  Solid versions of cosmetics are much easier to pack. Not to mention there is no fear of spills or needing extra zip loc baggies to keep them contained.

solid form cosmetics ideas for space saving hack:

• Face wash stick
• Bar soap instead of body wash
• Dry shampoo
• Shampoo bar
• Cream bronzer or blush
• Solid perfume tin

10. Prepare to wear clothes more than once

For longer trips be okay with repeat wear and don’t pack a fresh shirt for every single day.  It’s okay to wear outfits more than once!

Unless you are doing a very dirty activity like mud-sliding or something (sounds fun actually), you’ll likely have a few wears out of each clothing item — especially jeans and sweaters that are more durable and aren’t skintight.

11. Prepare to do light laundry

Save space when you pack by doing light laundry on your trip. Many hotels and especially home or condo rentals will offer a washer and dryer for guest use, plan to use them for a quick cycle. If you don’t have access to a laundry area, use your bathroom sink and clothing line (some hotels have these in the bathtub / shower) to gently handwash clothing and hang them to dry.

Take along a few scoops of powdered detergent and a clothing line or string for handwashing.

12. Pack a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits with a limited number of items. Organize your travel wardrobe this way and you’ll space packing space plus have a variety of options to wear on your trip.

13. Wear bulky items on your travel day

Wear bulky items on the plane or in the car for your day of travel. I always wear my sneakers when traveling by plane. They are more comfortable for walks through airports, plus free up space inside your suitcase. Wear your bulky ski jacket, heavy sweater or large hat to create space inside your luggage.

14. Roll, don’t fold clothes

You’ve likely heard this strategy before…roll clothes don’t fold them in a traditional shape. Rolling clothes, especially t-shirts and blouses, limit wrinkles and are a classic space saving packing hack. Rolled items can find a home in the nook and crannies of your suitcase that folded items cannot.

15. Buy items at your destination

My family and I traveled to New York City last fall. Knowing I’d have access to stores and pharmacies on every block, I didn’t fret about packing every little thing (and sure enough I visited Duane Reade twice for needed items). Keep your destination in mind when packing and purchase items there if the need arises.

16. Limit jewelry and accessories

Keep jewelry to a minimum and only pack earrings, a necklace and bracelet / watch you can wear with every outfit. Wear your jewelry on the day of travel so you don’t have to pack it. Consider one belt that goes with every outfit or cute sandals that can be worn to the beach and dinner.

17. Nest items together

Nest items together by geting creative with unused space inside of accessories. Place rolled socks inside shoes or tightly folded underwear inside the head of a sun hat. Always check for space along the sides of your suitcase where you can stuff smaller items along the edge.

18. Use the right suitcase

Use a hard-sided suitcase to save space when packing. They don’t have as much give as a soft suitcase and make it more difficult to overpack (plus, better protection for your belongings). Even better, aim for a carry-on size, you’ll be surprised how much you can fit, especially when you follow the tips above!

Recap of Space Saving Packing Hacks

1. Start with a list
2. Lay everything out first
3. Edit wardrobe 2-3 times before packing
4. Use packing cubes
5. Take only travel sized toiletries
6. Pack multi-use toiletries
7. Pack multi-use wardrobe items
8. Use a pillbox for medications
9. Pack solid-form cosmetics
10. Repeat clothing wear
11. Do light laundry during trip
12. Pack a capsule wardrobe
13. Wear bulky items to your destination
14. Roll clothes in suitcase
15. Know you can buy items at destination, if needed
16. Limit jewelry and accessories
17. Nest items together in suitcase
18. Use a hard-sided suitcase

I applied the ideas above for a 5-day trip to Cabo San Lucas last year and couldn’t believe I was able to get everything I needed in a smallish carry-on bag. Even my husband was shocked! It is so nice to not check a bag or lug around a heavy suitcase on a trip.