18 Space-Saving Packing Hacks to Maximize Your Luggage

Yay, vacation time!  You are excited to get out of town, but first things first…you have to pack (the least favorite part of travel – and long 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? 

Why Space-Saving Packing Matters

• 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 Packing Hacks to Maximize Space

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.

Build Your Packing List with These Questions

• What is my destination (obvious, but a good starting point)
• What is the weather going to be (even if you think you know – double check. I went on a trip to Turkey and froze because it was supposed to be warm and wasn’t! I was nearly miserable).
• How long will I be gone? This helps narrow down how many outfits and changes you can get by with.
• What type of activities do I have planned? Adventure? Beach? Lots of walking and sightseeing?
• Will I have access to a laundry facility? Check to see if your hotel or Airbnb has self use or a laundry service especially for lengthy trips.

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.

Tip → 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.

Tip → 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 Toiletries

• Shampoo-conditioner in one (not two separate bottles)
• Body wash that is foamy enough for a shaving cream
• Face and body lotion combo (for a few days this combo will work fine)
• Multi-use makeup stick you can use for eyes, cheeks and lips (lots of options on color uses)

7. Pack multi-use wardrobe items

Save space with clothing items that can be used for more than one type of wear. Look for pieces that work in multiple situations. When every item pulls double duty, you pack half as much while still having outfit options for any situation.

Multi-Purpose Clothing

• 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 neutral cardigan or blazer (pairs with anything day or night)
• Black leggings can be worn for daytime sightseeing or dressed up for an evening out
• Shorts that work for exercise/workouts or casual wear
• A silk scarf can be a neck accessory, headband or “belt” for your waist
• A sundress as an outfit for day or night is also a swimsuit coverup
• A crossbody bag that can be used as a purse or switch to a 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 travel 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 to Save Space

• Face wash stick that activates with water
• Bar soap instead of body wash
• Dry shampoo (great for between showers)
• Shampoo bar (popular option to save space and more eco-friendly packaging)
• Cream bronzer or blush (can also be used as an eyeshadow)
• Solid perfume tin (rub onto pulse points)

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.

Tip → 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.

Basic Capsule Wardrobe For a 7 Day Trip

• 3-4 tops (mix of short and long sleeve)
• 2 pairs of pants or shorts
• 1-2 dresses or skirts (optional)
• 1 cardigan or light jacket
• 7 pairs of underwear and socks
• 1-2 pairs of shoes

Tip → Keep colors in a cohesive palette (ex: white, black, denim, camel) so everything pairs with everything. Each piece should work with at least three other items. This approach cuts your luggage in half while giving you plenty of outfit options.

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!

I applied the ideas above for a several day trip to Mexico 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.

Pack Smarter on Your Next Trip

The key to packing light isn’t leaving things behind – it’s packing smarter. Use a few of these space-saving hacks on your next trip and you’ll be amazed at how much more fits in your luggage. Start with the basics (rolling clothes, using packing cubes), then add other strategies as needed. Your back (and your travel budget) will thank you when you’re not lugging around oversized bags or paying checked baggage fees.