A well-packed suitcase can make all the difference when you’re on vacation. It can help you avoid checking a bag and paying those pesky fees, and it can also mean that you have everything you need with you when you reach your destination.

I’ve traveled to over 20 countries and packed (and unpacked) hundreds (perhaps thousands) of times. I am an “over-packer” and will gladly pay extra for all my extra luggage!

Whether you pack light (or take half your closet with you as I do) here are five of my easy tips to pack and unpack your luggage like a pro:

Pack heavy items on the bottom of the suitcase.

This will help to keep it balanced, which is important when you’re trying to avoid bulky or awkward lumps in your luggage.

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In my carry-on, I place my cosmetics/toiletries bag near the top handle area.

Roll your clothes, rather than folding them.

Rolling helps to minimize wrinkles, and it also allows you to pack more items in the same amount of space.

Also, roll your socks into your shoes to save space.

Use packing cubes or other organizers to keep your belongings organized and easy to find.

This can be especially helpful if you’re packing for multiple people in one suitcase.

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Here are some top-rated packing cubes as found on Amazon:

 

 

Make a packing list before you start packing.

This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important, and it will make packing (and unpacking) much simpler and faster.

If you would love a packing list already made for you, get my FREE Ultimate Packing Guide here!

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When unpacking at your destination, put all of your dirty clothes in one place so that they can be easily washed or put away.

I always travel with a 13-gallon kitchen trash bag.

An extra trash bag will help you stay organized and prevent laundry from getting lost in the shuffle – and keep the smelly clothes away from the fresh ones!

Got travel tips to share?

Packing and unpacking your luggage can be a challenge, but with quick tricks, you can do it like a pro. By following these tips, you can save time and hassle during your next trip.

Do you have any personal tips to share? Leave your comment below!

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