11 Packing Hacks to Save Suitcase Space and Make Traveling Easier

If you’re like me, you hate packing. There’s always something: If it’s not the arduous, time-consuming process of figuring out what to take and what to leave behind, then it’s the realization that those five pairs of shoes you must bring take up about half of your entire suitcase. Well folks, today things are looking up, because we’re bringing you 11 simple yet highly effective packing hacks that will make organizing your essentials (and getting them all to fit!) much easier.

Scroll through for our tried and true tips on how to pack everything—from your dainty necklaces to your favorite booties.

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Protect your perfume bottle and any other breakables by slipping them into socks.

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To keep your small earrings from getting lost and pairs separated from each other, pin each pair to an old button.

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To avoid tangled (and lost) chargers, pack them in a glasses case.

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For clothes that wrinkle easily, lay the pieces flat inside a dry-cleaning bag, and then fold as normal. The plastic will prevent creases from setting in.

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When packing delicate necklaces, individually thread them through straws to keep them from tangling.

Related: Trust Me—These 12 Fashion Hacks Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

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This will keep your clothes smelling fresh.

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Protect your clothes from the dirty soles of your shoes by placing pairs in shower caps before you put them in your suitcase.

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For things like T-shirts and jeans, roll them instead of folding. You’ll be amazed at how much less space they’ll take up.

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If you’re low on space, stuff socks and beauty products (that won’t burst or leak) inside your shoes.

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If you’re not into planning your outfits in advance, a good rule of thumb for packing efficiently is to pack three tops for every bottom. Tops take up less space, and people are generally more comfortable repeating bottoms than tops.

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Save space and help your bras maintain their shape by stacking them on top of each other, folding them in half, and tucking your underwear inside. This will keep bras from creasing inward, and utilize an otherwise empty space in your suitcase.

Continue to shop some of our favorite travel essentials...

Do you know of any other packing hacks that we missed? Share them with us in the comments! 

Opening image: @SongofStyle

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.