12 tips to pack a suitcase

Not just one list, you might need a few to keep on top of what you’re taking away with you, especially if you’re packing for a partner or children too. This should include essentials like your clothes and toiletries but also handy extras such as a first aid kit and chargers.

Write the list by hand and tick off everything you pack so you’re not doubling up or better still, use a digital list so there’s no risk of it going missing.

Don't want the extra admin? We've written some for you - just scroll down to see.

The first thing you should put into your suitcase are the heaviest items. Shoes, toiletries and books, for example.

If you pop these at the bottom (nearest to the wheels), instead of on top of all your other items, they won’t crush everything else in your suitcase.  

Packing cubes will transform your holiday experience, making it easier to find the item you’re looking for quickly. You can buy them cheaply online and while they’re called cubes, they’re little fabric bags, usually which zip up, so if you have anything similar at home you could use what you already have.  

Use different coloured bags for different items, a red bag for tops, green for bottoms etc. Or pick a colour per person, then as soon as you open your suitcase, you’ll know which cube contains which items. This is especially handy if you’re sharing a suitcase. Don’t forget to leave an empty one for your dirty clothes too.   

Phones, laptops and cameras may have to be separated from your luggage when you go through airport security. Pop them in a reusable bag you can seal, or wrap them carefully in a plastic supermarket bag, so you can easily reach them if needed. 

Airlines have strict rules when it comes to what you can bring on board and the size and weight of your luggage. The size of your bag, and how many you can take into the cabin, will depend on the airline you’re flying with and your ticket.

Always check in advance what size and weight bag you’re allowed and weigh your bag at home to make sure you’re within the allowance. If you get it wrong, you may have to pay an extra fee at the airport.

To avoid liquids bursting and leaking into your clothes, which can sometimes happen when you’re flying because of the air pressure, put them in a sealed plastic bag, or wrap them in cling film, before packing them.  

From passports and money to jewellery and watches, it’s best to keep these items out of sight when you’re on holiday to avoid them being stolen.

One clever way to keep these items safe is to hide them in empty suncream bottles, or lip balm bottles. You could also use a (clean) nappy to store your valuables if you’re off for a day at the beach.

If you have travel insurance, you can use it to claim for lost, damaged or stolen items too.  

If you’re checking in a suitcase in the hold and you’re taking another bag into the cabin, think carefully about what goes in each bag. You should put valuable or breakable items in your hang luggage and anything you need for the flight. A mini bag of toiletries for example, or your phone and charger.

It’s wise to pack an emergency set of clothes, and underwear, in your hang luggage just in case your suitcase goes missing.  

Leave some space for any souvenirs you plan to buy and if you’ve bought something breakable, wrap it carefully around your clothes to prevent it getting damaged on the journey. 

If you’re an avid reader and you’re planning on polishing off a few books on your trip, consider using a kindle, table, or even your phone instead. While it might not feel the same as a real book, you’ll create a lot more room in your suitcase by not overloading it with heavy books. This will also help if there’s a maximum weight allowance for your luggage.  

You can fit in a lot more if you tightly roll your clothes, instead of neatly folding them. It’s also easier to see your clothes when they’re rolled next to each other (instead of piled up).

If you roll them tightly enough, this should help to prevent them becoming wrinkled, saving you from ironing them when you arrive. 

Most suitcases and bags come with lots of compartments, pouches and zipped off pockets. Use these to your advantage and make sure every little corner of your suitcase is filled.  

By sucking the air out of your suitcase - with the help of some vacuum compression bags - you’ll also create a little extra space. You can buy the reusable bags online and they’re a great way to maximise a small space. Simply pop your clothes in the bag and use a vacuum (or a hair dryer) to squeeze the air out.   

This includes:

• passport

• visa

• vaccination details

• travel insurance information

• important contact numbers

• any other necessary paperwork your travel destination may require

In case you misplace something, it’s always handy to have a digital version securely stored on your device or in your email inbox.

This includes flight information, hotel bookings, tickets, and anything else important to your itinerary.

Credit/debit cards (check your bank’s rules for using them abroad), prepaid cards, as well as any foreign currency.

This could be glasses/contact lenses or prescription medication (check you can bring them to your destination).

Pretty self-explanatory, as this is one device that’s a must. Remember to bring a charger and travel adaptor.

Any other gadgets you can’t live without, whether that’s noise-cancelling headphones or an e-reader (you may need extra gadget cover to insure these with your travel insurance).

Any personal care products you use, such as skincare or shaving products. A good SPF is important, too.

No bulky layers here, it’s all about t-shirts, shorts, swimwear, and light cover-ups.

Make sure to pack sunglasses and sunhats that’ll protect you from the sun’s rays, as well as a waterproof bag for your belongings.

Any extras, like towels, inflatables, or your snorkelling kit.

A necessity in all situations, but even more so when you’re somewhere sunny. Factor 50 SPF is ideal.

If you’re travelling with a baby, bring nappies, wet wipes, bottles, baby milk/formula and snacks.

You may need to bring a car seat, pram, travel cot or highchair. Airlines may have rules on how to take it on a plane (for example, it needs to be foldable and compact), so be sure to check.

Any toys, games or books to keep your children entertained on your journey.

If you’re going on a summer holiday, make sure to protect your little ones with ample sunscreen (with high SPF), sunhats, and mosquito repellent.

Getting a family travel insurance plan that covers everyone can save you time and sometimes money.

This depends on what you’ll be doing, but in general, you can’t go wrong with a good backpack, breathable clothes and waterproofs.

This could be hiking sticks, wetsuits, a GoPro – whatever you need for your activity.

Useful outdoor items include sun cream, insect repellent, a water bottle.

Torch or headtorch, as well as batteries.

Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, this could be thermal layers, a ski jacket, salopettes, or specialty snow gear

Vital cold-weather items include hats, gloves, scarves and warm socks.

Lip balm and (surprisingly) a high SPF cream will protect your skin against the harsh elements.

As well as everyday casual outfits, be sure to pack layering options, as well as a light waterproof jacket.

Trainers or walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be hitting those daily 10,000 steps in no time.

Anything useful you want to bring on the go, such as a travel wallet, umbrella, water bottle, or portable charger.

Assorted plasters, gauze, painkillers.

Antiseptic cream, insect bite relief, sunburn relief products.

This could be tweezers, mini scissors, antihistamines, or travel sickness tablets.

Make sure your passport is valid for your upcoming trip well ahead of time (and if it’s not, allow plenty of time to renew it). You should also check if there are any visa or entry requirements for the destination you’re travelling to.

It’s important to get the appropriate level of cover for your trip. For extra protection, you might also want to consider extras, such as travel disruption cover.

As well as taking out foreign currencies, you should check your bank’s rules for using your cards abroad. If necessary, let your bank know of your travel plans.

Depending on where you’re travelling to and the mobile network you’re with, you may need to pay roaming charges when using your mobile abroad.

Check your airline’s allowances and weigh your bags to make sure you’re not caught out at the airport. Remember to leave some room if you’re planning on buying things to bring home.

Switch off appliances, lock windows and doors, set timers for lights, and let trusted neighbours know you’ll be away.