Here are 9 clever travel packing hacks to maximize space in your suitcase.

As a dedicated traveler, I’m all about the carry-on lifestyle, working to fit all my essentials into my Away carry-on bag for trips of any duration.

Some travelers, possibly including readers of this article, prefer checking a bag to avoid the hassle of squeezing everything into carry-on luggage.

Whether you’re an advocate for carry-ons or checked baggage, there are some essential packing strategies that can help no matter your suitcase size.

Continue reading for TPG’s top packing suggestions.

Essential tips for packing efficiently

Clever organization strategies

When packing is discussed among TPG team members, packing cubes are frequently highlighted as life-changing, according to TPG's editorial director, Summer Hull.

As a mother of two who travels often, Summer suggests using cubes to sort packing by activities and days instead of assigning a cube for each family member.

If you're interested in trying out packing cubes, Summer suggests a five-pack from Calpak for $68. She loves them for their "robust mesh and polyester fabric that has remarkably endured all our theme park visits, ski trips, cruises, and more," along with their resilience through several dryer cycles without any noticeable damage.

"These cubes also feature waterproof pockets, perfect for keeping wet or particularly dirty items apart from your other belongings, ensuring that a morning swim won't leave your entire bag drenched," Summer noted.

The fantastic aspect of packing cubes is their versatility in organizing your belongings. For instance, TPG senior editor Madison Blancaflor prefers to sort her items within packing cubes by category.

"My top recommendation is packing cubes, packing cubes, packing cubes!" Blancaflor advised. "They not only allow you to pack more efficiently but also help you stay organized during your travels."

As a regular user of packing cubes, I've discovered the technique of packing smaller items inside larger ones to maximize space, which Blancaflor describes as nesting.

"Understanding how to nest items is invaluable — like placing your belts around the edges, stuffing socks into your shoes, or tucking underwear into bra cups," she shared. "These little space-saving tricks accumulate to create significantly more room in the end."

However, like anything, packing cubes have their drawbacks, which is why one TPG staff member suggested opting for vacuum-sealed bags instead.

"I’ll never travel without my vacuum-sealed bags and handheld vacuum," said TPG SEO senior associate Hannah Streck, who uses these bags for saving space, maintaining cleanliness, and staying organized.

"I can fit so much more in my carry-on and easily see everything I've packed without needing to unpack or dig through my clothes, which is a downside of using packing cubes," she explained.

A great way to keep yourself organized while packing is by color coordinating your outfits, according to cruises editor Erica Silverstein.

"I coordinate my outfits by color to minimize the number of shoes I need to bring, and I choose versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down," she explained. "For instance, I might pair a top with a skirt for an evening out and switch to jeans the next day."

One effective space-saving strategy I’ve been using for years is rolling my clothes instead of folding them, a tip echoed by TPG credit cards expert Ryan Smith, who also mentioned he keeps a toiletries bag ready to go.

"I maintain a toiletries case that I only touch when I need to replenish supplies that have run out," he shared. "This way, I can pack toiletries without any hassle or fear of forgetting them."

Ways to keep your clothes wrinkle-free

One persistent challenge I face when packing is preventing my clothes from wrinkling in my suitcase. I’ve always used tissue paper between garments, a tip I picked up from my mother.

While this method is somewhat effective, I’m keen to experiment with plastic dry cleaner bags, based on advice from TPG editor Melissa Klurman.

"I utilize plastic dry cleaner bags to keep my clothes wrinkle-free — I place each item in its own bag, although I often use two bags for added protection, and then I stack them all on top of my suitcase," she explained. "The air inside the bags reduces friction, preventing wrinkles."

Advice for packing with carry-on only

One of the features I love most about my Away carry-on is the integrated battery pack, ensuring I always have a charger for my phone when I need it.

"I always keep a portable battery pack in my carry-on because you never know when you might find yourself stranded without access to an outlet," said TPG's Executive Editor Scott Mayerowitz. "It allows you to stay connected during delays without being tethered to an outlet."

During the holiday travel rush, many of us will be packing winter apparel. Whether you're heading to a chilly destination or hitting the ski slopes, TPG editor Christine Gallipeau advises wearing your bulkier items to save valuable packing space.

"I opt to wear my heaviest clothing, which typically includes jeans, a thick coat, and boots during winter," she explained. "This way, I conserve precious carry-on space, especially since I never check a bag."

Key takeaways

As you prepare for your upcoming flight, remember these straightforward packing tips.

Whether you decide to use packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags for the first time, or opt for rolling your clothes instead of folding them, these strategies should help make your packing experience less stressful and save space, which is the ultimate objective.