Luggage fees have become a common but sneaky expense for travellers, especially with budget airlines enforcing ever-stricter size and weight limits. For those looking to save both money and space, packing in an efficient way is vital because sometimes overstuffed suitcases and last-minute airport repacking sessions don’t work.
That’s why Rebecca Harley, marketing manager at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, has shared her strategic choices to avoid an oversized suitcase. Crediting organising consultant and author Marie Kondo for her first hack, the expert said: “Marie Kondo’s viral organising method, the KonMari technique, involves folding clothes into compact rectangles that can stand upright in your suitcase.
“This is a game changer, as it not only saves space but also makes it easier to see and access each item without messing up the rest of the arrangement.”
Another popular space-saver is the vacuum seal bag, particularly useful for bulkier items, with Rebecca recommending: “Simply place your clothes inside the bag, seal it and use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. The result? Airtight packages that take up minimal space in your suitcase.”
Even small adjustments can have a big impact when you’re really struggling to fit everything.
“Don’t overlook the empty space inside your shoes. Stuff socks, underwear and electronics like shavers inside your shoes to maximise space in your suitcase,” she advised. “This has the added benefit of helping your shoes maintain their shape during travel.”
When packing the entire case, Rebecca recommends approaching it like a puzzle: “Place heavier items like shoes or toiletry bags at the bottom, followed by neatly folded clothes arranged vertically. Fill any gaps with smaller items to ensure every inch of your suitcase is put to use.”
She added: “As this method helps distribute weight evenly, it prevents your clothes from getting wrinkled during travel.”
Toiletries are one of the most common products pushing bags over the limit, so Rebecca suggests a more minimalist approach.
She said: “Save valuable suitcase space by skipping bulky toiletries like shampoo and shower gel, as most hotels provide these complimentary. Alternatively, many hotels will accept online deliveries ahead of your stay, so you can order your bathroom essentials to arrive before you do.”
Organisation is also key when it comes to accessories and electronics, so Rebecca recommends getting jewellery and electronic organisers, which help “by keeping your accessories and wires tangle-free and within close reach of each other, so you don’t have to rummage through your suitcase to locate one small item.”
To avoid the trap of overpacking entirely, Harley recommends pre-planning your wardrobe.
She explained: “Cut down on overpacking by planning your outfits in a simple spreadsheet before you travel. Map out what you’ll wear each day based on activities, and even strategically plan in a couple of mid-trip laundry days so that you can freshen up your favourite pieces.”
Finally, one of the easiest wins is going digital, and it’s something most people already do.
“Download books, maps, and guides to your phone or e-reader instead of packing physical copies,” Rebecca said. “Also invest in ziplock bags for cables and accessories to help keep small electronics organised and easy to find. This is also the ideal place to pop an AirTag in your case, so that you can track it if it goes missing!”