using space bags for travel

Using vacuum sealed bags for travelling: The BEST way to save luggage space

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , Packing Tips

Have you seen the viral videos online showing people packing for a month away using vacuum sealed bags and just a tiny suitcase or backpack?

If you’ve ever used a vacuum sealed bag before you’ll know how amazing they are for compressing soft items and saving so much space. Many people have used vacuum storage bags for years for items like seasonal clothing and bedding. I used them for my ski clothing as I rarely use it and a vacuum bag allows me to squish these bulky items into a tiny bag and slip them under my bed.

Vacuum sealed storage bags work by removing the air from a bag and therefore compressing the bag by up to 75%.

Not only are vacuum sealed bags great for storing soft items in your home, but they’re brilliant for travel.

Here’s my guide to using vacuum sealed bags for travelling and my recommendations for the best vacuum bags for holidays.

Can you use a vacuum sealed bag for travelling?

Yes, you can! Vacuum sealed bags are great for travelling because they save so much space in your luggage.

And vacuum bags can be used without a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out – so you don’t need to worry about finding a vacuum cleaner when you’re on holiday! All of the vacuum bags I’ve mentioned in this post do not need a vacuum cleaner!

Even if you will have access to a vacuum cleaner, I wouldn’t recommend buying vacuum bags that rely on a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. If you need to open your vacuum sealed bags at the airport you’ll need a way to suck the air back out of them so they fit back inside your luggage, so I recommend using one of the 3 I’ve mentioned below.

I like to use them for:

• Family holidays where we all share one big suitcase – vacuum bags keep everyone’s clothes separate and save space too
• When I’m travelling with just hand luggage and need to save space
• When I have lots of bulky items like winter holidays and ski trips
• On my return journeys when I have more to come home with than I left with!

My 3 favourite vacuum sealed bags for travelling

Are there any disadvantages to using a vacuum sealed bag for packing your suitcase?

The main disadvantage to using a vacuum sealed bag in your suitcase is that your clothes are going to be creased. I’ve tried rolling and folding my clothes in many different ways but there is no getting around it, your clothes will be more creased using a vacuum bag.

Travel Hack Tip: Rolling your clothes rather than folding them does help but it won’t avoid the creases all together.

For some clothing it isn’t really a problem if you crease them and other items will quickly and easily iron out. But there are some items of clothing that will need to be rewashed if they’re REALLY creased. 

Can I use a vacuum sealed bag even if I don’t want my clothes to be creased?

I often use a vacuum sealed bag but I actually only use the vacuum compression part when I’m coming home with a suitcase full of dirty clothes.

I’ll use the vacuum bag like a regular packing cube for my departure and I won’t compress it at all. But when I come home (and my clothes are dirty and creased and will need to go straight in the washing machine anyway) I’ll use the compression part. 

I find this works really well because I often end up coming home with more stuff in my suitcase anyway. I will have picked up souvenirs and gifts while I’m away so that extra bit of space comes in very handy.

Should I travel with an iron if I’m using vacuum sealed bags?

If your accommodation on holiday doesn’t have an iron available then I do recommend travelling with either a travel iron or a steamer.

Personally, I always travel with a steamer. I just have a cheap travel steamer from Amazon and it’s great. The exact one I use is out of stock but this steamer here is basically the same one. I use it at home now too and I barely ever get the big iron out. A steamer is much easier while you’re travelling as you don’t need an ironing board and it’s much lighter.

You do need to consider the amount of space a steamer will take up in your luggage vs the amount of space you’re saving by using vacuum sealed bags. 

It’s also worth noting that many hotels don’t have irons in the room but they are available on request.

I REALLY don’t want super creased clothes!

If you really don’t want your clothes to be creased then I’d recommend using a compression bag rather than a vacuum bag.

A compression bag will compress your clothing and will save a lot of space, but it won’t remove the air completely so your clothes won’t be as squished.

I like to use The Travel Hack Compression Packing Cube alongside The Travel Hack Backpack. These items have been designed together so the cube fits perfectly inside the case. 

Will my suitcase be too heavy if I use a vacuum sealed bag for my luggage?

Another thing to be aware of is that your luggage could quickly become overweight if you’re using vacuum bags!

You’ll be able to fit so much more in your luggage so it’s obviously going to weigh a lot more so be very careful and make sure you weigh your luggage.

When I’m at home I weigh my suitcase with my normal bathroom scales but if you’re travelling it might be worth getting some travel scales for luggage . 

Travel scales cost around £10-£15 and I think they’re worth it to give you peace of mind and avoid the extortionate fees you’ll pay for having overweight luggage.

What happens if there isn’t a weight limit for my hand luggage?

You’ll often find that there isn’t actually a weight limit for your hand luggage. Many airlines simply request that you can lift your luggage into your overhead locker unassisted so, if you’re strong enough, your hand luggage can be as heavy as you like.

If this is the case then go for it!

Just be aware that you may need to carry your luggage a long way and often up and down flights of stairs, so don’t make it so heavy you can barely carry it! I’d also recommend trying to act casual around the airline staff if your suitcase is really heavy! Don’t draw attention to it and try to act like it isn’t that heavy.

Which are the best vacuum sealed bags for travelling?

There are lots of vacuum sealed bags to choose from which will work perfectly in your luggage for a holiday. I’m going to keep it simple and share three of my favourites.

In all honesty, all vacuum bags are fairly similar so you don’t need to go trawling the internet looking at different designs as there isn’t much of a difference.

The main thing you want to look out for when looking for vacuum bags for travel is that they can be used without a vacuum cleaner! Many of us won’t be able to rely on having a vacuum cleaner available while we’re travelling so you wouldn’t be able to vacuum it shut for your return journey. There is also the possibility that you’d be asked to open it in the airport and you’d need to be able to remove the air and seal it shut again while you’re at the airport.

#1. The electric pump – Vago Electric Portable Luggage Compressor

• Compressible - Soft items get compressed to make up to 50% more space
• Small - Only weights 77g and is 70mm long
• Smart - Detects pressure and stops automatically

The Vago portable luggage compressor with an electric pump to remove the air is my favourite. These bags were my first introduction to using vacuum sealed bags for travelling 

I wrote this Vago baggage compressor review back in 2018 and I still love it and use it today.

The main benefit with the Vago vacuum bag is that the pump on it is electric so it does all the hard work for you.

Of course, this could also be a disadvantage because there is the chance your pump could break or you wouldn’t have a plug handy. So that’s something to consider.

The pump is small and you get a medium sized vacuum bag included with the pump. Larger vacuum bags are also available to buy separately. 

Pros for the Vago Luggage Compressor

• Good quality
• Has lasted me years with lots of use
• Electric pump is easy
• Variety of bag sizes available for the pump

Cons for the Vago Luggage Compressor

• Most expensive
• Electric pump could break and relies on being close to a plug

The hand pump – Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags with Hand-Pump for Travel

• PACK INCLUDES: 2 Jumbo Space Saving Vaccuum Storage bags for bedding, duvets, pillow, etc. . JUMBO/EXTRA LARGE storage bags are great for pillows, bedding, winter clothese storage, and as a duvet...
• EASY TO USE: Extra Large vacuum storage bags are easy to use and come with a user-friendly vacuum pump. Just put the item inside the bag, seal it and use the pump to remove as much air as possible....
• HOME STORAGE SOLUTIONS: JUMBO storage bags with zips Increase your storage space with these vacuum storage bags for clothes, bedding, and more. Our Spacesaver vacuum bags are an ideal solution for...

These Spacesaver vacuum storage bags are the best sellers on Amazon with tens of thousands of positive reviews. They come in a variety of sizes and they come with a small hand pump that is suitable for travel. The air can also be removed using a vacuum cleaner.

While using a vacuum cleaner is obviously much easier, the hand pump is also very easy and just as effective and doesn’t require any special strength.

Pros for the Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags

• Great price
• Can be used with a vacuum cleaner or hand pump

Cons for the Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags

• You have to carry the hand pump with you – it’s quite small but it’s an extra thing to remember – or have a vacuum cleaner available.

No pump – Roll Up Compression Bags

• 4 Travel Roll Up Storage Bags: 24x16 inches (60x40cm), hand roll items into the storage bag, the Unique Roll-up Design squeezes every ounce of air out of the bags.
• No pump or vacuum required: When you're travelling and want the most space, these storage bags are perfect. No need for a hand pump or vacuum to use, just simply roll up and seal.
• Save Up More Storage Space: Rolling and pushing out air reduces the size of items up to 75% leaving extra space in your suitcase.

These roll up compression bags don’t have a pump at all and you remove the air by rolling them up and squeezing the air out before sealing them.

While they aren’t quite as effective as vacuum bags with a pump, they are still perfectly suited to travelling – possibly even better for travelling. They don’t remove as much air but this means your clothes aren’t quite as creased so for many people these will be a better option.

The fact that they don’t have a pump means there’s nothing technical that could go wrong with them and there’s nothing extra to pack (and potentially forget to pack!)

They are still brilliant for removing the air so they’re a great, simple and cost-effective option.

Pros for the roll up compression bags

• There is no pump to potentially forget, lose or break
• Clothes aren’t quite as creased
• Cheapest option

Cons for the roll up compression bags

• Doesn’t remove quite as much air as the vacuum bags with pumps
• Can be a bit tricky as you try to squish the air out while also not allowing too much air back in – could be a little awkward if you have mobility issues (I found it easiest to sit or kneel on it)

There you have it. Three of my favourite vacuum bags suitable for travelling.

If I had to choose one favourite I would say it’s the Space Saver Vacuum bags.

They’re extremely effective at removing the air and the portable handheld pump is really easy to use. The Vago one is better but it’s more expensive and relies on a pump you need to plug-in (which could be awkward if you need to open it and reseal it at airport security!)

The roll up bag is also brilliant and I couldn’t believe how effective it was even without a pump. So this is a good option for a budget vacuum bag or for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on a pump.

Tuesday 13th of December 2022

thank you for this article, life saver!

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

I always use vacuum bags for travel and never use a vacuum. Just open the vent and roll like a compression bag, then replace the cap. Why bring the pump and take up space?

Thursday 27th of October 2022

I've found the pump does remove a bit more air but I agree, it's not needed at all and I don't like removing ALL the air because everything gets too creased.

Amazing Space Saving Travel Bags (And How To Use Them)

If you are anything like me,  finding enough space for all your stuff in your luggage  is a big problem! Especially when you travel by air, and have limited luggage.

Lucky, there is a simple answer to our luggage space problems while traveling! 

It is called –  space saving travel bags.

(let me here you say: hallelujah!)

The idea is pretty simple, but amazingly effective at saving you loads of space.

You put your clothes (some or all) in these simple plastic bags, that have a ziplock seal.

Then you remove the air and reduce the space they take by sometimes over 50%!

How Do Space Saving Bags Work?

There are usually two main ways these space saving bags work.

First, you place your clothes neatly in the bag, without overfilling it (else you can’t seal it properly).

Then you firmly and securely close the ziplock (usually with a sliding helper) and make sure it is 100% sealed by checking it first.

Then you have to remove the air either:

• By rolling the air out (or simply throwing yourself on the bag!)
• Suck the air out of them with a vacuum cleaner 

This rather cheesy video shows you how to do it with one of the vacuum-ready bags.  It gives you a rough idea of how it works. 

The vacuum method takes a bit more air out, but you need to have one handy. More on that later.

The third option  is with the more expensive and robust bags from companies like Eagle Creek. They offer a zippered system that can help compress your clothes to a more manageable size. They cannot compete with the real space saver bags, but for some people, it is more than enough.

Which Are The Best Space Saver Bags?

There are a few things that make these bags either great or average, so be on the lookout for these when buying the standard space saver bags:

• The ziplock is sturdy, reusable, and comes with a nice slider (sealing it by hand is a pain in the butt)
• The value suits your needs (only for vacuum, or can you also do it by hand)
• The plastic is relatively strong (don’t put sharp objects in there, but still it will take a beating)

To really save you from having to worry about all this stuff, I have researched a couple of great options which I will show you below.

Top Product Overview

Top products, acrodo space saver compression bags 10-pack.

This is a great choice for first-time space savers because you get two choices of size and the system is so simple to use (see the video below).

Like most of the options, these bags come with a nice ziplock that is easy to use and reuse.

The plastic is also quite sturdy, although you always have to be careful to not put anything sharp in the bag – clothes only.

These space saver bags are only meant to be rolled, so don’t have the vacuum option. But if you ask me, this is perfect because you don’t have a vacuum when you travel anyway. Just be aware, you will have to do a little bit of work :>

You just add your clothes, and then sit on them (only joking) or roll them to get the air out. If they are super bulky (like a down jacket, fleece or even pillow) the results can be insane – look at the image above!!

• Sturdy plastic that will last you a while and still be resuable
• Simple to use sealing and compressing system (just roll)
• Only two sized bags, but enough to get you started
• Cannot be vacuumed to reduce size, so you lose some space but it's ideal for travel

Samsonite Luggage 12 Piece Compression Bag Kit

This is also a great choice for a first-time space saver – because it comes in such a variety of sizes.

Why is this so useful? Well, ideally, when using these babies, you should not be ramming everything in one big bag. It’s too hard to pack.

Instead, you should be putting different shapes and sizes into their appropriately sized space saver bag. And with these 12 options, you are almost guaranteed to find the right one every time! The quality of the bags is reasonable. They are not the most robust on the market, but if this is your first time trying such a thing it is worth starting with this, or a simple 3 pack.

• Lots of options with the variety of size space bags you get
• Simple, sturdy and resuable
• Can use with or without a vacuum
• Not the most robust option on the market
• Because it is all plastic, things can break

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set

Rather than show you yet another ziplock space saver bag (you can find more than enough options on Amazon) I thought I would show you a third option that Eagle Creek has.

They are not as space-saving as the other options but are a more reasonable way to pack your clothes. The end result is easier to store and pack than a misshaped plastic bag like the other space savers.

With these space savers , you pack them like a packing cube , then have to slowly work the compression zipper around to compress them.

The end result is pretty close to the other space savers, but there are some issues:

Because you are using a zipper, it can get caught and be more difficult to get compressed than a simple roll or vacuum method. Some people have also complained they are not as robust (with breaking zippers or zippers getting caught on the nylon).

However, for me, they are just a different more stylish option. They keep your clothes in a less compressed state, which means they may be less wrinkled, and they are easier to pack (being more a cube).

• Easier to pack as they form nice cube shapes
• More of a long-term packing item than a simple plastic bag.
• A quality material (nylon)
• Not as simple to compress
• Will not be as tight as a rolled or vacuum reduced space saver
• Some people report issues with using the zippers (prone to catching, breaking etc)

Space Saver Travel Bag Tips & Tricks

It is worth mentioning a few things here so you make the right choice and get the most out of your purchase.

1. How to choose your space saver bag type:

• If you want to compress a big jacket, then the rolled method (from Acrodo might be best).
• If you want to store stuff, then the vacuum option from Samsonite is better as you get more bang for your buck in terms of saving space
• For those wanting to just save a little space and want a nicer and easier to pack a bag, the Eagle Creek Compression Cubes are better

2. Getting the most out of the spaced savers

• Don’t overstuff the bags  as it will lead to seal problems (with the zip lock versions) or the inability to close the zippers on the Eagle Creek bags
• It goes without saying, but  only put clothes in them . Otherwise, you might rip the plastic (no more compression!) or ruin the nylon bags
• If you have the vacuum option and use it, don’t forget you can’t take a vacuum on your trip. So the extra space you save (versus rolling) you will lose on your return trip.
• Don’t put clothes in these bags that need to come out unwrinkled. These babies  will wrinkle almost anything you put in them . Keep that in mind.
• Generally, I only use these on bulky items (you get the most compression) and then store them at the bottom of my pack or suitcase. They are often a weird shape or very flat with lumps, so you can pack things on top of them better than packing them on top of each other (unless you have very uniform contents). Play around with it to get the most benefit from them.

Not using some form of space-saving bag when you travel is a big mistake.

Not only can you take less luggage, but you can bring back more shopping or souvenirs from your trip.

Or, you can simply take a smaller case (carry-on vs big suitcase) than you need to, when you go on a small vacation or business trip.

The advantages are many when using these space-saving bags and I don’t know how I lived without them before!

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27 Little-Known Carry-on Tips for Flying (+ space saving packing hacks)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: February 25, 2024  - Last updated: March 31, 2024

Share with your friends!

After 100 flights without checking luggage, I’ve put together my ultimate list of tips for flying carry-on only.

In this post, I’m sharing everything from which types of bags to use, how to maximize space, how to pack light and tips for flying with your carry-on once you’re at the airport. 

Since my video about secret packing hacks for flying carry-on has surpassed 1 million views, I figured I should follow up with a blog post with even more tips I’ve gathered over the years!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

13 Best Tips for Flying with a Carry-on

Use compression packing cubes to fit more items (if you don’t have a weight limit).

Compression packing cubes allow you to almost double the amount of clothing you can bring. 

To really maximize your space, try using multiple smaller packing cubes instead of 2-3 large ones.

This way you can stuff everything easier into every available air pocket of space. 

This is the set of packing cubes I use , as the set comes with all kinds of sizes. 

Ziploc bags are a great alternative

You can also get by using ziploc bags as a cheaper alternative to compression packing cubes.

They don’t work quite as well, but definitely work in a pinch. 

Use a ‘Stuffable’ Neck Pillow

This is one of my ultimate hacks for packing light!

You can easily fit 2 sweaters and several shirts into this soft, neck pillow shell, and it doesn’t count towards your carry-on luggage.

In the neck pillow above, I packed:

• One cardigan
• One light athletic zip-up
• Two t-shirts
• Two tank tops

So essentially, I put the entire ‘top half’ of my wardrobe in this neck pillow.

If you’re packing shoes/sandals, separate them

When packing a pair of shoes into your luggage, find a spot for each shoe to fit – they don’t have to be packed together.

For example, sometimes I pack one sneaker at the top of the bag and one at the bottom. 

Use a bag with a wide-trolley  

Typical carry-on luggage design has the trolley (handle) spine through the middle of the bag, which eats up precious space. 

The new 20” Voyageur carry-on from Level8 bags has a wide trolley that’s integrated into the design of the bag so you don’t lose any packing space on the inside. 

As an added bonus, this bag has a built-in wet/dry compartment.  

Use a 40L Backpack

If you don’t need wheeled luggage, a 40L backpack will get you the most space for traveling carry-on only. 

The largest hard-shell spinner-wheel bag you can bring on board is going to be 40L.

But that space also accounts for the inset wheels, which eats up a lot of space. 

Travel backpacks have come a long way in the last few years.

The new style opens up like a suitcase, has an incredible amount of zippered compartments and can hold a laptop.

Use This Magic Laundry Spray

A classic way to bring less clothes is to commit to doing laundry while you’re on your trip. 

But most of us are packing for vacation and who wants to do laundry on holidays?? (hint – not me). 

I bring a small bottle of what I call my magical travel spray . 

Mix Febreeze and a wrinkle-free spray together in a small bottle (make sure it’s under 3 oz or 100ml). 

When your clothes need a little refresh, give them a spritz of this spray, hang to dry and you’re good to go for another couple of days. 

Of course, it’s not an alternative to laundering your clothes, but if it’s a short enough trip, this does the trick just fine.

Learn How to Pack Your Jacket the Right Way

If you’re bringing a light jacket, here’s how to pack it like a pro:

• Lay it out flat
• Fold all pieces towards the middle
• Roll from the bottom up and stuff into the hood
• Use the pull cords to cinch it down

It can now be stuffed into the corner of your bag or used as a pillow on the plane.

How to Maximize Space in Carry-on Luggage

Stuff your shoes/boots with small items like socks, undergarments, swimsuits and even things like your sunglasses case or hair products. 

I usually pack the larger, more oddly shaped items first and then fill the spaces around those items. If I’m not using packing cubes, I use a combination of rolling, folding and stuffing. 

If you’re not packing shoes or boots or anything oddly shaped, compression packing cubes are the best way to maximize space in your carry-on luggage. 

However, the trick is to use several smaller packing cubes instead of a few large ones.

I like this set of small packing cubes . 

The smaller bags allow you to play around with your packing configurations and you can end up fitting a lot more in your bag this way.

Tips for Dealing with Carry-on Luggage at the Airport

The biggest issue you’ll encounter when flying with carry-on luggage is potentially not finding room in the overhead bins.

Here are a few things you can do to mitigate this. 

Priority Boarding

Some airlines offer priority boarding for an extra fee when purchasing your ticket.

You could consider this to ensure you get on the plane first and have plenty of space. 

Emergency Exit Row Seats

Consider purchasing a seat in the emergency exit row.

All passengers sitting in these seats need to be briefed with a safety protocol. If you are sitting in these rows, you can request to board the plane early. 

Don’t Be a Target at the Boarding Gate

When at the boarding gate, ensure you only have your carry-on suitcase and one small personal item (that will fit under the seat in front of you).

If you don’t have a lot of other items (such as a pillow, headphones, an additional purse, duty free items or a bag of airport food, etc), you’re much less of a target if the gate agents are looking for passengers to gate check bags. 

Use a Backpack or Soft-sided Carry-on

Use a 40L backpack or softsided two-wheel bag instead of a hardshell 4-spinner wheel bag.

If it’s your first time flying with carry-on bags and you’re not totally confident about your bags fitting, choose something soft sided. 

Most 20” carry-on spinner bags are about 35-40L.

You can get a backpack that’s 40L and as long as you don’t stuff it full, it’s guaranteed to fit since you can squish it if necessary. 

Use an AirTag

For extra peace of mind, place an AirTag inside your bag in case you do have to gate check the bag. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Carry-on Luggage

✔ Do ensure you’ve read the size and weight limits of each airline you’re flying with. 

😒 Don’t assume any bag you buy labeled “carry-on approved” or “fits in the cabin” will actually fit in the overhead bin. 

😒 Don’t overstuff your soft-sided carry-on luggage (in case you have to squish it down to fit). 

✔ Do use compression packing cubes to help you bring more clothing without taking up extra space. 

✔ Do make sure you can lift your luggage yourself (flight attendants are not supposed to place your bags in the overhead bins for you). 

😒 Don’t place items like jackets, souvenirs and small purses in the overhead bins (those go under the seat in front of you). 

✔ Do use a luggage cup holder if you’ll be traveling through the airport with coffee, a water bottle (or if you have small children). 

✔ Do pack your medication and any medical devices in your carry-on bag (and not in your checked luggage). 

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The Ultimate Vacuum Space Saver Bags Travel Hack

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Most of you know that we are a carry-on travel family. We didn’t used to be, but a few years ago, we got into a great carry-on routine and haven’t looked back! We each use a roller bag and a personal item. However, we flew Spirit to SW Florida and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point last month. They charge more for carry-on luggage, so we checked one large bag and used Space Saver bags.

When I posted an Instagram reel of us vacuum-packing our clothes, I received a lot of questions! People wanted to know how we planned to get everything back and just how wrinkled our clothes got.

So, today, I am sharing everything you’ll need (or want) to know about using Space Saver bags when traveling!  

Space Saver Bags

First of all, this technique isn’t new. However, modern technology has made these vacuum-sealed bags of higher quality and pumps smaller and easier to use. 

Beyond travel, these Space Saver bags are great for storing coats, off-season wardrobes, blankets, and quilts. But today, I am focusing 100% on the travel benefits of using vacuum-sealing bags. 

My Favorite Space Saver Bags

I have the  Space Saver Variety 20 Pack  of bags and handpump. I like this set because it has 5 small bags, 5 medium bags, 5 large bags, and 5 jumbo bags. We use the various sizes for different purposes.  

SHOP:  Click here to browse all Space Saver bags ! 

How To Vacuum Seal Pack Your Clothes

These Space Saver bags are surprisingly easy and satisfying to use. The set I have includes the bags (with screwcaps), the hand pump, and little clips to help you seal the zip-up area tightly. 

Here are some photos I took to show you how these bags work.

In the first photo, you can see just how much room Jake’s 5 outfits would have taken up initially. In the next picture, you can see how they looked after vacuum sealing. These are pretty dense pieces of clothing, yet it still saved a good amount of space!

In the next set of photos, the items are bulkier including pajama pants, socks, etc. In the first photo, we have the cap off and are pulling out all of the air. The next two images show the bag from the front and side.

Isn’t it crazy how flat it became?

Lastly, I want to show you what that entire side of the suitcase looked like after vacuum-sealing 4 bags of clothing. This half had Matt, Jake, and Abby’s entire wardrobe for this trip.

Mine is on the other side. Because we were already at the max weight limit and didn’t need any more space, we opted to just use my regular compression packing cubes for my clothes.

We kept shoes, toiletries, and heavy items out of this bag in hopes of not exceeding Spirit Airlines’ weight limit of 40 lbs. Most full-service airlines have 50-lb weight limits, so we really could have fit even more into this suitcase. Always check your airline’s policy!

Space Saver Bags Travel FAQ

Now, I want to take a minute to answer the questions that I know you all have. Trust me, I had the same ones before we did this the first time! 

How do you get your clothes home?

The same way you got them there! We pack our handpump and literally vacuum-seal our dirty clothes for the trip home. I also pack an extra bag or two in case one happens to rip.

Won’t my clothes be wrinkled?

Yes, they will. But they aren’t really that much more wrinkled than they usually get rolled into packing cubes.  The photo below shows the four bags unpacked as we got settled in at the hotel. As you can see, Abby’s bag at the bottom wasn’t sealed nearly as tight because we realized we didn’t need quite that much space.

We always travel with my favorite portable garment steamer . This steamer removes wrinkles quickly and easily, so it’s not much of an issue. 

Will I go over the weight limit? 

You might! It depends on what you are packing. The total weight of the items is the same. However, you could be tempted to overpack when you realize how much you can fit in your suitcase once your clothes are vacuum sealed. 

If most of your items are “airy,” such as jackets and sweaters, then they will save the most space. On the other hand, if you have dense items such as denim and even swimwear, they will get small and heavy.

I recommend that you have an inexpensive handheld luggage scale on hand to check the weight of your luggage before heading to the airport. 

What if my Space Saver bags rip?

These bags are durable, but that is always a possibility. This is why I pack 1-2 extra bags just to be safe. I highly recommend that you do the same. 

The more you use them, the more you risk that happening. I would just make sure you are using caution when opening them and storing them between uses.

When is the best time to use Space Saver Bags?

These bags come in particularly handy in the winter when clothes are bulky. Think about packing for a ski trip and all of the winter layers you need to have with you. These are very helpful in that situation.

Also, there are times when I do not pack in these on the way to our destination but instead use them on the way home. It’s easy for me to seal up the dirty clothes and make some extra room for souvenirs!  

Another use is when you need to pack your own bedding, beach towels, etc, for trips, especially when you don’t have to fly to your destination. Space Saver bags really help to create more trunk space on road trips when you aren’t worried about weight limits like on airplanes. 

The handheld pump is the size of your hand, so easy to transport! 

Buy Your Space Saver Bags 

These popular Space Saver Bags are available nationwide. They can be ordered via Amazon for fast shipping and usually the best price. 

SHOP:  Space Saver Bags on Amazon 

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Sarah

Space Saving Packing Hacks: How to Pack a Suitcase to Maximize Space

by Jenna Walker

When it comes to travel, one of the biggest challenges is packing everything you need into a limited amount of space. Whether you’re heading out on a short weekend trip or a longer vacation, maximizing the space in your luggage is key to a stress-free journey. Fortunately, there are plenty of space-saving packing hacks that can help you pack efficiently and make the most of the space available. From using packing cubes to wearing your bulkiest items on the plane, these tips and tricks can help you pack smarter and travel lighter. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective space-saving packing hacks for travelers.

15 Space Saving Packing Hacks to Maximize Your Suitcase Space

Learning how to maximize your suitcase space can be a game-changer for any traveler. Knowing a few space saving packing hacks will not only help you stay organized and pack more efficiently, but also avoid hefty baggage fees. With the right packing hacks and strategies, you can pack smarter, travel more comfortably, and make the most out of the space available in your suitcase.

Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding Them

Roll those clothes up tight! It’s one of the oldest space saving packing hacks in the books. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save a lot of space in your luggage. Not only does it create more room, but it also prevents wrinkles. Start by laying your clothing item flat, fold in the sleeves, and then roll it tightly from one end to the other. You can then stack the rolls of clothing in your luggage, creating more space and reducing the likelihood of wrinkles. Don’t be shy with creativity. Sometimes, rolled up clothing can be stuffed in a variety of ways to increase packing efficiency. Sometimes switching up placement can make a world of difference.

Use Packing Cubes for Space Saving Organization

Packing cubes are a simple way to save space in your luggage. Instead of packing your clothes and other items haphazardly into your suitcase, packing cubes help you stay organized and maximize the space available. By separating your items into different cubes, you can easily find what you need without having to rummage through your entire bag. The compressible nature of packing cubes allows you to fit more items into your luggage, which is especially helpful if you’re trying to pack light. Whether you’re heading out on a short weekend trip or a longer vacation, packing cubes are a practical and efficient way to save space in your luggage.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Airplane

Wearing your bulkiest items on the plane is one small space-saving travel hack that can make a major impact in your suitcase. Instead of trying to cram your bulky coat, boots, or sweater into your suitcase, wearing them on the plane can free up a significant amount of space in your luggage. This is especially useful if you’re traveling to a destination with colder weather and need to bring multiple layers of clothing.

Additionally, wearing your bulkiest items on the plane can also help you stay comfortable and warm during your flight. While it might be a bit of a hassle to take off and put on these items during airport security or while boarding the plane, the benefits of saving space and staying comfortable is often well worth the effort.

Get Creative: Every Inch of Space Counts!

Maximizing the space in your suitcase requires a bit of creativity and resourcefulness. One of the best ways to find hidden space is to think outside the box when it comes to packing. For example, stuffing socks or underwear inside shoes or rolling t-shirts to fit them in between other items can create additional space. Utilizing every nook and cranny, including the corners and gaps between larger items, can help maximize space as well. For example, you can fill the narrow gap along the edges of your bag by filling them with smaller items like belts or scarves. With this space saving packing hack, you can find hidden space in your suitcase and pack everything you need for your trip.

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

Planning your outfits in advance to create a travel wardrobe capsule can be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing space in your suitcase. Instead of packing individual pieces that may or may not go together, creating a travel wardrobe capsule means selecting a few versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. This not only helps you pack more efficiently, but it also ensures that you’ll have plenty of options to wear throughout your trip without overpacking.

When choosing pieces for your travel wardrobe capsule, consider selecting items that are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Travel capsules are a space saving hack you can use whether you’re packing a summer or winter wardrobe . By packing a carefully curated selection of clothing, you can make the most of the space in your suitcase and enjoy a stress-free and stylish trip.

Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries

Instead of bringing full-sized toiletries, opt for travel-sized versions. Many toiletry brands and beauty products come in a travel or trial size containers. Honestly, those trial sizes and samples will often be plenty. For example, my makeup bag during a trip is often primarily samples from stores like Ulta or Sephora . At Ulta, you can ask for a sample size foundation and they will gladly give you one. That tiny bottle takes up virtually no space and will get you through at least a week. This will not only save space but also lighten your load and keep TSA happy .

Shampoo and conditioner can almost always be skipped unless you require a certain type or brand. If your hotel doesn’t provide basic toiletries, you can also buy those as well as other items like shaving cream and toothpaste at your destination.

Save Space with Compression Bags

Compression bags are a useful tool when packing a suitcase, as they allow you to pack more efficiently and make the most of the available space in your luggage. The bags work by allowing you to remove excess air from your clothes, compressing them into a smaller size. This can be a lifesaver when traveling with bulky items such as sweaters or coats. The main advantage of using compression bags is that they can significantly reduce the amount of space your clothes take up in your suitcase. This will allow you to pack more items or leave extra space for souvenirs.

However, compression bags also have some drawbacks to consider. Packing this way can make it more difficult to locate specific items within your luggage, as you will need to unpack and repack the bags to access different items. Using compression bags can actually lead to overpacking your luggage, causing you to exceed weight limits and incur additional fees. Compression bags can be a helpful packing tool as long as you use them wisely and consider the potential drawbacks.

Travel Pouches for Electronics and Cables

Using pouches to organize electronics and charging cables can be a useful strategy when traveling. It allows you to keep all your devices and accessories organized and easy to access. Travel pouches can be particularly helpful for organizing smaller items such as chargers, earbuds, and memory cards that can easily get lost in a larger bag. By keeping everything in a designated pouch, you can quickly and easily locate the item you need. I generally keep this pouch in my purse or a place that I can easily access. I don’t want to be digging into the depths of my bag when I’m looking for my charger in the airport or on a plane.

Cable and electronics organizers can also help prevent tangles by keeping them neatly coiled and separated from other items. This will also help save you time and frustration while traveling. It might be a small packing hack, but when you place all your electronics and cables in a compact space, you’ll free up room for other essentials. When you’re working on saving space, every little bit helps.

Bring Multi-Purpose Items

Packing multi-purpose items when you travel is important if you want to save space and pack lighter. Multi-purpose items are versatile and can serve multiple functions, reducing the need to pack additional items. For example, a sarong can be used as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or a picnic blanket. Similarly, a small backpack can be used as a daypack as well as a personal item for flights. By packing multi-purpose items, you can significantly reduce the number of individual items you need to bring, making it easier to pack efficiently and travel with a lighter load.

There are many multi-purpose travel items that can help you save space and pack lighter for your travels. Here are some examples:

• Sarong: A sarong can be used as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or a blanket.
• Reusable Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle can be filled up at fountains or taps to save money and reduce waste. It can also be used as a hot water bottle or as a container for snacks or small items.
• Bandana: A bandana can serve multiple purposes. You can wear it as a headband, neck scarf, or even as a mask in a pinch.
• Convertible Clothing: Convertible clothing items like a dress that can be worn as a skirt, a top, or a dress. Pants with zip-off legs that can be converted into shorts can be incredibly useful when traveling to destinations with varying weather conditions.
• Travel Towels: Travel towels are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly. They are ideal when you are staying somewhere and want to explore nearby beaches. They can also come in handy if you stay in a hostel or somewhere that doesn’t provide extra towels.

Use a Luggage Scale

A luggage scale is a useful tool to have when you’re packing for a trip, especially if you want to avoid any last-minute stress at the airport. It is an easy way to ensure your luggage stays within weight limits set by airlines. More importantly, it helps you avoid excess baggage fees. Those can get costly in a hurry and eat into your travel budget. With the weight limits varying among airlines, a luggage scale ensures that you are within the allowable weight limits before arriving at the airport. Nobody wants to be at the airport rearranging or removing items from luggage to comply with weight restrictions. If you think it doesn’t happen, think again. I see it all the time and guess what? Nobody is happy about it, especially not the people in line.

Ultimately, a luggage scale is a small investment that can make a big difference in your travel experience. It will help you plan and pack more efficiently, allowing you to prioritize what you really need for your trip and avoid overpacking. This will inevitably save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle. When you know the weight of your luggage before you leave, you can adjust and reorganize as necessary to make sure you’re traveling as comfortably and conveniently as possible. It might not necessarily help with saving space, but it is still one of the best overall packing hacks.

Use your Personal Item Wisely

When flying, most airlines allow you to bring a personal item in addition to your carry-on luggage. This can include items such as a backpack or purse. To make the most of this allowance, choose a personal item that will help to maximize your carry-on suitcase. For example, I typically use a tote or backpack as my personal item. I can fit more inside, add extra space, and still bring a small crossbody that I can toss inside while boarding. There are several ways you can make wise use of your personal item to your advantage. Instead of simply using it to carry your wallet, phone, and other small items, consider packing it strategically to make the most of the space.

Store one of your extra layers, such as a sweater or cardigan in your personal item. This serves a dual purpose. Besides saving space in your suitcase, it’s nice to have something handy if you get cold on board. You can also use it to store a book or e-reader, earbuds, and your cable organizer, so that you don’t have to dig through your carry-on bag when you need your charger. Additionally, it’s smart to use your personal item to store any medications or other essentials that you may need during the flight. By packing your personal item wisely, you can free up space in your carry-on bag and make your travel experience more comfortable. Just make sure to check with your airline to ensure that your personal item meets their size and weight requirements.

Check Accommodations for Laundry Facilities

When you’re traveling, doing laundry can be a great way to pack lighter and save space in your luggage. There are several options for doing laundry while traveling, depending on your budget and preferences. One option is to check your accommodations for laundry services or facilities. Many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals offer laundry services or have on-site laundry facilities that guests can use. You can also check if there is a nearby laundromat or dry-cleaning shop. Some may even offer drop-off or pick-up services, so you don’t have to wait. However, if you like to engage with locals, going to a laundromat can be a fun and unique experience.

Another option for budget-conscious travelers is to bring along travel-size laundry packets that can be used to wash clothes in the sink or bathtub. Just fill the sink with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Place your clothes in the sink and gently agitate them to help remove dirt. Let your clothes soak in the soapy water for a few minutes before rinsing them thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to wring out any excess water from your clothes before hanging them to dry.

Many hotel rooms have clotheslines in the shower, but you can also drape them over the shower rod or the towel warmer. If they are hanging over the floor, place a towel underneath to avoid a slippery mess. If you’re camping or traveling in in an RV, you can hang a simple travel clothesline that comes with clips. For delicate items, you can also consider using travel-sized stain remover or wrinkle release spray to keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.

Eliminate Unnecessary Items

This is one of the most obvious space saving packing hacks, but also one of the most difficult. When packing for a trip, it can be tempting to bring along every item or piece of clothing you think you might want or need. However, this will only lead to an overstuffed suitcase half full of things that won’t get worn. To avoid this, take some time to go through your packing list and eliminate any items or clothing you don’t really need. Consider the climate and culture of your destination as well as the activities you want to do and pack accordingly. If you’re unsure about an item, ask yourself one simple question. “Am I 100% sure I will wear this?” If the answer is no, leave it at home.

Being more thoughtful and intentional with your choices when packing is a practical space-saving hack that allows you to maximize your suitcase. By taking the time to carefully consider each item and clothing piece you plan to bring, you can make wiser choices and avoid overpacked and cluttered luggage. This approach encourages you to be more mindful of what you truly need for your trip instead of packing of unnecessary items “just in case.”

Use a Pillbox for Medication

A pillbox is a compact container designed to organize and store medication. Many people use one at home, but a pillbox can be incredibly useful during travel for reasons beyond just saving space. First, it allows you to pack your medication in a space-saving way. By transferring your pills into a pillbox, you can condense several bottles into a single container. You’ll be surprised how much space you free up in your luggage or purse.

A pillbox can also help you stay organized and on track with your medication regimen while on-the-go, ensuring you don’t miss any doses. Lastly, having your medication in a compact and organized pillbox can make it easier to remember to take your pills at the appropriate times, which is especially important when traveling and your routine may be disrupted.

Make a Packing Checklist!

Packing lists and packing hacks go hand in hand when it comes to saving space. If you want to know how to maximize your suitcase, start with a list of things you will need. A good packing list is probably the number one hack when it comes to saving space. It can help you avoid overpacking while also ensuring that you have everything you need in your suitcase. When you create a list before you start packing, knowing what you need will be clearer. You can see exactly what you need to bring which will help you eliminate the things you can leave behind. I’ll dive more into that in the next section.

My Favorite Travel Size Products

Travel size makeup and skincare products are designed to be more compact and convenient for travel. They are often available in sizes that meet TSA regulations for carry-on luggage, making them ideal for packing in a carry-on bag or for short trips. Travel size products allow you to maintain your skincare and beauty routines while on-the-go, without having to carry bulky or heavy items. Below, you’ll see a few of my favorites. A collection of travel size products is a packing hack that will go a long way toward saving space. Click the button to see more of my favorite products that come in mini containers.

How to Make a Packing List

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling, but it doesn’t have to be. A good packing list can make all the difference in ensuring that you have everything you need for your trip. To create a comprehensive packing list, consider four simple questions. Once you’ve considered these questions, it’s time to start making your packing list. Start with the essentials, such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, and any necessary medication. Then, add any additional items based on your destination and planned activities. Remember to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and items you may acquire during your trip.

Where are you going?

The first step in creating a packing list is to consider your destination. Different locations may require different types of clothing or gear. It’s important to research your destination ahead of time. For example, if you’re going to a tropical location, you may need to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and sunscreen. If you’re traveling to a city, you may need more formal clothing for dinners or events. It’s also important to consider the culture of your destination, as some countries may have dress codes or customs that should be respected.

What will the weather be like?

The weather can have a huge impact on what you pack for your trip. Check the forecast for your destination and plan accordingly. If you’re going to a cold climate, you’ll need warm layers, a coat, and boots. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, you may need a raincoat or umbrella. Even if you’re going to a warm location, you may want to pack a light jacket or sweater for chilly evenings.

What activities are you planning?

Think about the activities you have planned for your trip and pack accordingly. If you’re planning to hike, you’ll need appropriate footwear and gear, such as a backpack and water bottle. For a trip to the beach, you’ll need a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re planning to attend a formal event or a special restaurant with a dress code, you’ll want to pack dressier clothing and shoes.

How long is your trip?

The length of your trip will impact how much you need to pack. Consider packing items that can be worn multiple times and versatile clothing items that can be dressed up or down. If you’re traveling for a longer period of time, you may need to do laundry to save space.

Recap of Space Saving Packing Hacks

• Roll your clothes.
• Consider packing cubes.
• Wear bulky items on the plane.
• Be creative! Fill up the gaps.
• Plan your outfits. For more tips, read my article that details how to create a travel capsule wardrobe .
• Pack travel-sized toiletries and beauty essentials .
• Consider using compression bags .
• Utilize pouches for items like chargers and other electronics.
• Pack multi-purpose items.
• Invest in a luggage scale (they’re cheap).
• Make wise use of your personal item.
• Check for laundry service or facilities in the room.
• Eliminate unnecessary items.
• Consider using a pill box for medication.
• Make a packing list!

Packing Essentials for Women

Women have unique needs when it comes to packing. Check out this list of best-selling travel essentials for women that you can order from Amazon. From travel size essentials to space saving organization, you’ll be a packing pro in no time.

Travel Essentials for Women

Jenna Walker is a travel writer from Oklahoma who lives with her husband, two children, and three rescue pets. While out and about in the world, she loves spending time outdoors, exploring local culture, and trying new foods. Jenna knows that, often, we overlook our own backyard. You can also find her stories and guides on the website, The Oklahoma Experience.

• The Complete Visitor’s Guide to Breckenridge Oktoberfest 2024: Colorado’s Favorite Fall Festival
• 10 Oklahoma Wineries: Exploring Hidden Gems on the Chickasaw Country Wine Trail
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• What is TSA PreCheck and Should I Enroll? Understanding the Benefits of TSA PreCheck
• 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Pigeon Forge with Kids on a Smoky Mountain Getaway

About Jenna

Amazon Disclosure

Travels of Jenna is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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The 13 Most Genius Space-Saving Packing Hacks for Travel!

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Must-know space-saving travel packing hacks.

How great would it be if you can have unlimited space inside your suitcase? Sounds like a dream, right? Unfortunately, we’re not all Mary Poppins. We have to live with limited space. So here are my best space-saving packing hacks for travel!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only promote products and services we 100% believe in. Thank you so much for supporting us! Read more about it in our  disclosure policy .

Space-saving packing hacks for travel

Table of Contents

Traveling light

Traveling light is my number one tip. There’s nothing worse than dragging all sorts of bags and suitcases around town. Traveling light has many benefits:

• You can avoid baggage fees
• You will face fewer lines at the airport
• Navigating in a new destination is a lot easier

Believe me, when I say, the last one is so important. Last year we backpacked through Croatia and I can’t imagine what it would be like if we had more luggage. We had to walk for miles and miles with our backpacks. Of course, a heavy backpack isn’t ideal either, but it’s better than like, anything else. Which brings me to the next topic.

Choose the right bag/suitcase

This is a crucial aspect of packing. You need to have the right bag(s). You need to consider your destination and your personal values and experiences. There are a few things to consider before packing:

• How many clothes you want to bring
• Will you be washing your clothes
• Do you prefer traveling by suitcase/backpack/duffle bag
• How’s the weather? Do you need thick clothes or thin clothes?
• Are there other essentials that need to fit? Maybe a tent, sleeping mat/bag, or hiking gear?
• Think about your priorities. What do you absolutely need in a bag/suitcase?

I, for instance, only have 2 backpacks I always take with me. My big Nomad Karoo 55 NF , and my (much loved) Quechua daypack. The Nomad is ideal for all my clothes, gear and anything else I need. My daypack is wonderful for carrying a water system, taking (cooled) snacks with me, and carrying 15 more liters of stuff. My only preferences were:

• Having a water system
• Places for water bottles that I can easily reach
• My big backpack needed to be front-loaded. I dislike top-loaded backpacks, since you basically can’t keep it organized.

All the other features I got were a nice bonus!

Travel packing hacks: clothing

Packing clothes always becomes a bit of a dramatic scene with me. ‘’I want to bring this top but it’s not really comfy’’ or ‘’Let me please bring this thick jacket, just in case’’ or ‘’maybe I need 3 pairs of jeans instead of shorts, what if it gets cold’’.

Having too many clothes can make it stubbornly hard to pack.

When packing clothes, I live by 3 rules.

Rule 1: Only pack one week’s worth of clothing. This is more than enough. During our first week in Croatia, we booked an Airbnb with a washing machine, so we could do our laundry. In the second week, we brought our clothes to a laundromat, and in the third week, our trip went to hell so we kind of lived in our last clothes for a few days.

But back to the point, believe me when I say that one week’s worth of clothing is more than enough. There are always washing opportunities like laundromats, bathtubs, sinks, or even lakes.

Rule 2: Don’t take outfits with you! Take matching clothes. For example, take only black and/or white tops and make sure your bottoms are all but those colors. Take denim, skirts, shorts, or hiking pants. As long as they’re not the same color as your tops.

See how easy it is to take matching clothes? Just stick to 1 or 2 colors in your tops and vary in color with your bottoms. Or the other way around!

Rule 3 : Half it and half it again. This may seem a little extreme, but seriously, it’s legit. You don’t need as many clothes as you think you do. So lay out everything you want to take and half it. Halving it again is your personal choice, if you like having some options, you can always skip this part. I did it though and I don’t regret it. I used every single piece of clothing I took with me and it was enough.

Extra tips on how to pack clothes:

• Dresses! These one-piece clothes are the best!
• Roll everything. This way it doesn’t crinkle as much, it’s easier to grab it out of your bag, and it can fold down smaller.
• Use packing cubes. More about this in a minute.

Check out this post: 6 Best Islands in the Caribbean to Visit!

Space-saving packing hacks: Packing list

Once you’ve figured out which clothes you want to bring, make a packing list! This is an incredibly important step. Because you’re already taking fewer clothes, you don’t want to end up forgetting something. On this list, you have to write down everything you’re bringing.

I always make a list a few weeks before my trip, because I always keep forgetting about some things. So then I have a few weeks to remember everything and write it down as well.

When packing, keep your list close and cross everything you’ve put inside your bag off. When everything on the list is crossed off, you’re ready to go!

Must-haves for travel packing

Travel towel(s).

One of the most space-saving things you need is a travel towel . These towels are big enough to lie on, as they are just as big as regular towels. But these towels fold down so small, it will take up so much less space than a regular towel.

Packing cubes

The handiest things you’ll be needing are packing cubes . Last year I bought 7 packing cubes in different sizes and shared half of them with my boyfriend. Packing cubes are just sort of fabric bags, nothing special, really. But they are so handy.

Pro tip: There are many different packing cubes out there, find the best packing cubes here!

You’ll get a lot of organization in your bag or suitcase. Whenever you need a piece of clothing, you just grab your clothing cube and take out what you need, without messing up your whole bag. And some cubes have a compression feature, so they can store as much but are smaller to pack.

Reusable bags

Do you know what I always forget on my trips? A laundry bag. Something I can just put my dirty clothes in. Since I started bringing reusable bags, I can always use one for my laundry!

These bags come in so handy for anything. You can use them for souvenirs, groceries, laundry, and more!

And they are incredibly small and light, so these are the only things I allow you to bring ‘just in case’.  

Zipper bags could come in handy as well. Make sure to pack some of these.

A lunch box. Even if it’s just for storing socks, underwear, or snacks. In fact, you can use it the same as a packing cube. But whenever you cooked a delicious meal and you have something left, put it in your lunch box and eat it again the next day! I love doing this with pasta because it’s as delicious cold as it is hot.

Reusable water bottle

Stop buying your water. You can re-fill your reusable bottle almost everywhere for free. And it’s so much better for the earth.

You never know where you’ll end up sleeping. Make sure to bring some padlocks .

Multipurpose carabiners are a must-have. If you’re traveling by backpack, you can use them for clipping anything to your backpack, like flip-flops, a water bottle, or your travel cutlery. They’re also really handy for keeping your hair ties together.

Hygiene wipes

These are my best friends. On a hot and sweaty day, you might want to refresh every few hours. A quick wipe is the way to go. Always put these wipes in your day pack, next to your deodorant.

Paperwork. The most boring thing, but it may just become the most important thing in your bag. Things not to forget packing:

• Copies of your ID card or passport.
• Lodging confirmations
• Flight information
• Some cash (for emergencies)
• Other paperwork you really don’t need easy access to

Make sure your actual passport and boarding pass are easily accessible.

All our paperwork went into a little folder (like the one below) and we put it into the laptop compartment in our backpacks. Make sure you really bring copies of your IDs, because we lost our ID cards and it was kind of hard to get new ones without a paper copy.

Extra tips for travel packing:

• Make sure to bring the right adapter and an extra battery.
• Use travel-sized goodies, it’s really all that you need.
• Stuff socks in shoes.
• Also, don’t bring more than 2 pairs of shoes and one pair of flip-flops.
• ALWAYS bring a daypack. That way you can easily take water, sunscreen and other essentials with you.
• Keep your liquids secured in a bag and separate them from everything else. I once had a laundry detergent explosion in my backpack. Wasn’t fun.
• Always wear your heaviest clothes on the plane, train, bus, etc.
• Leave a little extra space. You will probably buy something. Make sure you can store it.
• Take pens on your trip. Put them in every bag. They always come in handy.

Final thoughts on travel packing hacks

Packing isn’t supposed to be stressful. So have fun next time you’re packing and make sure to use these tips. Did I forget any useful tips? Let me know in the comments!

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How to Use Space Saver Vacuum Packed Bags

Last Updated: July 8, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Garrison Hullinger . Garrison Hullinger is an Interior Designer and the President of Studio Garrison. With more than 15 years of experience, he specializes in client-centered design that balances beauty and warmth with comfort and functionality. Garrison and GHID’s work has been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Interior Design Magazine. Garrison attended Oklahoma Christian University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 300,565 times.

Space saver vacuum bags are a great way to store items without taking up too much storage space. In fact, a vacuum sealed bag can actually reduce the amount of storage space needed by 50%. To use a space saver vacuum packed bag, simply pack the bag with suitable items, seal the bag using a vacuum cleaner, and then store the bag in a safe and cool place.

Packing a Space Saver Bag

• For instance, flat bags are excellent for clothing, whereas cubes and totes are best for larger items, such as blankets.

• Try not to pull so hard that the zipper comes off.

• Don't store food, leather, or fur items in these bags.
• Don’t store items with sharp corners or ridges because these may puncture the bag. [4] X Research source
• Make sure that all items are dry before packing them into space saver bags.

• To maximize the amount of available space, you can fold your items .

Sealing the Bag

• If the sure-zip slider piece comes off while closing the bag, simply slide it back onto the bag. Press it back onto the zipper track over the top of the bag. You should hear it click twice. [7] X Research source

• If you pull the cap too hard it may come off. You can put it back on by placing the rubber flapper inside the valve base. Then, snap the cap back onto the base.

• Dust-buster style vacuums will not work.

• When placing down-pillows or down-comforters into the bag, don't empty all of the air from the bag. Only compress the air in the bag to fifty percent its original size, as further compression will damage the down feathers.

Storing the Space Saver Bag

Community Q&A

• Space saver storage bags will protect items from moisture, mold, and moths. [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Follow the directions provided with the space saver bags for optimal use. [13] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can get travel size wrinkle release for your clothing. Just spray and shake the article of clothing. Let it dry for a minute. No need to iron.. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Space Saver bags
• Clothes or soft items to store away

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about interior design, check out our in-depth interview with Garrison Hullinger .

• ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@suzyvalentinreviews/video/7125847401465842990
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ASIqUWre_c
• ↑ http://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/do-space-bags-really-work/

About This Article

To use space saver vacuum bags, first choose a suitable sized bag for your items and place it face-up on a flat surface, such as a bed, sofa, or table. Next, place your items in the bag, careful not to surpass the fill line. Then, close the zipper and make sure it’s sealed by sliding your fingers along the zipper track. Finally, open the valve cap, attach the vacuum’s hose, and turn it on. When the bag stops shrinking, remove the hose and close the lid to prevent air escaping. For more tips, like how to store the space saver bags, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Pack a Suitcase to Maximize Space: 11 Organizational Tips So You Can Pack More on Your Next Trip

Last updated on September 29th, 2023 at 03:09 pm

We are all after it – more space in our suitcases. As we pack and try to organize our lives into 62 linear inches of a hard case shell, stress and the overwhelming feeling of defeat can take over! Fear no more because you have space – you just need to maximize it to its greatest potential! There are many tricks on how to pack a suitcase to maximize space and I can guarantee you’ll be itching to try them out after reading this ultimate guide.

Traveling can be stressful enough and the last thing you need is to worry about being able to fit everything in your suitcase.

The second-to-last thing you to worry about is being overweight on your suitcase, which is why I compiled some of my favorite budget travel tips to avoid airline baggage fees .

Or if you are going carry-on only, consider taking a duffel bag (& learn how to pack it with these tricks! )

Throughout this post, I’ll make suggestions on the best way to pack a suitcase that work in both carry-on and checked bags – ranging from helpful organizational products to folding techniques. Let’s get packing!

Check out my free, downloadable, and specially-curated packing lists to supplement the tips in this post! I have a packing list for some of the destinations I talk about on this blog, as well as cute & fun packing lists for girls on the go & photographers all accessible in The Travel Library with your email address!

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Organize with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have changed the way I travel. They are the ultimate accessory for anyone looking to pack a suitcase to maximize space! You’ll absolutely fall in love with a simple packing cubes kit that allows you to keep your suitcase organized and efficiently packed.

I am in love with my Veken packing cubes . They’re inexpensive (around $20) and of great quality material. So far, they’ve lasted me over one year of traveling and are still going strong!

Moreover, the material is pliable and flexible enough to mold to your clothes, so it can fit a lot more than it seems!

This particular set comes with five different sized cubes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag.

The laundry bag is also a huge asset to take along on your trip so you can keep clean and dirty clothes separated in your suitcase!

If there’s any tip on this list that has helped me pack better, it’s using packing cubes. Nothing beats the feeling of arriving to your hotel room or Airbnb and opening an organized suitcase!

The Perfect Fold – Or Should I Say, Roll

Become a suitcase architect and master the planning of your packing by perfecting the best ways to fold clothes!

Most of the time, you will save lots of space by rolling your clothing rather than folding it. Rolling your clothing keeps it uniform and able to be tightly packed.

It also keeps your suitcase (and your sanity) more organized while you’re packing and when you arrive.

Rolling clothes almost always guarantees you’ll be able to fit more, however, there are a few fabrics and clothing items that don’t suit rolling. Steer away from rolling fabrics that are wrinkle-prone, as well as chunky sweaters or thick coats.

Pro Tip : Become an Expert Clothes-Roller

To make rolling pants easier and create a more uniform roll, use this trick. The inseam typically juts out to create an uneven shape, like in the first photo. Simply fold the inseam inwards to create a straight rectangular shape out of your pants. This will make an even roll for easier packing.

To get the slimmest roll that takes up the least space, begin at the end of your pants and fold to the waist. You can do the same with shorts, too!

Fold & Lay Flat Thicker Clothing

As I mentioned, rolling thicker clothing is not only difficult but will actually take up more space in your suitcase – which is not the goal.

I use two strategies: I fold or lay flat my coats, sweaters, etc. either at the very bottom of my suitcase or on the top after I’ve packed my other items. In between, I stack my packing cubes, shoes, and accessories for a clean, organized suitcase suitcase.

I try to lay anything that is a chunky fabric flat rather than folded so that it’s as thin as possible of a layer. Once folded, they can be really bulky shapes and are not an easy fit.

Stuff Socks in Shoes

This post is all about making use of all the space your suitcase has to offer – even the space in the packed items themselves!

One of my space-saving packing hacks is to utilize the extra space in my shoes. Tennis shoes and boots offer extra room for you to store soft small items like socks, underwear, scarves, etc.

Keep your smaller items to the side while you’re packing while you handle your larger items first. Then tackle fitting in the smaller items. They’ll be easier to find space for once you have an overall idea of what your packing looks like.

Check out other top tips for packing shoes for travel to maximize space!

Choose Multi-Purpose Accessories

When it comes to how to pack a suitcase to maximize space, you have to think out of the box. One of my favorite ways to save space is pack items within other items (as I mentioned before!)

In this case, I try to think about what I can use when I arrive and how it can give me more storage space. One great example is hats. I always take my favorite sunhat with me on a summer trip. Since it is kind of awkward to pack, I utilize the space around it under the brim and within the hat to stuff items like scarves, socks, underwear, and anything else small and soft.

I do the same thing with purses. Instead of bringing an extra makeup bag or a plastic bag to hold hair clips, perfume, skincare items, etc., I will bring an extra purse that I can not only wear at my destination, but also acts as storage while I’m traveling to hold those smaller items in my suitcase.

It’s a particular way to maximize space, but it pays off choosing multi-functional items that you can use on your trip and help you to use luggage space wisely.

Stock Up on Travel-Sized Goodies

When you’re packing for a trip, it’s easy to overestimate on a lot of things, especially toiletries and small extras like a first-aid kit (let’s all keep travel safety first people!)

If you’re in for an extended travel adventure, opt to buy your shampoos, body washes and anything in a large bottle once you get to your destination.

And if you’re just going on a short vacation, travel-sized bottles of your favorite products or reusable bottles should do the trick! You can always buy more at your destination.

Big bottles can take up a lot of your suitcase. But more importantly they have a big impact on the weight limit you have to stay within.

Store everything in a dedicated toiletry bag . This way, you avoid loose bottles and goodies floating around your luggage while in transit.

Make Use of the Nooks & Crannies

Think about where you can save the most space packing small items, like outlet adapters, laptop chargers, hairbrushes, etc. Sometimes throwing them in a pouch or bag creates a bulkier shape than the item itself.

Really take advantage of the space in your suitcase by placing small items in the corners or in-between shoe heels. It may not seem like a lot, but it adds up when you’re trying to pack as efficiently as possible.

Thinking about what suitcase to buy next? Read my BEIS luggage review !

Slide Flat Items in the Pockets

Suitcases of all kinds come with pockets. Whether on the front, in the middle, or on the sides, they are valuable spaces you may be neglecting!

My favorite items to store in pockets are ones that are flat to maximize the space I have. For middle pockets specifically, it can be hard to close the suitcase if you put bulky or irregularly shaped items in there.

Ideas for what you could slide in here any pocket are makeup palettes, books, belts, or charging cords.

Opt for Travel Vacuum Bags If You’ve Got Lots of Bulky Stuff

When I think of vacuum bags, I think of moving houses – transporting large amounts of clothes at one time. Well, they can also help you pack to maximize space in your suitcase!

Vacuum space bags are made in travel sizes, specifically designed to fit average suitcase dimensions. A pack of 6 Zi ploc Vacuum Space Bags is about $15 – an inexpensive way to gain a whole lot more space!

Now, it can be a little excessive to pack for a trip using vacuum-seal space bags. However, it can be worth your while (and time) to use them if you’re bringing a lot of bulky items. The season you’re traveling in can determine your need for them – for example, coats and sweaters take up a lot more space than t-shirts and shorts.

They can also be useful if you’re taking a lot of clothing, for example, if you’re taking an extra-long trip.

Store Jewelry in a Flat-Lay Jewelry Holder

It can be tough to figure out where to store jewelry while you travel. My first tip is to always travel with any valuable jewelry in your carry-on or your personal item . You don’t want to risk checked luggage getting lost and expensive or sentimental jewelry getting lost with it!

Secondly, storing jewelry for maximum space in your suitcase is best done with a foldable jewelry organizer. The organizer lays flat on a surface or can be hung up in your hotel room. Most importantly, it folds over twice for compact and flat-lay packing. There are also tons of pockets and organizational features inside and a large external pocket with built-in earring storage.

My favorite jewelry organizer is less than 20 dollars on Amazon and has joined me on many trips!

Evaluate How Much You Really Need

To pack a suitcase to maximize space, the strategy can be simple – cut back on what you’re bringing.

No one likes to take things away. So a good packing strategy is to start by packing your non-negotiables, aka the items you are 100% certain you’ll want or need. Evaluate how much space you have left and then start adding items based on weight and space.

If you start packing by grabbing everything you want and trying to pack it all, it’s more disappointing to see it won’t fit!

Some resources I love for helping me determine what I need are apps like PackPoint . It lets you input your destination, what you’ll be doing there and travel dates. From this info, it creates a packing list for you based on all those factors and more, including the weather.

You can also check out my free packing guides . I know I love having a printed list to check-off as I get my packing done!

And that is the best way to pack a suitcase to maximize space!

Share these tips on Pinterest!

How to save space packing hopefully became a lot clearer after these tips. Now as your next trip approaches you’ll have two things to be excited about – the destination and packing !

I’d love to hear how you liked these tips and if you have any tips to share yourself. Feel free to reach out personally or comment below if you enjoyed learning how to pack a suitcase to maximize space .

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and memorable itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Facebook

It’s good to know that you should add based on the weight and space in your suitcase. I am going on an anniversary trip with my husband. I am hoping we can find a nice hotel.

Yes, you should always keep that in mind as you pack! Best wishes for your upcoming trip! 🙂

What section and name is the suitcase on the website??

It looks like the exact one is out of stock but this one is the most similar both inside and out !

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Can I Use Space Saver Compression Travel Bags In Carry On Luggage?

Last Updated on April 15, 2020

Everyone’s been there. Your have a teeny weeny small suitcase and you have a gigantic pile of clothes that you want to pack inside it.

Hmmm… what can you do?

I know I will squeeze it all in by force, then quickly shut the lid and pray that the zippers are going to close!

What if there was a better way than sitting on your suitcase?

Well there are a few methods. You can use them with carry on luggage but you might not necessarily want to once you think it through…

Compression Bags For Travel

What is a compression bag used for.

A compression bag reduces the space that your clothes take up. It can be especially handy when you have restrictive luggage sizes that you need to adhere to.

Do Travel Compression Bags Work?

You know the space saver bags that you use in conjunction with your vacuum cleaner?

You can buy smaller bags that work just like that but that been adapted for travel (more specifically travel without an enormous vacuum cleaner).

There are 2 types and they both DO work to reduce the amount of space your clothes take up.

• The first type that includes a hand pump to suck the air out.
• The second type where you roll and squeeze the plastic bag to get the air our the 1-way value.

You could use regular space saver bags but then will there be a vacuum cleaner where you are going? Specific travel compression bags are a better choice than space saver bags.

There are a few things that you need to bear in mind though.

Clothes Do Get Wrinkled In Vacuum Bags

Compression travel bags really squeeze down your clothes a lot. They can dramatically reduce the size, especially if it’s something fluffy like a sweater.

They also crunch up your cloths. And this combination of high-pressure squeezing and crunching means that your clothes get wrinkled.

You can use that space saved to pack a travel iron and spend your vacation ironing!

Can You Use Vacuum Bags In Carry On Luggage?

The main reason that I don’t like to use these vacuum bags for travel isn’t acutally about wrinkles.

It’s simple but you might have missed it.

If security at the airport want to check inside your bag they might want to open up the plastic vacuum bag to take a look inside.

If that happens you’ll be left struggling to repack your suitcase and compress everything again. Let’s just say I hope you left plenty of time to catch your flight!

And compression space saver bags for travel are not really very easy to use. Especially the variety that comes with a little plastic air pump.

There are specific cases where plastic vacuum bags work best. Like if you want to pack a big fluffy jacket or a pillow.

For most regular trips or vacations I recommend a different compression packing product.

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are a modified version of regular packing cubes . They don’t squash your stuff anywhere near the same amount as vacuum space bags but then they are much easier to use.

They can be better for wrinkles too. You can control the amount of pressure your garments are under by the amount of clothes that you put in each cube.

I suggest if you need more space in your luggage that you check them out first. We published a long article comparing all the compression packing cubes and you can find it here .

Do Space Bags Make Luggage Lighter?

Lastly I just wanted to clear something up. Space bags don’t make your luggage lighter!

Well they do scientifically by removing air molecules but the effect is so tiny it makes no difference to how heavy your bag feels.

If you do experiment with using compression packing techniques make sure you use a luggage scale to measure the weight of your bag. It’s easy to get carried away and go over the weight limits!

Let us know in the comments if you use those plastic compression bags when you travel and any tips you might have for our readers!

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I'm a Notorious Overpacker, but These 12 Space-saving Hacks Help Me Fit Everything in a Carry-on

These travel organizers changed the way I pack — and they start at $9.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Life is full of challenges that call for us to rise to the occasion, but for me there’s nothing quite like that “ Can I fit all of this in a carry-on bag ? ” conundrum to really get my problem solving skills going. Over the years, I’ve managed to pack a large amount of items into a carry-on bag, and it’s a badge of honor I wear proudly. 

To be fair, achieving this is much easier when packing for warmer climates that call for less bulky clothing, but there are still ways to bring along your favorite cardigan and snow boots. On a recent ski trip to Vail, Colorado, for example, I wore my trusty snow boots and ski jacket on the plane instead of packing them to free up space in my luggage. Next up, I’m currently packing for a two-week trip through Italy, finally fulfilling my bucket list dream to visit  T+L reader favorite The St. Regis Venice , have a whirlwind culinary adventure through  Emilia Romagna in  Modena   and Bologna’s  Leading Hotels of the World Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni , and end it all with a grand finale at  IHG’s Grand Hotel Des Arts in Verona  and  R Collection’s Grand Hotel Victoria  on Lake Como. And yes, I’ll have a carry on through it all. Naturally, hotels with the word grand in them, require fab outfits to match the mood. This is where good packing cubes can make magic happen, and I’m proud to share that I’ve already fit at least eight of my favorite dresses into one cube for my Italian jaunt. 

Are you team fold or roll? Do you tuck your socks into shoes and sit on your suitcase, praying that the zipper will be merciful? If so, it may be time to consider a different approach. With effective products (and a strong will), you too can forget the stress of checking a bag and wondering if it will arrive in time. From space-saving packing cubes to a compression garment bag , these are some of the products I rely on to remain #TeamCarryOn.

Packing Cubes

One of my biggest travel regrets is that I didn’t give into packing cubes sooner. The hours spent debating whether to fold or roll, leave a favorite item behind, or simply be able to close my luggage due to space has cost me hours of time. For me, these Calpak 5-piece Packing Cube Set packing cubes have truly delivered the solution with a set of four packing cubes and a water-resistant pouch for storage. The top portion is a breathable mesh that makes it easy to identify what you’ve packed without having to open anything to sort through it, and you can even label each cube based on attire. Alternatively, this Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set over at Amazon has even more cubes at just a fraction of the cost. It has more than 22,000 five-star ratings and includes a laundry pouch and shoe bag. If you’re traveling with little ones, State Bags makes kid-friendly packing cubes with handles .

Hanging Toiletry Bag

This squishable, waterproof Calpak Toiletry Bag has a durable, lightweight polyester material that makes it easy to lay items on top of while packing. At the same time, it’s still large enough to store makeup products, with a few pockets to stash those random beauty and toiletry items that you may be scrambling to find a spot for in the final hour of packing. As a bonus, it comes in a range of bright colors like bubblegum that are just plain fun and an instant mood booster. Amazon offers a durable alternative with this Nishel Toiletry Bag for $19. Transparent pockets and a soft exterior that allows it to lie flat are just a few of its perks.

Roll Packing Organizer

The Osprey Ultralight Roll Packing Organizer , another hanging kit, is a helpful accessory if you’re looking to keep anything from your toiletries to a first-aid kit in one location. It’s rollable too, allowing for more space in your carry-on bag. The organizational pockets are large enough to store random knick knacks during last-minute packing, and a hanging clip loop makes it easy to find a home for it wherever you’re checking in during travel. 

Foldable Tote Bag

What’s the perfect complement to carry-on luggage? A spacious purse for all of the items that didn’t fit in your larger bag — but one that you can easily pack away in your luggage when not in use. My State Graham Shopper accomplishes all of this and more, with a lightweight, smooth recycled fabric that helps me breeze through airports without being weighed down. Best of all, it’s so large that I’m able to fit my laptop, makeup bag, and even a packing cube with clothing. The State bag is currently on sale, but if you’re looking for an even more affordable option, Amazon has got you covered with this ETidy Foldable Tote Bag , currently on sale for $18. The 2-in-1 design allows the larger tote to be folded into a smaller bag, making it convenient to carry and save space.  

Tech Organizer Case

Tangled cords and bulky chargers, be gone. My go-to, the sleek The Tech Case by Away , offers compartments to efficiently store your chargers in two different sizes. I can easily store travel adapters, earbuds, and random chargers in its sectioned compartments. On Amazon, FYY makes a handy, water-resistant tech organizer case that comes in a number of colors for $10.

Travel Shoe Bag

Say goodbye to trying to contort your shoes between clothes with this waterproof shoe organizer from Hezelf. The bag can carry up to three pairs of shoes and includes a handle to carry it. I also opt to pack foldable shoes whenever I can, with my favorite slides and foldable flats from Vivaia , or, check out these similar foldable shoes from Amazon for $22. 

Pill Organizer

I used to make the mistake of choosing which vitamins to pack based on the size of the bottle. It was a simple fix problem, and this 3-pack pill organizer from Meacolia was the answer. A double lock ensures that pills don’t fall out in your bag, and two of its eight compartments can house larger pills. It’s currently on sale on Amazon for $9, so grab it while you can. 

Lightweight Travel Neck Pillow

A travel pillow can make long flights much more comfortable, but the right one can also save real estate in a bag. To maximize carry-on space, take a look at this genius, stuffable travel pillow that can hold up to an extra 3 days’ worth of clothes (without checking a bag). Or, this versatile, lightweight neck pillow from Trtl is much less bulky than your average option but still provides support by keeping your neck upright while padding it. The super soft fleece material and cushioning provide ultimate comfort, and it can be attached to your luggage. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it easy to clean between trips, too.

Wrinkle-free Compression Travel Garment Bag

I avoid having to make the call to reception for an iron with this wrinkle-free compression garment bag from Eagle Creek. Currently on sale on Amazon for $30, this clothes organizer can hold up to 12 items with compression wings to keep everything tightly secured. Packing folders allow you to lay ironed clothing in stacks, preventing wrinkles during transit. 

Leakproof Toiletry Bottles

Though travel-size toiletry holders are not exactly new, this set from Dot&Dot is a favorite because of its leakproof build. The squeezable silicone also makes my favorite conditioners and lotions easy to get out. The 3-ounce silicon bottles are BPA-free and easy to clean with a wide mouth opening. A range of colors help differentiate between liquids. 

Collapsible Travel To-go Cup

If you never leave home without your refillable cup, consider this collapsible option from Stojo that even comes with a straw. For travelers on the go, shrinking the cup to just two inches can save space in your bag for other items. Separable parts include a heat sleeve, lid, collar, tab, straw, and cup. Best of all, it's made from platinum food-grade silicone, meaning no BPAs or lead. 

Laundry Detergent Sheets

Part of what makes believing in the power of carry-on packing only for longer trips difficult is the challenge of having clean clothes. Fortunately, these detergent sheets from Kind Laundry will allow you to revisit outfits instead of packing more, as well as avoid steep hotel dry cleaning fees. Free of parabens and harsh chemicals, the plant-powered sheets are easy to tuck into carry-ons and stay fresh while traveling. 

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How to Maximize Space as You’re Packing

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

The key to traveling well begins before you leave the house. For most people, packing is a pain. It has been for me for a long time. I’ve never traveled particularly well myself. The planes are too small. I don’t quickly adapt to time zone changes. The worse I felt, the easier it was to lose or misplace things as I traveled. Figuring out how to reduce what I carried with me and to organize the way I packed was the easiest way to lower my stress. But the number one rule is to not overthink it. Packing in a manner that maximizes your space and minimizes your confusion is only as difficult as you make it.

I’ve written about travel gear at Wirecutter for nearly a decade now. In that time I’ve explored all the most-popular packing methods, from rolling to bundling . I’ve spoken with countless one-bag travelers, assorted travel enthusiasts, and luggage designers. Here are the best tips I’ve picked up along the way.

What you need

• Packing cubes: You can compress your clothes and keep everything organized as you pack. Almost any packing cubes will do, but these are the best .
• Toiletry bag : Use these bags for keeping liquids and personal-care items separated and easily accessible. Or try a simple see-through bag such as the Osprey Ultralight Liquids Pouch .
• Small waterproof bags : Some personal items, such as things with high oil content, shouldn’t go in a basic toiletry bag. If they break or spill they could leak onto everything. For those items, I prefer waterproof bags like the Matador Flatpak Waterproof Toiletry Case or the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch .
• Roll-top bags: This is optional , but a waterproof roll-top bag, packed along the spine of your luggage, comes in handy as a separate laundry bag, emergency holdall, and sack for wet clothes if you get caught in the rain.

Reduce what you need to pack

Clothes are often the bulk of packing. There are many methods for narrowing down what you need, but personally, the best strategy I’ve found is laying out the clothes you want to pack, then trying to be honest about how much you need. Once you’ve narrowed it down to what you think is the barest possible packing list, toss out one or two more items. Yep, you heard me.

If you’re prone to overpacking and could use external structure, limit yourself intentionally: Pick a small carry-on bag or travel backpack and stick with it.

And if you’re the list-making type, you could try using a template like the 5,4,3,2,1 method as a framework to get you started, which suggests the following for a weeklong trip:

• five pairs of socks and five pairs of underwear
• three bottoms
• two pairs of shoes
• one hat and accessory

Other experts recommend a ratio method of 3:1 —three tops for every bottom you pack.

Need inspiration? Staff software engineer Rachel Fee recently went on a nearly three-month trip with only a carry-on travel backpack .

How to pack a bag

Time and again, packing cubes beat out every other method, including bundling and rolling. They’re reliable, efficient, and make for easy organization. Whatever space they sacrifice is more than made up for by their compression and Tetris-like ability to stack and organize your possessions as you pack and unpack—especially if you are traveling through several destinations!

But what about rolling versus folding into the packing cubes? Honestly, one method over the other doesn’t make too much of a difference. But, if you must: We suggest rolling your softer, less bulky garments like underwear and t-shirts and folding your stiffer items like dress shirts, khakis, and skirts.

How to pack toiletries

TSA's rules for liquids are pretty clear, but screening rules do sometimes seem to depend on which airport you’re passing through. That said, just in case you are asked to remove toiletries from your bag, keep them easily accessible and packed in a clear case or Ziploc within a dopp kit . To save extra space, consider purchasing all-in-one toiletries when you fly.

If you’re only traveling for a short amount of time, a dopp kit might not be necessary. Though I prefer the extra organization and spill protection from a lightweight bag like this from Sea to Summit or this from Topo . However, if you tend to take longer trips or travel with extra toiletries, try the Bensen Toiletry Kit from State Bags . It’s twice the price of our lightweight picks but unzips flat, carries more than its moderate size suggests, and comes with its own removable translucent pouch for TSA checks.

This article was edited by Brittney Ho, Amy Koplin, and Sofia Sokolove.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Mentioned above

• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  
• After stuffing, shaking, and dunking 23 toiletry bags, we chose six that can serve as your bathroom-in-a-bag in many travel scenarios. Here's what we recommend. The Best Toiletry Bags  
• After we tested 15 models on land and water, the durable and watertight Ortlieb Dry-Bag emerged as the standout winner. The Best Roll-Top Dry Bag  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  

Further reading

Carry-On Essentials for Packing Light

by Michael Zhao

This is the gear Wirecutter’s travel team relies on to pack light while doing more.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

by Kit Dillon

The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a great bag for tech-carrying travelers to slide under an airplane seat. We also have options for other travelers.

The Best Bike Handlebar Bag

by Sam Schild

After testing dozens of bike handlebar bags, we’ve chosen six that can carry all your riding essentials, no matter where you’re headed.

I’m a Chronic Overpacker. This Compression Sack Helps Me (Literally) Squeeze More Into My Luggage.

by Elissa Sanci

This cheap and easy-to-use compression bag makes it easy to pack days worth of essentials into a single backpack.

How to Use a Space Bag Without a Vacuum

Space saver bags (aka vacuum bags) help you conveniently store foods in the freezer. People also use them when they’re packing clothes and toiletries for travel. Space saver bags make everything so compact that you can put more things in your backpack. 

But, they are pretty useless if don’t know how to release the air and vacuum seal the bags. If you have a vacuum sealer, the job is pretty easy for you. However, if you don’t have one and aren’t planning to buy one, you have to know how to use a space bag without a vacuum .

Table of Contents

Using a Space Bag without a Vacuum

There are a few methods of vacuum sealing that you can use when you don’t have a vacuum sealer. ‘Putting it underwater is one of them. In this method, you have to put the space bag underwater and seal it. 

How to Seal Solid Foods

You can use this method to seal solid foods such as vegetables, beans, grains, and chicken breasts. Here is how to do it: 

• Take a large bowl or pot filled with water; lay down a towel nearby. 
• Put the solid foods into the vacuum bag. It’s better to spread the food evenly inside the bag, rather than make a swollen ball with it. 
• Release as much air as possible by pressing on the bag and press the seal as it gets almost closed. Leave a little corner unzipped. 
• Hold the little corner that was left unsealed; then dip the whole bag into water except the little corner on top. Press the bag with the other hand, making way for the trapped air to release. 
• As the bag has shrunk after releasing all air, press the corner zipped. 

Now take the bag out of water. If it still looks like there is air trapped in the bag, check if there is any fault in the bag. If don’t find anything wrong with the bag, then try again. 

Since it’s perfectly sealed, put the bag on the towel to dry. Now it’s ready to store. 

Pro Tip:   Before putting solid foods inside the bag, you can fold the bag outward, making it more convenient for you to put things inside. Because in this way the space bag can stand upright. Plus, you can avoid drips on the zip.

But, do it very carefully so that you don’t rip the edge of your bag apart. 

How to Seal Liquids

Sealing Liquid foods takes almost the same process except for some subtle differences. Here is the process:

• Fill the space bag almost all the way full, leaving a little place on top. 
• Press out as much air as you can and seal the bag almost closed, leaving a little path for the trapped air to release. 
• Press the bag against something until the air trapped inside the bag is released. When All the liquid will go below, check if there is any air left to release. If it’s the case, repeat the process and press all the air out. 
• Now seal the bag closed. It’s ready to store and freeze. 

After performing this process one or two times, you will understand better how it works. It is not as difficult as it seems to be. It’s worth giving it a try. 

Using a Straw

This method is not applicable when you want to seal liquids. However, you can follow this method to seal clothes and solid foods. Yet, it goes better in sealing clothes.

• Take a space bag and put your clothes in it. You need to fold your clothes before putting them in.
• Seal the bag almost close, leaving a little space for a straw to put inside. 
• Put the straw inside and take the air in your mouth the same as you take mango juice. Sounds weird, but it works. 
• As you can see there is no air left inside and the bag is shrunk, seal the bag fully closed. 

This way your bags will be more compact which means you can take a lot of things in your back. Although it is not a convenient way for vacuuming, you can still give it a try.

Also Read: 5 Finest Stroller Bag For Air Travel.

It is always convenient for you to use a vacuum sealer. Yet, as you don’t need to vacuum seal so often, you can use these hacks to get the job done. Among the tips I have shared, the immersion method is more likely to attract you. Because it’s the easiest way to vacuum seal your foodstuffs.

However, the other two processes are not as useless as some may deem. The real thing is you can save some money by using these methods.  As you now know how to use a space bag without a vacuum, it is worth giving it a try.

You May Also Like:

How To Choose A Cute Travel Bags For Mom.

Top 7 Lightweight Backpack With Water Bottle Holder.

6 High-Quality Portable Vacuum Pump for Space Saver Bag.

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How to Pack: Tips from the Experts on Maximizing Space

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As I dusted off my suitcase for my first trip during the pandemic last month, a familiar dread came over me. Despite my track record of packing for two-week vacations in a carry-on suitcase , the process always takes me days of agonizing over every. single. item . Still, as soon as I get out the door, inevitably there’s that one item I wish I had packed that I end up thinking about the rest of the trip.

Before I sunk back into old habits, I reached out to organization experts and flight attendants—the ultimate frequent travelers—to learn the tricks of the trade. Below, 10 of their best packing tips.

1. Use the right suitcase for the occasion

Often, our instincts are to choose luggage based on the length of the trip. While it’s a definite factor, what matters more is the kind of trip. “A compact or medium-sized suitcase is ideal for a city break or beach holiday because you can easily pack a lot of light garments, which you'll need for daily outfit changes when the weather is hot and you've been walking all day,” says Etihad Airways flight attendant Adina Elena Beldie. Hard-sides like Away’s The Bigger Carry-On and Monos’ Hybrid Carry-On , as well as soft-sides like Samsonite’s NuRoad Carry-On Spinner fit the bill.

“On the contrary, an outdoor adventure trip would require a larger suitcase for all of your hiking gear, like thick clothes and bulky footwear,” Beldie adds. Top choices in the category include the REI Co-Op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel or Osprey’s Shuttle Wheeled 130L bag . “Lastly, in my experience, a business trip usually means packing light, although this can vary depending on the duration of the trip,” she says. No matter the size, Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Hardside Luggage fits the chicness and practicality factors with its Compact Carry-On or Medium Check-In .

2. Take the weight off of you

There’s no need for you (or your back) to bear the burden. “If you’re flying to your destination, spinners are a must-have,” travel packing expert Anne McAlpin of Pack It Up says. It’s not just about the luggage itself—it also serves as a way for your carry-on tote to slip over the handle. “The weight of the bag is carried by the spinner, not your shoulders, making traveling through long airport terminals a breeze,” she says.

Though many totes can slip right over the handles of carry-on luggage or a checked bag, sets complete the look, like Delsey’s Chatelet Hard+ two-piece set or Kenneth Cole Reaction’s Chevron Spinner with a Tote .

3. Make a list and check it twice

As with so many essential life tasks, writing out what you need is never a bad idea. “Create a packing list that includes all of your essentials, and then separate ones that are customized to your [trip's] relevant needs,” say the women of The Home Edit , Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. One of the biggest mistakes people make, they say, is “just throwing things in a suitcase without a system in mind.”

A list can help you take note of if you’re over or underpacking, Beldie says, adding that, “Proper packing requires time.”

“I recommend adding items to your suitcase about a week in advance—not earlier than that as it’s important to check weather conditions at the destination, which will be more accurate closer to the trip,” she says.

If a handwritten list isn’t your speed, let your items be your visual list. “Lay everything out and start editing,” McAlpin says. “Hang outfits together, so you don’t forget anything.” She says to start two weeks ahead of time and to try everything on. “Part of the stress of packing is deciding what to take and what fits,” she says.

4. Find your own formula 

McAlpin says she’s been recommending her packing ratio—three to one, with three tops for every bottom—for more than 25 years. Most trips work with nine tops and three bottoms, especially when they’re in basic colors that mix and match. She also says not to exceed three pairs of shoes: running or exercise shoes, walking shoes, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops.

On the other hand, Beldie is about the twos. For each day of the trip, she says to think of two tops, two shorts, two T-shirts, two pants, and two undergarments . “For a business trip, packing two shirts per day is a good idea—one for meetings during the day, the other for dinner and night events,” she says.

For organizing guru Marie Kondo , it’s less about numbers and more about categories. “I recommend that you lay everything out first and categorize by type of item to give you a comprehensive look at how many items you have for each category,” she says. “Then fold everything into its smallest possible size. At that point, before you start filling the suitcase, pare down and be honest with yourself about what you really need for the trip.”

The most important aspect of the equation is simplicity: “What do you really need to have a joy-sparking trip? If your trip is for leisure, this is the opportunity to free yourself from everyday decision making and perhaps experience a simpler lifestyle. The fewer clothing options to choose from, the more you can focus on the joyful experience ahead,” she says. But there is one number she says to follow, “Leave 10 or 20 percent empty space so you can buy souvenirs and pack them for your return trip!”

Experts recommend laying everything out before packing your bag.

5. Consider clothing material and colors 

Eva Air senior assistant purser Jennifer Liao says to select the most packable clothing so you’re not constantly thinking about ironing. “Most flight attendants travel with clothes made from wrinkle-free fabrics such as synthetics, wool, denim, and knit—we don’t pack linen because it wrinkles so easily,” she says. Hues can also make a big difference. “The colors we pack are important. The darker the color, the fewer visible wrinkles,” Liao adds.

Tifsit Teferra, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, says to focus on a wide range of choices, too. She avoids packing too many of the same thing: “Why take up space with six tees when you can bring a variety of tops—variety is the spice of packing!”

6. Less is more

McAlpin’s packing motto is: “Less stuff, less stress.” She once traveled 21 days in a 21-inch carry-on that was less than 21 pounds—covering diverse climates from India and Jordan to New York City. That pack light mentality is echoed across the board.

“People tend to, quite literally, weigh themselves down when traveling,” Kondo says. “Remind yourself that traveling is temporary and should be about the actual trip itself rather than extensive wardrobe selections. Packing just a few outfits that you absolutely love will make getting ready each day a breeze. Select clothes that are comfortable, do not wrinkle easily , and that make you feel good about yourself.”

“Not all items will apply to all people, and not all items will apply to all trips,” Shearer and Teplin say. “So if you absolutely, without a doubt, cannot live without an item, then by all means, bring it! Just remember: You get the item or you get the space, but you don't get both.”

7. Organize your clothes vertically and tightly

Though some packers prefer laying clothes flat, the experts we talked to agree that rolling is key to save space. “Clothes should be folded into their smallest possible size,” Kondo says. “Thin fabrics are best to roll to prevent wrinkles. Another tidy trick is to tuck your folded underwear into bra cups within your suitcase—it keeps the undergarment category together and saves space.”

Think of your suitcase as a table of contents of sorts—you want to be able take one look and know everything inside. “The key here is to pack your items vertically so you can see them all at one glance,” Kondo says. “That way, you don’t have to take out everything to find the one item you are looking for.”

8. Categorize your contents

Take that idea one step further with packing cubes. “They will help use vertical space and adhere to a tidy routine while on the road,” Kondo says. KonMari partnered with Paravel on the Packing Cube Quad, a set of four that makes categorizing easy on the go. Kondo suggests using the smallest one for underwear, the largest for bulky items like outerwear and towels, one of the middle ones for clean clothes, and the other for dirty ones. “What’s great about the packing cubes is that you can place your vertically folded clothes into the cube from your drawer at home, then transfer them straight into the drawers at the hotel, so it’s easy to unpack at the destination,” she says.

The Home Edit team put a different spin on them in the form of pouches. “Packing squares are the real game-changer,” they say of their Zipper Pouch Set . “They are so versatile, which is key when you're needing to pack different items for every trip. The trick is finding packing squares that fit what you regularly pack. We designed our own set with Calpak because we wanted a version that was large enough for storing shoes as well!”

If you want to give your items an extra squeeze, McAlpin suggests Baggallini’s long compression packing cubes , which fit right into that awkward space between the handles of most luggage to maximize space.

Tech cords and chargers might need a slightly different method to remain neat. Kondo’s shop sells a Bellroy Tidy Tech Kit , while Teferra goes more homemade: “I fold cords and then use Velcro tape to secure them.”

9. Wear your bulkiest clothing

Though we’ve heard those infamous stories of people layering on clothes to save on baggage fees, there is a time and place for wearing some of your essential needs on your back. “If you are going to a cold weather location, I suggest wearing your bulkier items like a coat and boots, and always carry your water bottle,” Teferra says. If you do need to put them in your suitcase, Teferra says, “Bulky items should always go at the bottom of your suitcase, and it’s best to layer them flat—never fold or roll them.”

10. Keep travel essentials packed

“We always say, if you stay ready, you won't have to get ready,” The Home Edit women say. Especially for frequent travelers, instead of constantly packing and unpacking, keep the items that you always take with you packed. “It helps to organize your travel toiletries and accessories ahead of time so your packing routine is essentially grab-and-go,” they add.

Liao agrees, admitting that the Eva Air team travels so much that “some of us keep essential items that we never unpack in our luggage.” The advantage can shave tremendous time on packing for your next trip. “All we need to do before each flight is pack clothes.”

How to Use Packing Cubes to Save Space

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The difference between people who travel carry-on only and those who don’t is not necessarily what they pack but how they pack.

Below I share my tips on how to use packing cubes to fit more in your luggage and the best packing cubes and compression bags for travel.

During our 13 years of travelling with just carry-on luggage, we’ve learnt that how you pack is hugely important.

Most travellers agree that the best way to stay organised and save space is to use packing organisers.

They could be simple zip-lock bags or more durable (and environmentally-friendly) travel packing cubes or compression bags.

By using organisers, you can compartmentalise your travel gear with each bag or cube containing a different category of item.

Why Use Packing Cubes and Organisers?

Compression bags for travel, how do packing cubes work, the best packing cubes, packing cubes vs compression bags, more packing posts.

Using travel packing organisers has many advantages:

• Pack more efficiently – It’s easy to pack when you know what goes in each cube and how each cube fits in your luggage. It’s like a game of Tetris—rearrange the cubes and other items until they fit perfectly into your bag, and then stick with your system. You’ll feel less stressed when packing, as you know everything will fit.
• Find things easily – Your cubes work like drawers at home. You know what’s in them, so you can take out the relevant cube rather than rummaging around at the bottom of your suitcase.
• Save space – You can squeeze a surprising amount of clothes into a cube, so you can pack more. Compression bags are even better as they remove excess air.
• Keep clothes clean and dry – Some organisers are water resistant and all offer protection from dirt. They can also be used to protect clothes in dusty hotel drawers.
• Prevent overpacking – Limit what you pack by choosing an organiser for each category.

Creating your own packing system will make travel much easier whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase—I highly recommend trying it.

There are a number of options:

Back to Contents

If you are struggling to fit everything into your luggage, consider travel compression bags for packing clothes.

These are sealable plastic bags with one-way pressure valves that let air out but not in. By removing excess air, your clothes are compressed, and you save space.

Compression packing bags work particularly well for bulkier items like fleeces and sweaters, so they are useful when packing for cold weather .

As the bags are airtight, they keep your clothes clean and dry—good to know if you get caught in a heavy rain shower or on a small boat with sea spray.

How to Use Travel Compression Bags

Compression bags are simple to use. You fold your clothes and lay them flat inside the bag, seal the zip-lock top, then roll the bag, squeezing out all the air.

It helps to do this on the floor and perhaps kneel on it to use your body weight to squeeze out as much air as possible.

When choosing a compression bag, make sure it is suitable for travel—you should be able to remove the air by rolling it rather than with a vacuum cleaner.

Some luggage compression bags are flimsy and tear easily; it’s worth investing in a durable bag, as it’s difficult to find replacements abroad.

Compression packing bags come in a range of sizes. You can choose a large bag for all your clothes or smaller bags to separate items.

The downsides of compression bags are that your clothes get a little creased; you have to uncompress the bag to access items—not very convenient if you need something on a travel day—and they can tear, which is why it’s worth paying more for a sturdy bag.

It can take effort to roll the bag, especially if it’s full. I admit I got Simon to roll mine whenever possible, as he was better at removing the air than I was.

It’s also annoying if the seal isn’t very good and the air leaks out, expanding the bag and making it a struggle to fit in your luggage. We haven’t had this issue with good quality bags, though.

The Best Compression Bags for Travel

I’ve tried a range of clothes compression bags. My favourite are the robust Packmate travel roll storage bags , which come with a lifetime guarantee and free replacements of the slider that seals the bag. Unfortunately, they are only available in the UK. 

The Eagle Creek Pack-it compression sac is also excellent—the plastic is nylon reinforced, and it is covered by Eagle Creek’s lifetime warranty.

It can be hard to find, though. The Cozy Essentials travel roll up bags are an alternative, although we haven’t tried them yet.

Don’t confuse plastic rollable compression bags with nylon compression sacks , like those used to store a sleeping bag. Some travellers use these, but you are better off with compression bags, which remove more air, or packing cubes, which keep your clothes more organised and accessible.

For five years we both travelled with a large compression bag for our clothes. They worked well, but we eventually tired of rolling the bags and switched to a new type of compression packing cube . I explain how do compression packing cubes work below.

We do still occasionally use roll up compression bags, especially if we are travelling to a cold destination with bulky clothes.

What are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are zippered fabric containers, usually in a rectangular shape, for organising your items and making them easier to find in your luggage. They come in a range of sizes and are often sold as sets.

Unlike compression bags, you can use them to organise all kinds of gear, not just clothes.

For example, you could have one large cube for your clothes, a small cube for underwear, and another for your electronic accessories—chargers, cables, etc.

You know exactly where each item is kept, and when you need it, you just take out the appropriate cube.

Using packing cubes has some advantages over compression bags:

• It’s easier to access your clothes, as you don’t need to release the air
• They are more durable
• They stack neatly in your luggage
• Your clothes will be less creased

The downside is that, although they take up less room compared to packing your clothes loose, they don’t compress as much as a bag designed for that purpose.

Are packing cubes worth it? While they can seem pricey at first, we’ve found that good quality cubes last years and are worth it to save space and keep your luggage organised. 

How to Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are easy to use—just roll or fold your clothes and place them inside the cube then zip it up.

I prefer to roll my clothes as it maximises space and makes it easier to access each item when they are in neat rows.

For bulkier items like jeans, I’ll fold them and place them in the bottom of the cube.

You can organise your cubes however you prefer such as by type of clothes or activity—use different colours to make them easy to identify.

I currently have a small cube for underwear and socks, another small one for workout gear, and two medium cubes for other clothes. As I’m travelling between variable climates, I use a different cube for summer clothes and winter clothes.

Some people choose to have a cube for tops and another for bottoms.

If you are travelling as a family, use a different colour for each person.

How to Use Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes work is much the same way as regular packing cubes.

The difference is that compression cubes have an additional zipper around the side of the cube. This allows you to squeeze the cube down even further.

Start with the side compression zips unzipped, pack your cube as above, and zip up the main section.

Then once your cube is full, zip up the side zip, and it will become even more compact.

If your cube is quite full (as mine usually are!), you might need to push down your clothes and do the zip up slowly to get it to close all the way around.

Yes, it’s a bit more work than a regular packing cube, but it does make the cube smaller and easier to pack.

How to Choose Packing Cubes

Popular packing cube brands include Eagle Creek , Peak Design , and REI .

When choosing packing cubes, durability is the most important attribute—you want a strong material with quality zips so that you can stuff as much in as possible without them breaking.

The size and other features come down to personal preference and how you want to organise your things.

Many cubes have a mesh top for breathability and so you can see inside—I don’t find this necessary as I know what’s in my cubes.

If you buy cubes in different sizes and colours, identification is easy. This is useful for families sharing a suitcase—each family member could have a different coloured cube.

I’m a big fan of Eagle Creek packing cubes. The build quality is excellent, and they come with a lifetime warranty.

I have used one of the older style Eagle Creek Pack It cube with a mesh top for 13 years of constant travel, and it’s still going strong.

When we decided to switch from compression bags to packing cubes, we tried Eagle Creek compression cubes, which are like ordinary cubes but with a compression zipper around the side that squeezes them into a smaller size.

They turned out to be the perfect compromise. We could fit everything we needed into the cube, but it’s easier to use than a compression bag, with quick access and no need for rolling the bag.

There’s a whole Eagle Creek Pack It system including cubes, travel bags (for small items), and packing folders (to minimise wrinkles in shirts and trousers).

We travel with the cubes for our clothes and the Etools Organizer Pro (no longer available but this Bagsmart electronics organizer is similar) for our electronics cables and accessories. 

Although I’ve been an Eagle Creek loyalist for years, Simon now travels with Peak Design packing cubes —see the full review below. 

Eagle Creek Reveal Classic Packing Cubes

For years Simon travelled with the Eagle Creek Pack-It compression cube with a mesh top, and we still think it’s an excellent packing cube.

A newer version is the similar Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal cubes , although this no longer has a compression zip.

The advantages of this classic Eagle Creek cube design is that it has more structure, it unzips on three sides for easy access, and the mesh top allows you to see inside. It’s also cheaper.

It’s heavier than the Specter or Isolate cubes (see below), but the fabric is more robust and long-lasting.

Eagle Creek Lightweight Compression Cubes

I use the Eagle Creek compression cubes—a mix of the older Spectre cubes and the newer Pack It Isolate cubes .

I have two medium cubes for my main clothes and a small cube for my workout clothes.

These ultralight packing cubes are the lightest on the market, made from translucent silnylon ripstop.

Specter and Isolate cubes are more expensive than the mesh cubes, but they are water and stain resistant and are amazingly light.

Eagle Creek Specter Cubes

A medium Specter compression cube weighs 57 g/2 oz, which is much lighter than the mesh compression cube (134 g/4.7 oz).

The biggest downside of the Specter cubes is that they only unzip part the way around, not on three sides like most cubes.

This makes clothes slightly less accessible, but as I roll my clothes, I can easily reach in and grab what I need.

As the fabric is so much lighter, they are not as robust as the mesh cubes. After about four years of constant use, one of my Specter cubes tore along the seam. I do really pack it full and squeeze the zippers tight though.  

The new Isolate cubes are more robust—see below.

You can sometimes get better deals on the Specter cubes, so I still think they are worth considering.

Click here for current prices and reviews of the ultralight Eagle Creek Specter compression cubes .

Eagle Creek Isolate Cubes

The newer Eagle Creek Isolate compression cubes are slightly heavier than the Specter cubes (a medium is 2.6 oz/ 73 g), but they have solved a couple of the issues.

The fabric and zips are more robust, and I haven’t had an issue after 18 months of travel with them.

They also open fully on three sides so it’s easier to access your clothes.

Overall I think Eagle Creek Isolate cubes are the best compression packing cubes. They are light, robust, and squeeze a surprising amount in.

Buy the Eagle Creek Isolate cubes here .

Peak Design Packing Cubes

In recent years we’ve also been impressed by Peak Design Packing Cubes .

Simon has now switched to using these with a medium for his clothes and a small for underwear and socks.

They are the most stylish looking cubes we’ve tried and are made from a lightweight 70D nylon/poly blend in an attractive grey colour.

They are similar to the Eagle Creek Specter and Isolate cubes in that they have a floppier rather than structured form, but it’s easier to access your clothes as they open fully on three sides.

They even have a unique tear-away zipper that allows you to quickly access the contents. 

They also have a compression zipper around the side, but I find it doesn’t compress quite as much as the Eagle Creek compression cubes.  

The medium Peak Design cube has a capacity of up to 18L, while a medium Eagle Creek Isolate cube is 14L, so the Peak Design medium does fit more in (a pro or con depending on how you like to arrange your stuff).

The Peak Design cubes are heavier than the Isolate at 144g (5.1oz) for the medium vs the Isolate’s 73g, but the extra features and space may be worth it. 

You can certainly pack a lot in: 

A really useful feature of the Peak Design cubes is the two separate compartments.

The top of the cube opens fully for you to store your clean clothes, and when they are dirty you can shove them in the bottom compartment (which opens along one side) to keep them separate. 

Simon has been using his Peak Design cubes for four years and they look as good as new. They are well made with an abrasion and rip-resistant coating and are covered by the Peak Design lifetime warranty. 

The Peak Design cubes are definitely a contender for the best packing cubes, especially if you want a more stylish design or a way to store dirty laundry.

Click here to buy the Peak Design packing cubes on the Peak Design website .

Or find Peak Design cubes on REI .

Should you use packing cubes or compression bags on your next trip?

Packing cubes are easier to use than compression bags, so I recommend starting with them.

If you are struggling to fit everything in or are travelling in cold weather  or on a ski trip , try a compression bag instead.

A compression bag could also be used to bring home clothes purchased on your trip. Even if you use a compression bag for your clothes, packing cubes are useful for organising other items.

Compression packing cubes are the best compromise for us. I’ve been using my Eagle Creek compression cubes for full-time travel for eight years and they are perfect for me—even when I pick up extra clothes or travel in the winter , I can still fit everything in.

The Peak Design compression packing cubes are also well worth considering. Simon loves the stylish design, separate laundry compartment, and durable fabric.  

Whichever luggage organiser you decide on, you won’t regret it. They create more space in your bag and make packing and finding items so much easier. They really are the secret to carry-on only travel.

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33 Comments

Thanks for the informative post, I’ll check out other aspects of your site :_

Reply ↓

The title is ‘how to use packing cubes’. You don’t address the question posed.

What else would you like to know?

For the best compression bags, get the pac n stack bags. The set comes with a very small vacuum to remove air. Easy to put in your bag to use when you repack. Removes LOTS of air. I remove one of the 3 AAA batteries when traveling so the vacuum doesn’t turn on by accident. Can get on Amazon or through the pac n stack website.

Thanks for the tip!

Where did my comment go? I spent ten minutes writing one; what happened? It is NOT spam, malicious, or any other detrimental comment to your site, so what happened?

Sometimes genuine comments get caught up in the automatic spam filter but I have approved it now.

Nice article, but three things that I think are important were NOT mentioned:

1- SIZE of clothing should be taken into consideration; my husband is 6′ and I am 5’7″. he also has some weight added onto his frame. NO WAY are these going to fit his clothes–even if he doesn’t have weight. These are for the small-average sized people. His shoes are a size 12; again, no way will these all fit, which is why we’re stuck with paying for luggage on planes.

2- The tighter you roll, squeeze, compress, etc. the more weight it becomes in your luggage\carry on\backpack. That is a law of physics. If you vacuum out air, it will cause the bag to weigh more. Do it this “new” (but not really new) way, then take that packing apparatus and weigh IT, using a luggage scale (Samsonite has a great one at $10) and you’ll be surprised at how much weight these are AFTER you’ve packed them.

and lastly,

3- It is EXTREMELY important that you weigh your luggage\carry on\backpack, since all of them also weigh something over 3 lbs. Even if you were to use a backpack or carry on to avoid checking luggage, some airlines REQUIRE you to weigh them. The secret is to buy lightweight carrying equipment BEFORE you pack anything.

Nice article, except, there is no way you’re saving space with packing cubes. Unless they are negative space sci-fi cubes, you are filling more space with the cubes than without them. It’s the organizing that may make you feel like you’re saving space.

Love these tips! I’m a huge fan of carry-on only travel as well, and have only recently stumbled across the packing cube phenomenon. They really are a game changer. I have a pair of the Eagle Creek Spector, but I thing I’m going to add the compression versions to my arsenal. Thanks for the direction. Very helpful post.

I’m glad you found the post useful. Packing cubes really are amazing!

Hi…my name is Yustika i am really interested in buying any packing cubes, as mentioned the packing cube is to help to compress , organize your item when travelling and also to keep more space in luggage. may i know how much space we can keep if using packing cube inside the luggage?

It really depends on what you are packing. I recommend buying some and doing a test pack. It will definitely save you space and keep your luggage more organised!

I’ve been using one of those mesh top Eagle Creek cubes since 1997! Seriously! It has been to 51 countries with me.

But, I love the look of those compression cubes. I’ve never heard of those before and would love to try them out!

Wow! And I thought mine were doing well! I love how well made the Eagle Creek cubes are. The compression cubes are great as you can squeeze even more in. I keep buying more clothes but somehow they still fit!

Just came across this, excellent advice…thanks! I have a question though, what’s the best way to deal with dirty clothes and keeping the system working throughout the trip? That’s where I struggle, especially if we are moving around every few days to a new hotel…pack/unpack, pack/unpack ?

We keep stuff that isn’t that dirty (like trousers and t-shirts that don’t smell) in our main cube and pack our used underwear/smelly tops separately – I use a zip lock bag and Simon uses one of the spare compartments of his bag. You could also buy a separate packing cube for dirty laundry (the Eagle Creek Specter cubes would be good as they are so light) or Eagle Creek makes a cube especially for this purpose – you use one side for clean and one for dirty: http://amzn.to/2tAE0CD

What kind of backpack is that? (The gray one. )

Osprey Farpoint 40. Our review is here: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-carry-on-backpack-digital-nomads/

I don’t have a Kindle and would like to purchase a hard copy of your book. When will a hard copy/paperback be available?

We have actually just released it so it should be showing up as a paperback in the Amazon store:

you know it is not good idea, don’t need to carty all the staff, just Take necessary clothes and in your bag will be enough room, it is very simple

The clue is the compression bags but I don’t know I am not that type of girl I always want to pack alot of things

Be careful with compression bags/cubes, because you can pack more in the allowed space it is easy to go over weight!

We do often go overweight (mostly because we have a lot of electronics to work on the road), but we never have our bags weighed. We find that compressions bags help make your bag look smaller, so the airline doesn’t notice it.

If you have a backpack, most airlines won’t even bother to weigh it in my experience. If you have a regular carry on it can cause trouble, though.

I love the Eagle Creek compression cubes! On our last trip to the US, we bought two sets of them with our R.E.I. dividend – best idea ever :) Makes organizing clothes so much easier, and saves space to boot!

That are fantastic, aren’t they? Glad you found them useful!

I use compression bags and didn’t know that compression cubes existed. I will give the cubes a try for easier access to my things. Thanks! I always learn something new/interesting from your posts.

I think they are pretty new. I hope they work out for you!

What a great post. Loved the idea. This reminds me of our last trip to Singapore with our Daughter. At that she was 1.5 years old and she was hooked on a particular brand of milk (that we were sure that it won’t be available in Singapore). We ended up packing 27 quarter litter bottles for her. Customs officer at Changi was bit nervous and curious why so much milk.

Any way will definitely give compression bags a chance during my next trip

Wow, that’s a lot of milk :) I hope the compression bags work out for you!

Packing has always been a torture for me. This post gave really great advice to soother my burden, I’ll definitely check out your book as well! Thanks a lot!

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• Home & Kitchen
• Storage & Organization
• Clothing & Closet Storage
• Space Saver Bags

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8 Space Saver Bags, No Vacuum Needed, Roll-Up Compression Packing, Travel Essentials, For Suitcases

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Travel essentials: 4 L seal packing bags - 28x20" (70x50 cm) and 4 M size travel vacuum bags for clothes - 24x16" (60x40 cm) air tight clothes bags. If you don't like the packing bags for travel, we'll buy them back.
• Travel space saver bags. Three times more clothes in your luggage: suitcase or backpack. For your clothes, towels, blankets.
• You don't need a vacuum or pump to use the space saver bags for travel for suitcases. All you need is to zip the roll up suction bags, roll in order to push air out through the valves at the bottom of the bag.
• The travel compression bags are airtight, and they protect your clothes from odors, bugs, moths, dust or dampness.
• The Chestnut space bags for travel are perfect for clothing storage, towels, sheets and pillowcases at home for seasonal storage. Can be used as a dirty clothes organizer for travel.

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Product Description

How to Effectively Use Your Space Saver Bags

To ensure the best performance of our space saver bags, please follow these simple steps:

• Fill the Bag: Do not overfill. Ensure that items are placed evenly within the bag, leaving a few inches from the zip seal to avoid overstuffing. Don't overload the space-saver bag: leave about two inches of space from the zipper closure when filling it. This margin helps ensure that the bag can be sealed properly without straining the zipper or seams, allowing for efficient air extraction and maintaining the integrity of the bag over time.
• Seal with Care: Close the zip seal securely. For best results, run your fingers along the zipper track to press and seal tightly, ensuring no air escapes.
• Remove Air Efficiently: It's important to apply firm pressure to the bag as you roll the bag. Press down harder than usual to ensure all air is extracted. This may require more force than expected to achieve optimal compression.
• Check the Seal: After pushing out the air, double-check the zip seal and press down any areas that appear to have air leaks. A good seal keeps the bag compressed and your items protected.

By following these steps, you'll maximize the efficiency of your space saver bags and enjoy a more compact, organized storage solution.

Why do you need the Chestnut Space Saver Bags?

✔Are odors, bugs, moths, dirt and dampness your worst enemies when it comes to traveling or the seasonal storage of your clothes. Not only do The Chestnut Space Saver Bags protect your clothes, towels, sheets, and pillowcases from these local disasters, but they also reduce the storage space by up to 75%.

✔Do you want to be the envy of all of your colleagues by having the smallest suitcase on your next business trip. Now you will be able to take with you only one suitcase instead of three.

✔Compression bags are reusable, so we hope they will have some quality time visiting all the interesting places you go to.

✔Why are we telling you that The Chestnut Space Saver Bags are irreplaceable for travelers? You don't need a vacuum or pump to use them, just roll the bag starting from the zipper to push the air out through the valves on the other side of the bag and you are ready to conquer the world with your tiny suitcase packed with all your belongings.

How To Use The Chestnut Space Saver Bags?

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Customer Review: My travel "vacuum" bags

Customer Review: These are perfect, reusable, even the small is large!

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A Must-Have For Traveling - Save Space In Your Suitcase

Is Zip&Win the largest Vacuum Storage Bag on Amazon?

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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the ease of use, size, performance, and quality of the storage bags. For example, they mention that it makes packing and organizing so much easier, the various bag sizes are a major plus, and that they work surprising well. That said, opinions are mixed on value, air resistance, and sealing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the storage bag easy to use. They mention that it makes packing and organizing so much easier, especially bulky items. They also say it compacts well for packing and is useful when packing for a trip. Customers also say the storage bags come with instructions and are reusable.

"...They were easy to use , and freed up space in our suitcase for souvenirs. I'll take these on every trip from now on." Read more

"...These make packing and organizing so much easier , especially bulky items." Read more

"...They are easy to use and there is very little hassle with them ." Read more

"I purchased these for my trip to Kansas City, which helped keep my luggage neatly packed . I found it difficult to push the air out while using it...." Read more

Customers like the size of the storage bags. They say that they save space, the medium size is great, and the various bag sizes are a major plus. They mention that the bags are huge, and can easily pack a lot of clothing. Some say that the large bags can fit nicely in a 20-inch roller bag.

"...They were easy to use, and freed up space in our suitcase for souvenirs. I'll take these on every trip from now on." Read more

"...This has 2 different size options , and the large ones are quite a bit larger than I expected...." Read more

"...But it did save space in my suitcase ." Read more

"... Can be a space saver if you do it right. Had some difficulty being able to make them work. I couldn't get them to let out the air through the valve...." Read more

Customers like the performance of the storage bags. They mention that they work well, are useful, and do as intended. Some say that the bags are amazing and useful for travel.

"... Worked like a charm . My traveling companion was jealous of how much I fit in my bag so I sent her the link...." Read more

"These worked pretty well though I don’t think they saved all that much space. They are easy to use and there is very little hassle with them." Read more

"Just got done packing for a two week trip and these worked great !..." Read more

"...of high quality thick plastic, have NO awful plastic odor & work exactly as advertised ...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the storage bags. They say they're well made, durable, and reusable. They also say the bags are made of high quality thick plastic and don't rip or tear. Some customers say the bag lasts longer when stored flat.

"These bags are pretty good . I bought them to consolidate space in my suitcase for an international trip...." Read more

"...They seem durable also! Definitely a game-changer for travel!" Read more

"They are what is described by the manufacturer but a bit flimsy as the slider clips keep falling off" Read more

"... Fairly durable : been able to use same bags for 4 different trips so far." Read more

Customers like that there is no need to vacuum with the storage bags. They say it keeps clothes clean and protected from other items. Some customers also mention that it's great for dirty laundry and keeps clean and dirty clothes separate.

"...I love that you dont need a vacuum for anything to make this work" Read more

"...after closing the top you roll the bag to expel the air, no vacuum pump needed ...." Read more

"... No vacuum needed . Super easy to use. Saves so much space...." Read more

"...It is reusable and it does not require a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out so it is perfect for travelers...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the storage bag. Some mention it's well worth the cost, has great quality for the price, and works well enough for the money. Others say it'd be expensive for a one-time use and a waste of money.

"I felt like these didn’t work as well as I hoped but worked good enough for the price ." Read more

"This product is amazing. I would say good price over all . Worth your money and time...." Read more

"...And yes some of the plastic zips fell off. Seems expensive for one-time use . For the price these should not be disposable after one use...." Read more

"...for some seasonal linens but they're pretty handy for travel and inexpensive ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the air resistance of the storage bag. Some mention that it's easy to zip and push the air out, while others say that it was hard to get the air.

"...I found it difficult to push the air out while using it...." Read more

"...It's nice that they are removable so you can borrow them from another bag to close it, but it's also a bummer that you can loose them so easily...." Read more

"...bags and don't allow space in your bags, you will have difficulty sucking up the air out ...." Read more

"...I put them in the bags and they were super easy to zip and push the air out . They seem durable also! Definitely a game-changer for travel!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the sealing of the storage bag. Some mention that they keep their seal, while others say that they don't hold the seal very well. Some say that the seal rips off the bag rendering it unusable.

"...But, it holds it's seal well and it can be stored flat or rolled up. Easy to open and reseal. Holds a good amount of clothes." Read more

"...That said, I have had trouble getting the air out occasionally because the vent is blocked and it can be hard to know exactly how to rectify the..." Read more

"...They are easy to use and actually stay sealed . The manufacturer directions are very good...." Read more

"...on and it worked the only thing I disliked was the way you had to seal your items , the tab piece kept getting lost by the end of the trip I only..." Read more

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Travelfornoobs

The Complete Packing List for Moscow

Moscow packing list – what you need to bring, how to pack for moscow.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Moscow. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Moscow gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Moscow.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Moscow will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Moscow:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Moscow will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Moscow now on Booking.com

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Book now your activities in Moscow on Getyourguide:

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