The most space-saving way to pack a suitcase

For a no-brainer guide to packing for your next overseas trip, follow these steps.

By Simply Her - 12 Nov 2015

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PACKING ORDER

Place hardy and heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase nearest the wheels and lighter items near the retractable handle. This keeps the suitcase from toppling over when you stand it upright and prevents lighter clothes from getting crushed. For no-brainer packing before your next overseas trip, follow this step-by-step guide.

This story was first published in Simply Her September 2014.

Step 1

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Put chunky shoes like sneakers and wedges into plastic or cloth bags and place them at the bottom of the suitcase.

Step 2

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Place heavy clothing like jeans, and winter wear like sweaters, at the bottom of the case. Use them to wrap and cushion fragile items, if any.

Step 3

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To maximise space and minimise creasing, roll lighter clothing like tops, skirts and shorts and arrange them snugly in a row. If packing for your kids, their clothes should be in this part of the suitcase as well.

Step 4

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Tuck delicate undergarments into the upper corners of the case – the least likely part of the suitcase to be affected by external pressure. Fill the spaces with rolled-up clothes or socks to preserve the shape of the undergarments.

Step 5

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Pack other underwear in a bag and tuck it in at the top or sides of the case.

Step 6

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Spread a blazer or large sweater over all the clothes, then fasten the compression straps over it, to prevent things from falling out of place.

Step 7

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Slot toiletries (decanted into travel-size bottles), flat footwear like slippers and other miscellaneous items into the flap on the inner lid of the suitcase.