Let’s face it – packing can be a challenge. It starts off exciting as you unzip your luggage and throw it open on your bed. But then soon enough, you’re drowning in a muddle of clothing, chargers, and (often unnecessary) last minute items.      

Sound familiar? You aren’t the first to break under the strain of getting your luggage sorted before an important trip, and you certainly won’t be the last.

However, all is not lost. There are a variety of ways that you can level up your luggage packing experience with some easy hacks. You’re in exactly the right place to find out about them!

Here are 5 doable ways to make packing a joy, rather than a stress:

1)     Drop and roll.  There is a reason why this has become the classic ‘go-to’ for experience hack packers. Rolling your clothing will not only save space – it will save your clothes from creasing so much! What’s not to love, right?

2)     Find sneaky storage.  Shoes and evenings bags are just two examples of items that can be used to store items such as rolled (see last tip) smaller items of clothing and underwear. Use every inch of possible capacity to ensure you maximise on the total space in your luggage.

3)     Invest in some packing cubes.  No one enjoys the chaos a suitcase turns into when you arrive at your destination, and you can’t find the outfit you need. Plus, if this is a multi-stop trip then you’ll need to keep things organised. Use 2 large and 3 small packing cubes change the game for good.

4)     Make a list, then chop it.  Ever overpacked? Yes, we all have! Eliminate unnecessary items ahead of time by making a list of what you want to take on a trip and then editing it as harshly as possible. Stick to the list when packing, and you’ll save time and possibly money from extra weight charges.

5)     Multi-purpose your way to success.  2-in-1 body wash and shampoo, multi-head chargers, and drawstring luggage bags that turn into laundry storage are all friends to space saving for the savvy traveller. Get creative! You’ll be amazed how many items you’ll end up leaving behind.

No one wants to get caught out in a foreign land without something they need. But want is very different from need. Challenge yourself to only pack what you truly love and need, and no more.

As long as you have specific medications, your passport, credit cards and your smartphone then you can often buy whatever you need wherever you are. Embrace local goods and reduce wasteful purchasing wherever possible.

Soon enough, smart packing will become routine. Think of all the extra time you’ll have to look forward to your travels instead of worrying about how to fit in a third charger ‘just in case’ before you leave for the airport!