Getting your luggage ready for a trip can seem like a massive undertaking, but it's possible to pack a suitcase in under 30 minutes. Perhaps you've woken up late and are in a rush to pack or maybe you travel so regularly that you don't want to waste precious time packing. Whatever your reason, packing a suitcase needn't be time-consuming.
Picking the right case to pack your clothes in and having a clear head about what you need to bring with you makes the process easier. With a little organization, packing a suitcase in under 30 minutes should be no problem.
Start with a suitcase that's the correct size to fit everything you need. If you choose a case that is too compact, you'll need to repack in a larger one or make difficult decisions about what to bring and what to leave behind, which costs time. If you pick luggage that's larger than you need, you'll spend more time filling it with unnecessary items. Consider the length of your trip and choose a suitcase size accordingly.
Make a mental note of the types of clothes and other items you'll need so you aren’t in a panic when confronting your closet. If you're going on a beach vacation, pack bathing suits, tank tops, shorts and other casual clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and so on. However, your wardrobe and other packing choices will be very different for a city break in the winter or a business trip. This might seem like a basic piece of advice, but it's easy to get flustered when you're in a hurry, so taking a calm minute to think about what you need before you get started packing can really help.
When you're packing quickly, you won't have time to make an exhaustive list (unless you're preparing in advance), but you can quickly jot down the essentials you can't afford to forget, such as your passport and medication. Pack these essential items first. Unless you're heading somewhere extremely rural, you should be able to buy most things you might forget to pack, so don't stress too much.
Of course, you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new wardrobe when you get to your destination, but if you have to buy toothpaste or a new bathing suit, it's not the end of the world. If you travel regularly, you might want to make a general packing list to refer to each time or buy a packing list notebook.
The fewer clothes you need to pack, the less time it will take you to gather and fold them. Try building your wardrobe around garments you can wear a couple of times during your trip, such as shorts or pants you can wear with different tops, or a sweater that works with a few different outfits. A decent pair of jeans go a long way, assuming the weather's right for them wherever you're headed.
Before you pack everything, lay it out on the bed, table or sofa. This helps you make sure you've got everything you need. When you shift tasks quickly, such as getting one item of clothing out of a drawer, folding it, then packing it, it takes longer than when you group the same tasks together. So get everything out, fold them all up, then pack them into your suitcase. You should get in the swing of the job at hand and end up moving quicker than going back and forth between tasks.
Most people do it at one time or another, but there's really no need to pack 10 tops for a five-day trip, multiple pairs of pants of the same cut or several pairs of smart shoes—just in case. Think carefully about what you're packing because the less you bring, the faster you can pack your case.
If you travel regularly, keep a small toiletry bag ready to go. Travel-size toiletries are handy, both to save space and for meeting liquid rules when flying. If you don't want to buy travel-size toiletries every time, you can buy small travel bottles to decant into. Remember, if you're flying with a carry-on only, all liquids must be packed in a small, clear bag and taken out of your luggage prior to going through security, so don't pack them deep inside your bag.
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
This top-quality hard-sided Samsonite luggage is an excellent choice for anyone who regularly travels. It's available in a range of colors and sizes to suit most individuals.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond
If you want the perfect bag to pack your toiletries in, look no further. It's clear and TSA approved, so you can use it for liquids when flying; there's no need to unpack and repack your toiletry bag at security or fly with your toiletries in a plastic baggie.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cubes Set
Some people find it easier to pack with them and some don't, but if you're on team packing cube, these are lifesavers. When you have time to prepare in advance but want to pack quickly on the day of travel, fill your packing cubes the day before and simply transfer them to your suitcase.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
