8 tips for lighter luggage

Summer, sun, beach- your holiday is calling and it’s time to pack your suitcase. To ensure that everything important is packed and you don’t take unnecessary baggage with you, we will show you 8 brilliant tips on how to pack your suitcase to save space.

Practical tips for packing your suitcase correctly

Before you start packing for your trip, consider the destination you're heading to, whether it's for a mountain hike or a beach getaway, as it will influence the type and amount of clothing you'll need. Decide between heavy hiking boots or light sandals based on your planned activities. Consider if you need sturdy shoes for hiking or a beach ball for relaxing by the shore. Take your time to pack to avoid forgetting essential items when feeling rushed. Here are some top tips to help you stay organized and calm while packing.

Packing tip 1: Create a list

Here, you can jot down all the crucial items. Quickly write down everything that comes to mind to ensure nothing is overlooked. Next, aim to streamline your belongings to the essentials. You may identify items that are not truly necessary. The fewer items in your suitcase, the more efficient it will be in terms of space. Our additional packing advice can also assist in trimming down your luggage.

Packing tip 2: Check with your accommodation beforehand

You can avoid packing some bulky items in your suitcase if you ask about the amenities at your accommodation or hotel in advance.

For example, towels or a hairdryer are often part of the standard equipment.

Often the use of a washing machine is included in the overnight price, or the hotel offers a laundry service for a small fee.

If this is the case in your accommodation, you will need to take even less clothing with you overall.

Packing tip 3: Travel light

When packing your suitcase, remember that less is more. The fewer items you carry, the less energy is needed for transportation, benefiting both you and the mode of transport.

Here's a helpful tip: Organise your luggage based on outfits. By planning what you'll wear each day of your vacation, you'll realise how much clothing is truly necessary.

For even greater efficiency, ensure that your outfit components can be mixed and matched. This concept, known as a capsule wardrobe in modern German, allows for versatile outfit combinations.

To extend the wear of your clothing or address any unexpected stains while traveling, consider bringing a laundry bag. With lukewarm water and a bit of soap, you can easily wash select items between wears, minimising the need for extra clothing in your suitcase.

Packing tip 4: Get an overview

Before packing, arrange all the items you intend to bring next to your suitcase. This method allows you to assess if everything you intended to bring will fit in your luggage. This process also enables you to promptly identify any forgotten items or decide if the fourth pair of shoes can be left behind. As you organize your packing, take a moment to review and check off the items on your prepared packing list. This ensures that you pack all the essential items in your suitcase.

Packing tip 5: The right packing technique

Now it's time to pack your suitcase! Simply throwing everything into your suitcase is not a good idea.

First of all, it is important to pack in the right order. Heavy and large items such as shoes or books should go in the suitcase first. This way, your clothes will be protected and won't wrinkle.

When packing your suitcase, make sure that no items of clothing get caught in the zippers of your suitcase. This can lead to the zipper becoming blocked later and, in the worst case, to tears in your clothing.

Then come the small items: socks and rolled up belts can be easily packed into the openings of your shoes.

This way you can use every gap and your shoes will keep their shape even in a narrow suitcase.

Packing tip 6: The right care products

A smart space-saving tip is to opt for solid care products. For instance, a solid shampoo, stored in a convenient box, can easily fit into any suitcase.

An added bonus is that solid products do not leak, unlike liquid ones, ensuring the contents of your suitcase remain clean.

To save space further, consider using 3-in-1 products. For example, a richer face cream can double up as a mask by applying a thicker layer. Your lipstick can also serve as a blush, eliminating the need for a separate blush brush. Additionally, your hair conditioner can be used as a shaving cream. To prevent any spills on your clothes, wrap cosmetic items and small brushes in a cloth before packing them.

Packing tip 7: Storing valuables

It is best to always keep valuables such as cash, credit cards, passports and keys close to you.

That's why you shouldn't pack them in your suitcase with the rest of your belongings, but perhaps keep them in a shoulder bag that you wear across your body.

If your luggage happens to go missing, you have your most valuable items with you at all times. Normally, accommodation provides a room safe for securing any unnecessary documents. Consider leaving behind pricey jewellery, watches, or clothes that might not be essential for every trip. Select items thoughtfully and consider using substitutes when possible.

It is best to place delicate items such as light blouses or dresses gently on top of the rest of your luggage at the very end so that the fabric is not subjected to unnecessary strain.

Next come large items of clothing such as trousers or jackets, which take up a lot of space.

Have you ever tried rolling up your clothes when packing instead of folding them? This creates more space, as you can stack the individual rolls on top of each other and also take advantage of narrow gaps.

And the best part: the clothes get fewer creases.

The most important tip of all: Feel the anticipation

The most important tip of all - don't let the stress of packing spoil your anticipation of your vacation. Because even if you forget something for your trip, in many vacation spots you can buy clothes or things like toothbrushes. The most important thing is to relax!