The 11 best packing tips from the pros

We scoured the Internet to find the very best packing tips from those known for travelling smart and travelling in style. Here’s our round up of advice from the world’s best travel bloggers and journalists.

[IMAGE SOURCE Ahmed]

1. Start with a list
“Don’t underestimate the power of making a list. Write down the bare essentials of what you’ll need for your trip, wherever the final destination may be. Follow your list without exception – it’ll help you to not go overboard when you start digging into your wardrobe.” – Lauren Conrad

2. Good luggage is essential
“The importance of having a good suitcase is beyond words, especially if you plan to do more travels in the future. In my years travelling I’ve had many a suitcase, but the day my ‘lightest suitcase in the world’ decided to break on me in the middle of the street in Hamburg, Germany, I knew it was time to invest. I got my hands on a Samsonite hard case – the best decision I had ever made. While they are a small investment, you’ll be glad you took the leap of faith.” – Brooke, World of Wanderlust

3. Heavy items in the bottom
“Frame out the bottom of your suitcase with your shoes, then create two neatly folded stacks with heavy-weight jeans and sweaters on the bottom, more delicate items on top. Any clothes that are left can be rolled and tucked around the edges. If you need even more room, rolling some of your essentials like dresses and tees helps save some space, and keeps your stuff (mostly) wrinkle-free.” – Courtney Scott

4. Go digital
“Instead of carrying a book or two around with you, opt for downloading books onto your phone from your Audible account or invest in a Kindle.” – Alison Wu, Wu Haus

5. Separate smalls
“Pack all socks and undergarments into a small, reusable cloth bag. Your suitcase will look much more organized even after a few days of half-hearted packing.” – Alex Reynolds, travel blogger at Lost With Purpose

6. Invest in cubes
“Packing cubes are my favourite things ever. They not only help you stay organized, but also save loads of space in your suitcase/backpack. These are my #1 travel game changers, and if you buy a good quality set, they’ll last a super long time.” – Christina Guan, Happy to Wander

7. Visualise your wardrobe beforehand
“Prepare your suitcase a week or two before departure. Start by packing core pieces (like blue jeans, sneakers, and a swimsuit) along with a toiletry bag. As the week goes on, you'll gravitate toward adding or removing pieces from your suitcase, whether that's an evening dress reserved for a special occasion or a pair of high heels you probably won't be breaking in on the dusty roads of the Italian countryside. This also allows you to visualize what you'll need and are missing. Overall it helps avoid the tendency to overpack items we don't need when we feel unprepared.” Olivia Lopez

8. Zip the essentials
“I have a small zippered pouch that I always put in my carry-on bag – in it I stash all the things that I want to keep with me on a flight (headphones, earplugs, EmergenC, phone, wallet, etc.) so that when I board I can just pull that pouch out, toss it into my seat, and then place my carry-on in the overhead bin, quickly and efficiently.” – Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief of Travel & Leisure

9. Always be ready to go
“The more you pack, the easier it gets (or at least, the easier it should get) – so make being ready to travel part of your everyday life. Collect travel-sized toiletries when you have the chance: Get an extra toothpaste when you go to the dentist, ask your hair stylist for shampoo and conditioner samples, and keep all of them organized in a ready-to-grab toiletry bag.” – Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor Travel & Leisure

10. No ‘just in case’
“Never bring that something ‘just in case’. I promise you, there’s like a 3% chance you will use it or wear it. If some freak weather occurrence happens, you can always buy something (umbrella, rain coat, sandals, snow boots) while you’re away.” – Alison Wu, Wu Haus

11. Be reasonable
“Override that voice in your head trying to convince you that you absolutely need six tops for a three-day trip. You don’t…and the practical you knows that.” – Lauren Conrad

Do you have any packing tips you want to share? We’d love to hear them!