Are you ready to learn 8 DIY packing hacks that will take you from a packing-no to a packing-pro?

Since the summer is rapidly approaching (thank god) and I know a lot of you guys have tons of amazing trips planned, I thought it might be helpful to share some packing trips I’ve learned over the years. No matter where you’re headed this summer, you’re going to need to pack a bag, so you might as well do it right. Packing can be stressful, which is why so many of us wait until the last night to do it haha.

I’m absolutely guilty of feeling fear the moment you walk into the airport and hand over your suitcase thinking “did I forget something?”, “I hope I have everything I need”. While I have a while before I can be self-proclaimed packing pro, these simple tips have helped me to pack smarter and feel confident about what’s in my suitcase. Here are 8 fundamental strategies that every traveler should know, and will help you on any trip, whether that be to the mountains or the beach. Let’s get to it.

8 DIY Packing Hacks Every Traveler Needs to Know

1) Use a lightweight suitcase

While this one seems obvious, before I got a new suitcase, I didn’t realize just how heavy old one was. Since most flights have a 50 lb limit before charging you an extra fee, every lb really counts. If you’re in the market for a new suitcase, opt for one that’s around 10 pounds or less. That way, you’ll have about 40 lbs of free packing space. I recently got my hands on this amazing Rose Gold suitcase from American Tourister and absolutely love it. It’s the perfect size for a week-long trip and is wayyyyy cute. My heart flutters every time it comes around the conveyer belt. Shop it here.

2) Create a packing list in excel or numbers

I’m a list person, what can I say? To-do lists? I love em. Shopping lists? Need them. The same goes for packing lists. Before I even start packing for a trip, I pop open the “Checklist” feature in Numbers (Excel works great too). This feature allows you to write down every item you want to pack and check them off once you have put them in the suitcase. This really helps you to keep track of exactly what it is in your bag.

3) Work in categories

Before writing your packing list, break your list up into categories. Mine regularly include Clothes, Shoes, Electronics, Hair & Shower items, Make-up, and Carry-on bag. Feel free to be as specific or unspecific as you’d like. I find it easier to list out almost every single thing, but do whatever works most efficiently for you!

The best part about having a list? Once you’re done, you can see that you’ve checked off all of your items, which will give you some well-deserved peace of mind, and take away any “did I forget something?” feelings.

4) Fold, then roll

While I’ve just started adopting this technique, it really works! First, fold up your clothes as you regularly would, then take the bottom, and roll them up. Rolling your clothes allows them to wrinkle less easily, and save space in your suitcase. Check out the method here.

5) Use ziplock bags

After having hairspray leak in my toiletries bag and then leak on to a shirt in my suitcase once, I will now forever put my toiletries in ziplock bags. I use large bags for bigger hair products, and smaller bags for items like makeup, lipstick, a toothbrush, etc. Once I’ve split my toiletries into categories and put them in different ziplock bags, I then will add all of those bags to a bigger toiletries bag.

6) Use straws for jewelry or use pill containers

Tired of your jewelry or accessories getting all tangled? Even my nicest jewelry travel container still allows long necklace and bracelets to get tangled, so I’ve started using the straw trick. Simply grab a straw (paper, plastic, whatever works here), and cut it into 2 pieces. Then, take a necklace and string it through the straw. That way, when the jewelry items are all laid together, the straw part allows them not to tangle. It’s a godsend, I’m tellin’ yah.

Similarly, I’ve seen others who have pill containers strictly dedicated to carrying jewelry while traveling. Having compartments allows the jewelry not to touch, thus creating no tangles.

7) Stuff shoes with small items (underwear, socks, etc.)

This seems like a no-brainer but is often something that’s overlooked. Though shoes take up a lot of space, maximize that space by stuffing them with smaller items like underwear, socks, or even jewelry. This may not work well for tropical vacays as your shoes are much smaller, but for cold weather trips where you’re bringing boots, be sure to stuff them up to save some room.

8) Pack coordinating colors

While this may take a little planning ahead of time, this tip really allows you to make the most out of the items you packed. For example, if I know I’m bringing two warm colored dresses (red & orange), I’ll bring a pair of brown shoes as I know I can wear them with both. Similarly, bringing solid items is always helpful as you can mix and match those pieces much easier than you can with patterned items.

Shop my rose gold 28” luggage here

I hope you guys enjoyed these DIY packing hacks and that you can put some to use on your next getaway. If you try them out, feel free to let me know how they worked for you! Also, if you have any to add to the list, feel free to leave them in the comments below or DM me on Instagram @katerinaseigel so that we can all learn together. Till next time, loves!

Lastly, a big thanks to American Tourister for sponsoring this post. I fully believe in their brand, their message, and as always: all opinions are my own.