Stay organized while you’re away by packing your suitcase the right way
A detailed packing list keeps your move organized, helps you avoid overpacking, and ensures your family packs everyday essentials first.
Choose fewer mix and match outfits and shoes, so your bags stay lighter, easier to carry, and easier to keep organized.
Place heavier items like shoes at the bottom of your bag, then roll clothes tightly to save space and stay organized.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable support when you're relocating, handling packing, transport, and setup so your move stays on track.
Traveling is stressful, but packing a neat, organized suitcase will make it a lot more manageable, even if you have to get multiple kids and their belongings through airport security. Whether you’re leaving on a jet plane or hitting the road in the family car, these useful tips will help you pack your bags like a pro.
Before you jet off on your next trip or embark on a move, take the time to plan out what you need to pack. Consider how many days and nights you’ll be gone and decide what you’ll wear for each one. Make a packing list that includes your clothes, shoes, and other everyday essentials, like your toothbrush and face wash. Consult the list as you pack your bags to avoid overpacking while making sure you have everything you need.
As if traveling with a toddler wasn’t stressful enough, adding a mid-airport meltdown because of a forgotten toy is enough to make you pull your hair out. Make a thorough packing list for all your family members and help them check everything off before you leave the house.
The key is to choose clothing items that you can mix and match throughout your trip to cut down on the amount of items you need to fit into your suitcase. Start by picking clothes that are basic but reusable items, like a top that’s comfortable enough to wear to a meeting and to dinner afterward.
You should also pack shoes that will match multiple outfits instead of jamming several pairs into your suitcase. Not only will paring down make your bag lighter and easier to carry, but it will also keep it organized.
Pack heavier items, like shoes, at the bottom of your suitcase. This will make it easier to carry and help it stay upright when traveling. Likewise, if you’re packing heavy sweaters or jackets, layer these items on the bottom of your suitcase so there’s room to pile lighter pieces on top.
Packing cubes are a miracle-working product. These small zippered bags help you compartmentalize different items within your suitcase. You can use one or multiple packing cubes to separate items in your suitcase.
With packing cubes, you’ll never have to dig through your luggage to find that pair of socks that somehow ended up at the bottom. Every item will stay contained in its designated cube.
If you’re heading on a long trip (or want to bring a lot of clothes), use this packing hack to fit more clothing items in your suitcase. Tightly roll your clothing items and arrange them face up. Rolling them into tight circles will allow you to fit more of them inside your suitcase, and it will make it a lot more organized—you’ll be able to see and grab what you need easily.
Compression bags are sealable plastic bags with pressure valves that lets air out, not in. This packing tool allows you to suck all of the excess air out of a bag before you pack it, making it much smaller. Pack bulky items, like big sweatshirts, in compression bags to save valuable suitcase space.
If you’re a frequent flier, this rule probably isn’t news to you. Airport security has strict rules around liquids in your carry-on bag, and they must be removed and separately scanned. So if you’re flying to your next destination, pack your liquids in a separate, easy-to-access bag within your carry-on. When you get to security, you can easily take it out and avoid holding up the line.
Not only are shoes big and bulky, but they also have the potential to damage the rest of the contents of your suitcase. Clean your shoes before you pack them to get rid of any caked-on dirt. Then, wrap them in a plastic or reusable bag to make sure they don’t make direct contact with your other items. The bag will also protect the shoes, so you can pack them in the bottom of your suitcase to make room for everything else.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When planning a cross-country move, anticipate the total cost by looking at all the relevant price factors and consider ways to save money.
Shoes can get scuffs, bends, creases, or crushed during transit. Learn how to pack shoes like a pro so they arrive in spectacular shape at your new home.
Packing clothes for a move can be stressful, but you can make the experience more pleasant by having a plan. Learn how to pack clothes for moving.
Is packing not your thing? Nonsense. You can pack like a pro and keep moving day chaos at bay with these tips to help you efficiently pack your household goods.
Packing a moving truck doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re planning to move soon, these seven tips will help you pack your truck like a pro.
The pictures in your home can be high-value items—money- or sentimentality-wise. Learn how to pack pictures for moving to avoid frame or glazing damage.
