How to Pack a Suitcase to Maximize Space

Going on a family vacation? Packing for a family trip? Wondering how to pack a suitcase to maximize space? I have some tips to help you maximize your space.

*Disclaimer: links may be affiliate meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you*

Packing for a family can be a daunting task, especially with small kids who tend to need more stuff. You may be wondering how to pack a suitcase to maximize space.

I plan to share some tips on how to pack to maximize space for a family of four (this could also work for a bigger family but you may need more than 1 suitcase depending on family size).

Whenever we go on a trip as a family of four, I always want to maximize suitcase space and fit everything we need into one big suitcase so it makes traveling easier.

Especially if you are traveling with carseats and you need less stuff to haul and keep track of while traveling.

First tip is to pick a big suitcase that you could fit everything in. Small little suitcases won’t be able to fit everything you need. The tips will still be helpful but one way to maximize space is to get a suitcase which allows the option for everything to fit.

TIP #1: Plan Ahead

How to pack a suitcase to maximize space all starts with planning ahead. Figure out weather forecast wherever you are going and plan accordingly.

Plan outfits ahead of time and lay them all out. One whole outfit stacked up together.

Pick a shirt, shorts, socks, underwear, etc. and stack it all together.

This will help with overpacking which is the biggest culprit of taking up unnecessary space.

TIP #2: Stack & Fold

Another way to maximize space in a suitcase is to fold the outfit together.

So if you listened in tip #1 and stacked the outfit together then this will be easy.

Take the biggest item in that outfit, which will probably be the shirt and lay it out completely flat.

Then fold up and stack the rest of the outfit on top of the biggest item (see video below).

Then fold up the shirt around the other items (or roll it if you prefer rolling to folding).

Now you should have an entire outfit folded into that one shirt (or whichever item was the biggest).

TIP #3: Reuse Items

Reusing items is a great option to save suitcase space. Reusing items like shoes for many outfits or jackets too will help cut down and maximize space in the suitcase.

And you can use the same jacket for different outfits and it will still look like an entirely new outfit each day!

Same with shoes, especially if you have a neutral color shoe option like white or black tennis shoes or flip flops that can be used for different outfits without causing a fashion issue.

This tip especially works for kids since they tend to have a favorite shoe or jacket anyways.

TIP #4: Stuff Items

Stuffing items into other items is another way to save space. This could mean stuffing socks into shoes to save space.

Another option is to stuff makeup bags into boots if you are packing boots on your trip. Stacking and stuffing things into other things is a great way on how to pack a suitcase to maximize space.

TIP #5: Use Bags for Kids

Kids tend to go through more clothes than adults because they get messy. Which is why I usually pack my kids clothes into baggies. I plan their outfits for the day and put each outfit into a plastic bag, or you could use packing cubes as well.

This way I can toss them a bag and they can get dressed on their own and there is no issue of “what to wear” each day.

Plus bonus, if the clothes get just completely muddy, messy, etc. you can throw back into the bag to save the other clothes from getting dirty too.

You can also suck the air out of the baggies to save even more space. Or use those space saver bags that vacuum the air out to make it super small and save space.

But if you are on a budget and don’t want to purchase expensive bags, I have just used Target baggies and then sucked the air out myself and it has worked just fine.

TIP #6: Pack Light

Now this tip will really only work if you have access to a washer/dryer wherever you are traveling.

This way you can pack only half the outfits for the amount of time you’ll be there and then wash and reuse and make new outfits with the items you already have.

This will save major space, but if you don’t have access to a washer/dryer then really stick to Tip #1 and plan ahead exactly what outfits you’ll need.

TIP #7: Pack the Necessities

Do you need every makeup palette you own for this trip? Probably not. Pick only the essentials and it will cut down on space in your suitcase. Packing only what you need will save time and space in your luggage.

TIP #8: Travel Size

When you can, try to pack travel size items instead of the full blown ones. This will save space especially if you don’t need the full shampoo and conditioner.

Many travel items can be found at Target of name brand items or stock up and save all those samples you get from Ulta or Sephora and use those instead of hauling the big bottles of items.

I save travel and sample items of my shampoo and conditioner for exactly this reason. I have a storage container inside my hall closet filled with samples and travel sizes I collect so I can use those when traveling.

Plus some stores/brands actually sell travel items you can buy and save to use.

Makes things easier and saves so much space.

If you can’t find travel sizes of things you love and need like shampoo and conditioner or your favorite styling cream or lotion, then wrap those items in baggies and stuff them inside shoes so it doesn’t take up extra space in your suitcase.

Overall packing does not need to be an overwhelming task and you are able to fit more than one person’s items into a suitcase if you plan accordingly and hopefully follow some tips listed above! If you try any, comment below and let me know if these worked for you and your family. Hopefully now you have some tips on how to pack a suitcase to maximize space.