Step by Step Guide: How to Pack a Suitcase in 29 Minutes

I love to pack…. said no one ever. The less time I can spend packing my bags, the happier I am. That is why I always follow this easy step-by-step packing process that helps me get all my bags ready to go in less than 30 minutes.

And because I frequently travel with teens who pack their own bags, I always print multiple copies of the packing list PDF (included for free below) to give to them as well.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Here are the steps I take when packing and how I’m able to do it so quickly. It starts when I unpack from my previous vacation.

My Best and Most Important Packing Tip

When I unpack my suitcase after a trip, I print out a fresh copy of the packing list PDF and put it inside my empty suitcase. I do this for each member of the family. Having a checklist is the easiest way for everyone in the family to stay organized and reduce the risk of forgetting something.

Get in the habit of doing this and you will be amazed at how fast you’re able to get the entire family packed.

Some Things Should Never be Unpacked

Next, I have a toiletry travel bag that’s always packed and ready to go. I use refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash. After each trip, I refill them so my toiletry bag is ready for the next adventure.

I have a printable list that I keep in my toiletry bag to easily identify anything I’m missing. I also make a list of current medications that anyone in our family is taking so that I won’t forget to pack them.

Keeping a stash of travel-sized personal items — lotion, toothpaste, lip balm and moisturizer — is helpful too.

Another item that never leaves my suitcase? My handy travel umbrella for unexpected downpours.

SheBuysTravel Tip: When you receive make-up samples, save the travel-size containers they come in and use those for packing. Also, keep extra Ziploc plastic bags inside your suitcase. They come in handy in so many ways when you’re traveling!

Use Packing Cubes

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using packing cubes. They are the key to keeping your suitcase organized. Even better, we can fit more into each suitcase because we use packing cubes.

This has been especially helpful when packing kids’ suitcases. I use one cube for clothes and another for shoes and the list goes on. This has saved my sanity! I also love that when we get to our hotel room we can just slide the cubes into the hotel drawers.

We buy each kid different colored packing cubes so they know which ones hold their stuff.

Bonus: The packing cubes are great for keeping your clothes neatly folded too.

If you don’t want to buy packing cubes, here are some tips for using Ziploc bags to pack your kids’ stuff.

Packing Printables Save The Day

Here are 3 packing PDFs that will save the day when it comes time to pack in a hurry!

Specialty Packing Lists

Some trips require you to pack more than the basics. Here are the packing lists you need for those special family vacations.

Family beach vacation packing list

Camping trip packing list (this one definitely takes longer than 29 minutes!)

Four-season guide to packing for Iceland

Don’t Forget These Important Things

Every travel experience is different, so you must be prepared to tweak your suitcase each time to include the essentials for your current trip. This packing tip is a checklist of things you shouldn’t forget and things you want to check before you leave.

• Check your passports. Make sure no one’s passport expires within 6 months of your trip. If it does, read our advice on what to do if your passport doesn’t arrive in time.
• Share your emergency contact info. If you are traveling with a group, make sure everyone in the group has each other’s information. This should include an emergency contact and a list of birthdates and allergies.
• Weigh your luggage. When flying, always weigh your luggage at home before arriving at the airport. If possible travel with carry-on luggage only.
• Check the details. If you’re flying, double-check that the name on your airline reservation matches your driver’s license or passport. (Also note that you will need a Real ID starting in May 2025.)
• Check the car seat laws for your destination. Did you know that car seat laws are different in each state? Be sure to research this before your trip. Our favorite travel booster seats are the Bubble Bums. They are easy to inflate when it’s time to use them and they fold small enough that you can easily stick them in a kid’s backpack or even your purse.
• Back up your devices. Make sure your photos are backed up in case your device gets lost/stolen. Check out this valuable information on how to prepare your devices before traveling.
• Pack a car charger. If you’re renting a car at your destination, you’ll want to have the right cable for plugging into the car.
• Plan for your return. It’s good practice to make sure bills are paid for a couple of weeks after you plan to return home. You never know when the unexpected might happen and you aren’t able to return home when you had planned.
• Put a penny in the freezer. Read here to find out why.