How I dream of taking my entire closet with me when I vacation! The countless number of times I’ve had to sit on my suitcase to zip it shut or pay extra money just to carry an extra pair of shoes… ah the agony.

Over the years I’ve learnt ~ all I really needed to do was to pack smarter and better. So here’s unleashing the code to effective packing, because let’s face it, when you’re traveling – every inch counts!

1. Rolling Your Clothes

You will find yourself with a great deal of extra space if you were to roll your clothes instead of folding them.

2. Stuff Your Shoes

If you’re carrying any modestly sized bottles on your trip – don’t be shy to stuff them inside your shoes.

3. Wear Your Heaviest Clothes

Be sure to pair your bulkiest jacket with your heaviest pair of shoes while you travel. This way, you avoid having to pack them in your suitcase.

4. Line Your Collar

A shout out to all the gentlemen out there – if keeping your collar stiff is a top priority, roll your belt and line it along the inside collar of your favorite shirt.

5. Strategize Your Choice of Purse

Replace your miniature sized purse with a spacious duffle bag as your 1 personal item on board a flight. This gives you plenty of room to lighten your check-in baggage last minute or indulge in some spontaneous shopping!

6. Carry-on Baggage

Place your heaviest items (with the exception of liquids and gels of course) in your hand stroller. Airlines are usually more concerned about the dimensions of your bag (so that it fits in the overhead locker) rather than the actual weight of your bag (double check with your carrier just to make sure).

7. Bag It

If you foresee a shopping frenzy on the horizon, you’ve got to try this trick! Simply place a slightly smaller sized bag inside your regular suitcase, this gives you the choice of using that spare bag when you’re traveling back to your home country and ensures that you don’t spend that precious shopping budget on purchasing a new suitcase instead.

8. Optimize, optimize, optimize!

Be sure to use ALL the space available at your disposal. This includes those outside pockets we often neglect.

If your only worry is that it might get lost or stolen, I would place something less valuable in there like your pyjamas.