Tried-and-Tested Packing Tips for Smart Travellers

Are we still in revenge travel mode? We are, aren’t we? With the seat sales happening left and right, we especially have to go all out.

As we pack for the next flight we’re eager to jump into however, there comes that familiar and dreadful stress of having to pack—again. It’s such a pain to have to figure out essentially how to fit all your essentials into your check-in luggage so that your home-away-from-home to truly feels like home. 

Here’s our list of ingenious tried-and-tested travel packing hacks that saved our necks on our past few trips.

The Ultimate Urban Traveller & Co. Packing Guide

1. Pack by Outfits

When you’re packing, carefully consider your itinerary. For work trips, assemble complete outfits for every meeting and event, and for leisure trips, coordinate your clothes with your activities. Using the EVERGOODS Transit Duffel can make this process smoother. Its spacious design and easy accessibility allow you to organize and reach your outfits effortlessly, ensuring you’re prepared for any occasion without overpacking. 

2. Place Shoes Inside Shower Caps

As a space-saving packing tip, pop your shoes into disposable plastic shower caps you find in hotel rooms. This keeps the grubby soles away from your clothes and is a nifty alternative to shoe bags. And hey, don’t forget—the insides of your shoes make great extra storage space for socks too!

3. Use Packing Cubes to Make the Most of Your Space

Employing packing hacks to save space can significantly streamline your travel preparation, such as using EVERGOODS, Rains, or Black Ember packing cubes to organize your essentials. 

Packing cubes are game changers—one for tops, another for pants, one for underwear, one for belts and socks and a small one for chargers. The cells are at the bottom of the hard-shell suitcase, and up top, you’ve got shoes, a hair dryer, some novels, and other must-haves.

Additionally, storing your bath, body, and skincare samples in these cubes not only keeps your items neatly arranged but also ensures you have a full range of products for any trip. This organized approach means you’re well-equipped for personal care, no matter where your travels take you.

For wet-weather protection, dedicate one water-resistant packing cube exclusively for tech accessories. Choose cubes with coated fabric or sealed seams to keep moisture out, especially when stored in outer compartments. It’s a simple layer of security that prevents accidental exposure.

4. Line Belts Along the Side Walls of Your Suitcase

...rather than twirling them. Their compact design allows you to bring more items thanks to their ease of storage. Plus, it prevents them from getting wrinkled or creased.

5. Pack a Hard Case for Travel

If you’re not into unpacking, a hardshell suitcase with a zipped top half can double up as a makeshift dresser. Organise your items methodically, placing each category within the suitcase's designated section. Upon arrival at your hotel, simply open it up to reveal two spacious and meticulously organised shelves containing all your essentials. The Carl Friedrik Luggage is perfect for this.

Hard cases aren’t just good for organisation. They create a sturdy, water-resistant shell for sensitive items. Keep electronics and documents in the top zipped compartment, where water is least likely to seep in.

6. Use a Collapsible Bag

One of the best travel packing tips is to use a collapsible bag—you’ll thank us later! A collapsible duffel bag like the Rains Hilo Weekend Bag can serve as an extra carry-on item or as an additional piece of checked luggage. Because of this, there will be no need to hurriedly repack an overstuffed bag at the check-in counter.

For rainy destinations, choose collapsible bags made from coated or waterproof materials so they pull double duty as overflow storage and a weather-ready backup.

7. Get Yourself a Luggage Weighing Scale

Get yourself a portable scale for luggage and bring it along. You definitely don’t want to get to the airport only to realize your bag is too big and scramble to repack, toss items, or—even worse—fork out for extra baggage fees. The UTC Essentials Digital Luggage Scale features a clear digital display, accurate measurements in kilograms or pounds, a built-in 1m measuring tape, and a weight level indicator to provide visual cues.

8. Repurpose Carabiners

Another packing tip for travellers is to use carabiners. Carabiners are so useful when you end up buying more stuff than planned and need extra space in your luggage. Just hook on your water bottle, slippers, hiking shoes... and you’re good to go! The different iterations of Heroclip are ingenious carabiners that can hold up to 60lbs in weight, and can even expand into hooks in case you need to suspend your bags.

Outdoor hack for the rainy weather: use carabiners to keep wet items outside your bag instead of inside—umbrellas, wet jackets, or water bottles can hang externally so they don’t dampen your gear.

9. Use Boarding Kits

Airports are hectic places, so you’ll want to have to keep your essentials on hand. Using something like Black Ember boarding kits keeps your important items like passports, tickets, tablets, and phones safe and sound but within reach whenever you need them. And the best part? They slot right into your travel routine, making packing and unpacking absolutely effortless. It’s like having a travel assistant that fits right in your bag, ready to make every trip smoother and more stylish. 

For dependable rain protection, pair your boarding kit with a waterproof pouch like the EVERGOODS travel bags. They keep your passport, tickets, and other essentials dry and intact—even if you end up sprinting between terminals in a downpour.

10. Have a Dedicated Bag for Laptops

Are you travelling with your laptops and other gadgets? Consider putting them in a separate bag. Opt for a waterproof or water-resistant bag like the Rains Laptop Bag or the weather-ready bags from Able Carry, which offer padded sleeves and protected compartments to shield your devices from sudden rain. And remember—always keep your laptop bag with you as carry-on luggage to avoid damage or loss in checked baggage. This simple step keeps your tech secure, dry, and ready to use whenever you need it.

11. Keep Your Cables Tidy

Don’t let your chargers and cables wander around your bag! Embrace the freedom of clutter-free travel using cable organisers like the Alpaka Elements Tech Case Mini. Neatly organising your cables and tech essentials frees you from the hassle of untangling wires, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travel.

For ultimate rain safety, store cable pouches in the interior-most pocket of your bag. Even in the event of a spill or soaked exterior, this “deep-core placement” is your last line of defense.

12. Layer Up for Maximum Rain Protection 

If you’re carrying essential documents, electronics, or medication, always pack at least one waterproof pouch or ziplock-style barrier—even inside a weatherproof bag. A multi-layer approach is key when figuring out how to pack electronics for travel. Placing your gadgets in the internal tech compartments enhances your bag’s natural weatherproofing, keeping everything stable, dry, and protected from impact.

Pack Light, Pack Smart, and Stay Weather-Ready 

Packing may never be the highlight of a trip, but it becomes far easier and far more reliable when you follow a solid packing list and guide built for real-world travel. With smart layouts, waterproof layers, and dependable gear from EVERGOODS, Able Carry, and Rains, you can keep your essentials dry, organized, and protected no matter where you’re headed.

These practical tips don’t just help you pack efficiently; they help you pack with confidence. Rain or shine, your gear is protected, your routine runs smoother, and your journey feels a lot less stressful.

For more travel-smart solutions and all-weather essentials, explore Urban Traveller & Co. and get ready for your next adventure.