Howards Storage World has teamed up with expert organiser Christine Krkach to spill her tried-and-tested secrets for suitcase success.
“When it comes to travel, I treat a suitcase just like I would a wardrobe at home, everything needs to have a place and ideally, a category,” said Christine.
“Packing can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with bulky winter items, but using compression bags or packing cubes to compartmentalise by item or outfit makes a huge difference.
“You not only save space, but it’s easier to find what you need without pulling everything apart.”
Game-changing travel hacks
1. Beat the bulk: Shrink your clothing down
One of the best ways to pack light for a trip is by using compression cubes or vacuum-style travel bags to shrink the space your clothes take up.
“Compression bags are absolutely essential if you’re trying to fit jackets, jumpers and other thick winter gear into one suitcase. I love the Space Vac Combo Travel & Vacuum Storage Bags because you don’t even need a vacuum, just roll to remove the air,” said Christine.
“I also recommend rolling thick items like knits before placing them inside the bags to maximise space even further. Also, if you wear your bulkiest items, like boots and coats, on the plane, you can free up even more space in your bag.”
2. Pack with a plan
Christine says one of the most common mistakes she sees is people packing in a rush without a system, leading to overpacking or forgotten essentials.
“I often see people throw things in last-minute without a list, only to realise later they’ve forgotten important things like medications, tech cords, or chargers.
“Not only that, but they often don’t fold their clothes vertically, which wastes space and makes it harder to see what’s inside.
“Taking five minutes to write a packing list can save you loads of stress and making sure everything is visible when you open your suitcase means you won’t have to dig for it later.”
3. Cube it like a pro
“A great packing trick is to assign one packing cube per clothing category, like tops, bottoms, sleepwear and swimwear, and then commit to only packing what fits in that cube,” says Christine.
“It’s a self-imposed limit that prevents overpacking and keeps everything easy to find.
“I also recommend using labels on each cube so you can unpack in seconds at your destination. When travelling as a family, you can also assign a different colour to each person for quick sorting.”
4. Get your hands on some flexi-furniture
From hotel rooms to holiday rentals, travel can mean tight living quarters, but Christine has a simple solution that instantly adds space.
“I never go on a family holiday without an over-the-door pocket organiser. It folds flat inside your luggage and takes seconds to hang in any hotel room or Airbnb.
“I use it to store my kids’ outfits for each day, keep track of snacks and sunscreen, and even organise my own accessories. It’s one of those things you don’t realise you need until you’ve used it and then you’ll never travel without it again.”
5. Hand Luggage = Survival Kit
While checked bags hold the bulk of your items, Christine says a well-packed carry-on can be a lifesaver.
“I always keep a full change of clothes in my hand luggage, especially if I’m flying with kids. I also include all medications, snacks, valuables, chargers and anything I couldn’t replace easily.
“Checked bags are for clothing and toiletries, but hand luggage should carry the essentials that you might need at a moment’s notice.”
