Suitcase without excess weight: 10 tricks that save space

Packing a suitcase on the last evening is easy, but overpaying for excess weight at the check-in desk is frustrating. The issue is usually not the number of things, but the lack of a plan. We have put together ten tips that help you pack everything you need without paying extra for baggage.

Carry-on luggage on most low-cost airlines is smaller than a typical wheeled suitcase. At Ryanair, only a 40x25x20 cm backpack fits within the free size, while easyJet allows a 45x36x20 cm bag up to 15 kg (as of 09/2026, Hand luggage). Pack a bag from memory, and the baggage fee becomes an unpleasant surprise right at the airport.

Below are ten tips: from a personal checklist to a visible tag on your suitcase handle.

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Where to start packing a suitcase

💡 In short:

• Make a personal checklist for your trip instead of taking a generic list from the internet.
• Lay things out on the bed and remove what you do not need before you open the suitcase.
• Roll your clothes and place heavy items near the wheels.

Sizes and rules depend on the carrier and change every season. Before buying a ticket, check your airline's conditions. What worked a year ago may cost you money at the desk today.

1. Make a checklist for your trip

In a rush, it is easy to forget small things, so start with a list. Ready-made checklists from the internet are too generic: they include things you do not need and miss the ones you do. Sit down calmly and write out documents, medications, toiletries, chargers, and whatever you personally cannot travel without.

The list does not have to be an exact forecast. Its job is to cover most items so you feel confident on the road. Keep it handy until you walk out the door.

2. Pack clothes in one color palette

If every outfit requires its own accessories, the suitcase doubles in size. Pick one or two color palettes and stick to them: this way you can easily combine items and do not have to think about what to wear in the morning.

Also decide on a style. A versatile wardrobe in basic colors weighs less than a suitcase packed "for every occasion." You will get more outfits from fewer items.

3. Take a large scarf

If you are going somewhere cold, a large blanket scarf replaces a blanket on the plane and an extra blanket at the hotel. For hot countries, take a light wrap: it will help on cool evenings and in places where you need to cover your shoulders.

In some countries, loose clothing helps outside tourist areas. One scarf takes up little space but covers several needs at once.

4. Lay everything out on the bed or floor

Before putting things into the suitcase, lay them out on the bed or the floor. From the outside, you can see what is missing and what you have packed unnecessarily. Otherwise, it is easy to pack ten T-shirts and one pair of jeans.

Laying things out saves you stress during the trip. You immediately see whether items go together and whether it is time to put something back in the closet.

5. Roll your clothes instead of folding them

Rolled clothes take up less space than folded stacks. When you open the suitcase, you see everything from top to bottom instead of digging through layers. Clothes also wrinkle less.

To keep the rolls from unrolling, secure each one with a rubber band or tuck them inside shoes. Dense rolls fill the gaps between larger items.

6. Put heavy items near the wheels

A suitcase rolls differently depending on how you packed it. Place heavy items at the bottom or near the wheels. The center of gravity stays low, and it is easier to pull.

If you put heavy items on top, the suitcase tends to tip over at every turn. The difference is noticeable even on a long platform.

7. Use packing cubes

When things in a suitcase are mixed together, finding what you need is hard. Packing cubes come in all sizes and divide the suitcase into clear zones: clothes in one, small items in another.

With them, you immediately see where everything is and do not have to shake out your entire luggage for one T-shirt. It is a simple way to stay organized throughout the trip.

8. Take a laundry bag and a couple of plastic bags

You cannot separate dirty clothes from clean ones without a bag. Put an empty laundry bag in your suitcase: it takes up minimal space and collects everything dirty by the end of the trip.

A couple of plastic bags will also come in handy. They are good for storing cosmetics and shampoo bottles. If something leaks, your clothes stay dry.

9. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on

Baggage gets lost less often than people think, but when it happens, you are left without your things for a day or more. One change of clothes and underwear in your carry-on softens the first hours until you are reunited with your suitcase.

Documents, money, and medications should never go in the cargo hold. Keep them with you. Then losing baggage becomes an inconvenience, not a disaster after a long flight.

10. Make your suitcase stand out

There are dozens of identical black suitcases on the baggage carousel, and you will recognize yours last. You do not need to buy a new model: a bright ribbon on the handle or a visible luggage tag with your name and phone number is enough.

Then you grab your suitcase on the first try and leave, instead of comparing three similar ones. A small thing that saves time after every flight.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many clothes should I take for two weeks?

Take a basic wardrobe in one palette and count by days, not by suitcases. For two weeks, five or six tops and three pairs of shoes are usually enough. Think about laundry: if there is a washing machine on your trip, take less.

What cannot go in carry-on luggage, and how do I transport liquids?

Dangerous and sharp items will not be allowed into the cabin: knives, tools, large containers of liquid. Pour cosmetics and shampoos into bottles up to 100 ml. Put them in a clear zip-lock bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter. This makes security faster and keeps things in your suitcase safe from leaks. Leave large bottles in checked baggage or buy them on arrival. Check the exact list of restrictions with your airline before departure.

What should I do if my suitcase does not arrive?

Right after landing, go to the baggage claim desk and file a missing baggage report. Include the delivery address and flight number in the report, and keep a copy.

Do I need packing cubes?

Cubes are not mandatory, but they make packing noticeably easier. For a short trip with one bag, one or two cubes are enough; for a family, take a set.

In short: what to book

Before the trip, take care of the essentials in advance. Compare insurance options: a policy covers medical care and flight cancellation, and costs far less than medical treatment abroad. Install an eSIM before departure so you do not have to look for a local SIM in the arrivals hall.

If you have a long flight, put a charger in your carry-on: it saves you on the road. The rest you can pack using our checklist, without excess weight.