Here’s How to Pack a Suitcase for a Move

Not sure how to pack a suitcase when moving? While the majority of belongings will go inside cardboard boxes or plastic bins, your clothing, shoes, toiletries and accessories can easily be packed inside suitcases. Not only will this save you from having to purchase more boxes, but it will also make it easier to find necessities after the move. We recommend placing any first week essentials that you’re going to need in the days following the move inside your suitcases. Essentials might include pajamas, toothbrushes, clothing, outerwear, medications, toilet paper, blankets and snacks.

Before packing your suitcases, make sure that the luggage is in good working order (i.e. no broken zippers or holes). Once you’ve pulled the suitcases from storage and examined their condition, you can start strategizing the packing plan. Whatever you do, don’t haphazardly throw belongings inside. Without a proper packing strategy, you’ll only end up with an overstuffed suitcase, wrinkled clothes and broken items.

If moving long distance and packing for the travel, you may want to limit how much you pack inside the suitcase. The New York Times recommends using the “5,4,3,2,1 rule,” which states that you should pack “no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat.” Of course, this list should be modified to fit your needs. If the move doesn’t involve much travel, and you need to fit as much as possible inside your suitcase, then we recommend employing the techniques below to maximize the space. Best of luck and happy moving!