How to Pack a Suitcase in 30 Minutes or Less

Whether you're jetting off to an island paradise or traveling for business, these foolproof packing tips will help you minimize time and maximize space. Bon voyage, baggage fees!

Start with the right-sized suitcase

For a short trip, a small carry-on bag is ideal, and with skill, it's possible cram all your essentials in there (here's how to pack the perfect carry-on). But if you can't travel light, it's best to choose a bag that can easily accommodate everything you need. Trying to force a bulging suitcase to shut is a waste of time and energy, especially since you may return with even more stuff, if you like to buy souvenirs. When deciding which is the best suitcase for you, take a moment to assess your needs for this trip.

Get the right gear

To make your packing as speedy as possible, have a few convenience items pre-prepared and ready to go at all times. That includes a dedicated toiletry bag, preferably something plastic and waterproof, that you can toss into your suitcase at a moment's notice. Buy sample-size containers of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, body wash and moisturizer, or decant the full-size products into small, TSA-approved travel bottles. Have similar travel-friendly containers set up for jewelry and accessories if possible. Store them in a clear box with compartments, so you can see all the items clearly and prevent them from getting tangled. If you can't create these pre-prepared packs of toiletries and accessories, keep a packing list on your phone for a quick reminder of the essentials you need to gather. These household items can make packing a breeze.

Coordinate your wardrobe

It may sound obvious, but plan an outfit for each day to make sure you're covered. If you know exactly what you need to accompany each outfit, you can limit the amount of stuff you're taking. Try to mix and match outfits—wear the same pair of pants with different tops, for example—to cut down on bulky extras. As a general rule, three pairs of shoes are all you need for a business trip: a casual pair, a professional pair, and a comfortable or snazzy pair for evenings, depending on the nature of your business. Neutral colors are best as they'll coordinate well with multiple outfits, but don't hesitate to toss in a pair of show stoppers if that's what the occasion calls for. For a vacation, three pairs of casual shoes should be ample, especially if you'll be doing a lot of walking. What you don't bring can be just as important, so resist the urge to include things just in case. (Here are items you'll always regret packing.) If necessary, you can buy many essential items, such as socks and flip flops, at your destination.

Lay everything out before starting

Lay everything you're taking out on the bed, so you can see exactly what you need to pack and spot any missing items promptly. Then fold or roll each item of clothing according to the best method. For folded items, putting layers of tissue between each item will cut down on wrinkles. Don't forget all the additional accoutrements such as phone chargers, hair straighteners, or electric shavers.

Finish with a large top layer

Lastly, lay a large item like a towel or beach sarong over the tops and tuck it in around the sides. This will keep everything in place and stop items from sliding around during the journey. It's much easier to close the zipper if you don't have fiddly items like belts or laces poking out.

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Those Dings, Tones, and Strange Phrases You Always Hear on Airplanes: A Quick Decoder

When hurtling through the air in a metallic cylinder at 600 mph, it's nice to know that the strange things you hear and see don't mean you're going to die. Here's what not to worry about.

Flickering lights

Most airlines plug into the airport’s electricity source when planes are on the ground. When an airplane pushes away from the gate, the pilot will switch from the ground power source to the one on board, which will cause the lights in the cabin to momentarily flicker.

Two thumps and a high-pitched whir right after takeoff

When the plane lifts off the ground, the pilot pulls the wheels into the plane’s body and closes the flaps behind them, one at a time (thump, thump). That disconcerting whir comes from the pilot retracting the wing flaps that were needed to get the plane off the ground. Both of those actions are part of the process of “cleaning up the plane” to make it streamlined for flight.

White "smoke" in the cabin

What you’re seeing streaming from the air vents is the water vapor (similar to fog) that appears when warm and cool air mix. Most commonly, the white vapor will appear in hot and humid conditions, either with the plane on the ground with its doors open or when an airplane flies through a storm.

One, two, or three (or more) chimes

Each airline uses chimes differently, according to John Cox, a retired airline captain. One chime can be the pilot warning flight attendants of turbulence or the flight attendants asking if the pilot wants a cup of coffee. Two chimes usually means that the airplane is approaching 10,000 feet. Three or more chimes indicates a more serious issue, such as a very sick passenger to impending extremely rough air.

"Doors to arrival and cross-check"

When an airplane’s doors are closed, an escape slide is automatically enabled. “Doors to arrival” reminds flight attendants to disarm the slide, and “cross check” is a directive to double check the door of another flight attendant.

"All call"

This announcement is a request for a sort of conference call for the crew. Each flight attendant calls in to report that he or she has completed the assigned safety checks.

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