Your trip starts before you leave home. And while we all know to roll our clothes and use packing cubes by now – there are some less obvious habits that also make a difference. Here are five packing hacks we've picked up over the years.

Pack outfits – not clothing
Instead of counting shirts and trousers, think in complete looks for each day. It reduces overpacking and makes getting dressed simpler when you're away. Sticking to one colour palette also makes it easy to create multiple combinations from fewer pieces. More work before you go, but the payoff is worth it.

Heavy items closest to the wheels
Shoes, toiletries and electronics should sit at the bottom of the suitcase. It improves balance and helps everything stay in place during transit.

Keep the first day within reach
Unpacking your whole suitcase the moment you arrive is not always the funniest thing to do. A fresh shirt, underwear, toiletries and chargers should always be easy to access. Particularly after a long journey.

Start with shoes and create zones
Most overpacking begins with footwear. Start with shoes and build the rest of the suitcase around them – in zones. Shoes together, toiletries together, clothing together. If you master this skill you might not even need to unpack.

Leave some space
Packing well is less about fitting more in. It's about making life easier once you arrive.
That’s why we rarely pack our suitcase to its limits. Empty space keeps garments in better condition and leaves room for the things you bring home.