Hardside Luggage How to Organize and Pack Successfully

Packing for a trip can be an overwhelming task, depending on how long and where you are going. Packing a hard-sided suitcase is different than packing a soft-sided suitcase. But with a little planning and organization, it can be a breeze. 

Most hard sided luggage zips down the center, giving you two sides to organize. One side generally is a zippered enclosure while the other side is open with a tie-down compression panel. These interior design features can make packing easier.  

Organize In Advance

Before you start packing, decide what you’re taking and place items near your bag. This will make packing faster and more efficient.

Pack Strategically

Pack bulky items like shoes and personal care items on one side and clothing on the other.

  • First, pack clothing that tends to wrinkle on the zippered side. Since it has a flat surface this will lessen wrinkles and the zip closure keeps clothing from shifting and falling out when you open the bag.
  • On the open side of the bag pack shoes down by the wheels up along the sides of the bag, balancing the weight to help stabilize the bag when upright.
  • In the space between the handles, pack a long packing cube with smaller items like socks and underwear.
  • Continue to pack personal care items and additional packed cubes to fill up all the nooks and crannies.
  • Finally, use the suitcase compression straps to maximize packing space and keep items from shifting.

Divide Your Items

Simplify the process by dividing everything into three groups:  

  1. clothing that is folded
  2. clothing rolled up and in packing cubes
  3. bulky items like shoes and personal care items.

Put Your Suitcase On A Table

Packing a hard sided suitcase – any suitcase – is much easier if you don’t have to bend over to pack it.

Prioritize

Pack anything you think you might need on your travel day on top in a packing cube for easy access.

Use The TSA Lock

Many hard sided bags – like this featured Briggs & Riley Sympatico 27″ Expandable Spinner bag – have an integrated TSA approved lock – which provides additional security when checking your bag.

Brigg & Riley 27” Hardside

AAA Member Price: $729.00

Available in Navy, Olive & Black | Sizes 21”, 27” and 30”

The Medium Expandable Spinner is ideal for a 4–7-day trip, giving you all the security, durability, and peace of mind that you need when traveling to your next destination. A 70/30 top lid opening allows the bag to be packed like a traditional suitcase on a luggage rack. CX® technology gives you 20% more packing space, then allows you to compress it back to original size. Briggs & Riley’s hardshell is made from high strength recycled polycarbonate.

Briggs & Riley Expandable Cabin Bag

AAA Member Price: $289.00

Available in Navy, Olive & Black | Dimension: 11x17x8-12 Inches

The Baseline Expandable Cabin Bag has space for everything you need. Pack multiple outfits and keep them crisp with the three-section design and premium garment panel or expand the ample interior compartment for up to 4” of extra room. The interior lining is soft and inviting while the contrasting color makes finding contents easy. Adjustable padded shoulder strap and a handle pass-through panel to attach to any rolling bag.

Baggallini Compression Cube Set (3) + Baggallini Long Cube

Baggallini Compression Cube Set (3)

AAA Member Price: $31.50

Baggallini Long Cube

AAA Member Price: $15.50

For super-efficient suitcase organization try Baggallini compression packing organizers. The long cube – which fits on the bottom of luggage between the handles – maximizing packing space is perfect for organizing small items like socks, bras, and underwear. The set of three compression cubes are the right size for shirts, sweaters, etc.  Upon arrival, just place them in the drawer and go. Available in a variety of colors.

A Case For Giving Event

Through the end of February, stop into your local AAA Travel store and donate a:

  • Gently used non-Briggs & Riley rolling bag and receive $50 OFF a NEW Briggs & Riley rolling bag. -OR – 
  • Gently used Briggs & Riley brand rolling bad and receive $100 OFF a NEW Briggs & Riley rolling bag.

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Travel Smart. Pack Right.

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