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. The advantage of a dual-compartment case is that it allows you to separate belongings into different sections. One side to keep clothes tightly pack, while the open side for shoes, toiletries, or bulkier items. It’s also a great solution when you’re sharing a bag! Look for a suitcase that has expansion capability, this can come in handy for the trip home.

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

A common mistake is overpacking one side while leaving the other too light, which can make the suitcase unbalanced. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly between the two compartments for ease of travel.

Prioritize

Pack anything you think you might need on your travel day in your personal carry on for easy access.

Use The TSA Lock

Many hardcase spinners come with a built in TSA lock. The lock gives you additional security plus keeps your zipper pulls safe when checking your bag – like this featured Briggs & Riley ZDX Hardside spinner.

Brigg & Riley 22” ZDX Hardside

AAA Member Price: $539.00

Available in Ocean & Black | Dimensions 22″  x 14″ x 9.5″

The ZDX Essential 22″ Hardside Carry-On Spinner’s travel-smart engineering features a remarkably light polycarbonate shell that doesn’t compromise on durability and fluid 360º swiveling spinner wheels that provide effortless maneuverability. With zip-around expansion for up to 25% extra packing room and interior compression panels, it’s easier than ever to pack everything you need.

Briggs & Riley 27” ZDX Hardside

AAA Member Price: $639.00

Available in Ocean & Black | Dimensions 27″  x 18.5″ x 11.5″

Briggs & Riley’s ZDX Medium Hardside Spinner is engineered for a lifetime of reliable performance with its resilient yet lightweight polycarbonate shell. The aerospace-grade aluminum telescoping handle adjusts to multi-heights seamlessly, giving uncompromising comfort. Enjoy effortless packing for longer trips with zippered expansion that provides a 20% ultra-roomy upgrade plus compression panels and a flat-packing interior for a wrinkle-free wardrobe.

Briggs & Riley Cabin Bag & Medium Backpack

Briggs & Riley Underseat Cabin Bag

AAA Member Price: $269.00

Dimensions 10.75″ x 17″ x 9.5″

Briggs & Riley Medium Convertible Backpack

AAA Member Price: $409.00

Dimensions 18.5″ x 12″ x 8.75″

Whether you like a tote or a backpack as your personal carryon, Briggs & Riley ZDX has you covered. The underseat cabin bag is compact for fitting under the seat with great organization, plus it can fit a 16” laptop. The medium convertible backpack can be carried three ways; pack, sling, or shoulder bag. Great organization and a place to put a change of clothes. Available in Ocean and Black.

Baggallini Compression Cube Set (3) + Baggallini Long Cube

Baggallini Compression Cube Set (3)

AAA Member Price: $42.00

Baggallini Long Cube

AAA Member Price: $18.00

For organization in your hardside luggage 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.