If you've just returned home from your summer vacation or staycation, chances are, you've probably still not unpacked. In fact, it’s quite common for most of us to leave our cases to one side and procrastinate — feeling it's another chore to do. As a result, suitcases or bags are dumped, or end up half full with a stash of random souvenirs or duty-free buys.
Luckily, we've got an expert at hand to share their 5-step routine to unpacking. These tips will guarantee a smooth and stress-free way of decluttering your suitcases, so you're all ready for your next vacation.
1. Set yourself a timer (and don’t procrastinate)
One of the biggest mistakes we often make is to procrastinate, until days turn into weeks. And I’m ashamed to say there’s been times when my suitcase has sat in the corner of my bedroom for over a month — half unpacked.
“Suitcases get dumped by the door, sand gets everywhere, and the laundry pile becomes an avalanche,” states Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage. “It’s a common scenario — and a stressful one if you don’t have a plan.”
Wilson recommends setting yourself an allocated time (and stick to it!), to deal with the task of unpacking, without any distractions.
“Create a sense of urgency," he says. "Set a timer for half an hour, put on your favorite playlist, and commit to getting it done. You’ll be surprised how quickly the task shrinks once you start.”
2. Take all clothes directly into the washing machine
Another thing we often do is let our pile of dirty laundry sit in our cases or basket until we’re ready to sort through them.
The best thing to do is put them straight into the washing machine as soon as we can, before unpacking the rest of our items.
“Dirty clothes are the low-hanging fruit of unpacking,” adds Wilson. “Get them into the washing machine first to free up space in your suitcase so you can tackle the rest of the items.” This is especially the case if you had brought excess clothing that you probably didn’t even use!
That’s why it’s always good to try these expert suitcase packing hacks to make unpacking easier.
3. Put essentials back in their rightful place
Similarly, if you’ve left your travel documents and toiletries in your cases, or even dumped on the nearest table, these can often sit for days.
Not only do these create unnecessary clutter, but makes it harder to find anything that you need in future.
“Things like toiletries, travel documents, tech cables, or books should go back to their designated spot straight away,” urges Wilson. “Don’t just shuffle them from bag to surface — otherwise, they’ll sit there for days, or they can even begin to leak in your bag after a long, turbulent journey.”
This is also the ideal time to declutter any old receipts, travel tickets or junk that you no longer need.
4. Don’t half unpack your cases
More importantly, don’t just half unpack your suitcase when you feel like it, and forget about the rest. Be sure you get the task done properly, so you end up with a completely empty and clean suitcase.
“Don’t just zip up your suitcase and shove it under the bed until next time,” agrees Wilson. “You might be storing damp swimwear, half-empty bottles of sun cream, or melted snacks. Properly empty and clean your luggage to avoid musty smells or stains for when you next come to use it.
Unpacking doesn’t have to feel like a chore — it should be used as an opportunity to reset. Think of it as your first step back into real life, where a clear space helps create a clear mind.”
Plus, once you get unpacking out of the way, you’ll have more time and space to enjoy all your vacation gifts.
5. Be selective with vacation gifts/souvenirs
Have you ever bought back more gifts or souvenirs than you actually need? While it might have seemed like a good idea at the time, impulse buying can often become a chaotic mess.
“Impulse purchases are part of the fun of travelling, but once you’re home, they don’t always make sense in your space,” suggests Wilson.
“Before deciding what to keep, ask yourself: Does it serve a purpose? Does it fit with your home’s style? Would I buy this if I saw it in a shop today? If the answer’s no, take a photo for the memory, then consider donating or storing it. Not every keepsake needs to stay on display — it’s about keeping the memory, not the mess.”
More from Tom's Guide
- Best smart luggage in 2025
- I tried these suitcase packing hacks from an expert
- Experts recommend the 'anti-wrinkle method' for stress-free suitcase packing
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