For those heading on quick summer holidays this year, splurging on a large suitcase to check into the aircraft’s hold often doesn’t make sense. This is when being savvy with your packing technique becomes really important, whether you’re using a compact carry-on, backpack, or duffle bag to accompany you in the cabin.

Packing cubes have become a hit among holidaymakers on social media for their ability to organise luggage and optimise space. Yet, there’s no need to depend solely on them. One straightforward packing strategy proves equally effective – enabling you to fit ‘months’ worth of clothing.

The clever method was shared on TikTok by @joanna. pirog, who opted out of using packing cubes for her journey, choosing instead a more basic and cost-effective approach.

She demonstrated with an empty suitcase and a collection of holiday garments, tightly rolling each item before neatly arranging them in the case, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Her suitcase managed to fit an array of dresses, shirts, tops, skirts, and shorts without difficulty, and even when it appeared full, Joanna managed to insert more items by tucking them into small openings. She asserted that this technique allowed her to pack ‘three months’ of clothing into a single small suitcase.

In her post’s caption, she explained: “Packing cubes don’t save space, roll your clothes and you’ll fit so much more!”

The video’s comment section was full of people who agreed that packing cubes were pretty useless, unless you’re dealing with a large suitcase.

“I’m with you on the packing cubes. I just find they make it so much worse,” one viewer remarked. Another said: “I’m so impressed.”

Joanna pointed out that during her travels across Europe, most airlines didn’t bother to weigh her case, but she warned that if your luggage is overweight, you might have to fork out for a fee to check it into the hold.

If you’re looking for another packing trick to try this summer and you don’t want to resort to packing cubes, influencer Chantel Mila has just the thing.

She has recommended standing your suitcase upright, rather than laying it flat on the floor, and packing your belongings vertically in columns.

Not only will this help to maximise space, but you’ll be able to see everything in your case much more clearly, which will make unpacking so much easier when you reach your destination.