How to Pack the Perfect Suitcase

For international travel from Australia, most travellers need a carry-on (up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm) for 2 to 3 day trips, a medium suitcase (60 to 69 cm height) for 5 to 7 days, or a large suitcase (70 to 79 cm height) for 10 to 14 days. Most international airlines allow 23 kg per checked bag in economy.

Quick tip: Most international airlines cap checked luggage at a total linear measurement of 158 cm (height + width + depth combined). A large suitcase at 76 x 50 x 30 cm totals 156 cm, so it fits within most airline limits. Always verify with your airline before you fly.

You can pack clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics, books, and most personal items in both checked and carry-on luggage. Key restrictions apply to liquids over 100 ml in carry-on, power banks (must be in carry-on), spare lithium batteries, and sharp objects. Clothing and shoes have no restrictions beyond your airline's weight limit.

Returning to Australia: Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, and plant material generally cannot be brought back without declaration. Fines for undeclared items can exceed $600.

In your carry-on, every liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol must be in a container of 100 ml or less. All containers must fit inside one clear, resealable 1-litre bag, and only one bag per person is allowed. In your checked luggage, there is no container size limit for liquids.

Tosca Wetpacks

A wetpack with water-resistant lining keeps all your toiletries in one contained, wipeable space. No more shampoo across your favourite shirt when pressure changes cause lids to loosen in the hold.

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Pack shoes in shoe bags at the base (wheel end), heavy items next, then packing cubes with clothing in the middle, and lightweight or frequently needed items on top near the zip. Stuffing socks inside shoes and rolling soft clothing removes almost all dead space from a suitcase.

Tosca Packing Cubes

Multiple sizes designed to interlock inside standard suitcases. A compression zip removes excess air so you fit noticeably more in. Mesh tops mean you can see the contents without opening everything at 11pm in a hotel room.

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Place each pair into individual shoe bags and pack them at the base (wheel end), heel-to-toe to interlock neatly. Stuff small items like socks or cables inside each shoe. Limit yourself to three pairs and wear the bulkiest pair on travel day.

Shoe Bags

Dedicated shoe bags keep sole dirt fully away from your clothes no matter how many times your bag gets repositioned in transit. Flat and light when empty, they add nothing on the way home.

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Laptops, tablets, and cameras belong in carry-on luggage, not in the hold. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on and are prohibited in checked baggage. Hair tools and adaptors can go in checked luggage. Pack all cables together in one dedicated packing cube.

Cables tip: One packing cube for all your cables, adaptors, and charging gear means you pull out one thing at security and find everything instantly at your hotel.

Pack delicates in the top layer, away from heavier items below. For suits, blazers, and formal dresses, use a garment bag. For makeup and beauty products, a hard-shell beauty case protects against crushing in the hold. Wrap glass bottles in thick clothing with a resealable bag inside, placed in the centre of the suitcase.

Tosca Garment Bags

Designed for suits, blazers, and formal dresses. A dedicated hanging compartment protects garment structure and keeps creasing to a minimum. Many styles include extra compartments for shoes and accessories.

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Tosca Hard-Shell Beauty Cases

Rigid exterior protects fragile makeup and skincare in transit. Internal elastic compartments and a built-in mirror keep everything organised. One knock in the hold does not translate into a broken palette inside.

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Tosca Silicone Wheel Covers

Fit over standard spinner wheels to protect against grit and impact damage in transit. They also stop wheel dirt from transferring onto hotel carpet or your car boot when you get home.

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Documents and Money

☐ Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date

☐ Visa or ETA confirmed for your destination

☐ Travel insurance documents printed and on your phone

☐ Flight and hotel confirmation references

☐ Local currency or international travel card

Clothing

☐ Tops rolled and loaded into packing cube

☐ Bottoms (jeans, trousers, shorts) in packing cube

☐ Underwear and socks - one pair per day plus two spare

☐ Pyjamas / sleepwear

☐ Swimwear if applicable

☐ Formal outfit in garment bag if needed

☐ Light jacket for air conditioning on flights

Shoes

☐ Comfortable walking shoes worn on travel day

☐ Smart or dressy shoes in shoe bags at base of case

☐ Sandals or thongs in shoe bags, socks stuffed inside

Toiletries and Health

☐ Carry-on liquids in 100 ml containers and in 1-litre clear bag

☐ Full-size toiletries in wetpack in checked luggage

☐ Prescription medicines with scripts

☐ Basic travel medications (pain relief, antihistamine, Imodium)

☐ Makeup and beauty products in hard-shell beauty case

Electronics

☐ Phone and charger

☐ Power bank in carry-on only - NOT in checked bag

☐ Laptop or tablet in carry-on only

☐ Universal travel adaptor (check plug type for destination)

☐ Spare lithium batteries in carry-on (not checked bag)

Packing Accessories

☐ Packing cubes loaded by category

☐ Wetpack with toiletries sealed upright

☐ Shoe bags on each pair of shoes

☐ Silicone wheel covers fitted

☐ Luggage tag with current contact details attached

☐ TSA-approved lock on checked bag

Final Checks

☐ Bag weighed on bathroom scales and confirmed under airline limit

☐ Carry-on checked against airline's published size dimensions

☐ No power banks or spare batteries in checked luggage

☐ Photo taken of open bag contents before closing

What size suitcase do I need for international travel from Australia?

For 2 to 3 days, a carry-on (up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm, 30 to 45 litres) is usually enough. For 5 to 7 days, a medium suitcase (60 to 69 cm height, 60 to 80 litres) fits most people's needs while staying under a 23 kg checked allowance. For 10 to 14 days, a large suitcase (70 to 79 cm height, 100 to 120 litres) gives the space you need.

What liquids can I bring in my carry-on bag from Australia?

Each container must hold 100 ml or less. All containers must fit inside a single clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag. One bag per person is the limit. This applies to toothpaste, moisturiser, deodorant, shampoo, and makeup. There is no liquid size limit for your checked luggage.

Can I pack a power bank in checked luggage?

No. Power banks are prohibited in checked luggage on all airlines operating from Australia. They must be in your carry-on bag. Spare lithium batteries (including camera batteries) also cannot go in checked luggage and must travel in carry-on.

Is it better to roll or fold clothes when packing a suitcase?

Roll casual fabrics like t-shirts, jeans, activewear, and swimwear. Rolling takes up less space and reduces wrinkles in non-structured items. Fold structured garments like blazers, dress shirts, and formal trousers where shape matters. For formal wear, a garment bag is the most effective option.

What is the maximum checked luggage size for most international flights from Australia?

Most international airlines cap checked luggage at a total linear measurement of 158 cm (height + width + depth). A standard large suitcase measuring 76 x 50 x 30 cm totals 156 cm, so it fits within most airline limits. The weight limit for most carriers is 23 kg per bag in economy, though some airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Emirates allow 25 kg.

What food can I bring back to Australia from overseas?

Australia's biosecurity laws mean many food items cannot be brought back without declaration and inspection. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, plant material, and soil are all restricted or prohibited. Always declare anything you are unsure about at customs on your return. Failing to declare items can result in an on-the-spot fine of more than $600.