Buzz
Clothes often become wrinkled or creased after being packed, which can be quite inconvenient when traveling. In addition to folding clothes into squares and stacking them, you might want to consider alternative options for organizing your luggage, such as rolling or wrapping your items. See step 1 below for some tips on preparing your clothes for your trip.
Steps
Roll Your Clothes
Use the rolling technique. This method can minimize wrinkles and save space. The U.S. military soldiers use this technique to pack clothes efficiently. It's a great way to fit more into your bag, especially when trying to reduce bulk.
- This method works particularly well with shorts, socks, synthetic t-shirts, tank tops, some sleepwear, and warm clothing.
- The key is to smooth out the fabric while rolling. This ensures that the clothes remain wrinkle-free.
Fold the jean legs vertically. Roll the jeans from the hem up to the waistband. It's recommended to start with bulky items like jeans and larger clothing before packing them into the bag.
Roll the T-shirt. Lay the T-shirt flat with the front facing down. Fold the sleeves towards the body of the shirt. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles. Then, fold the shirt in half lengthwise and roll it up.
Fold the long-sleeved shirt. Lay the shirt flat with the front facing down. Fold the sleeves towards the body so that the cuffs are nearly touching the hem. Fold the shirt lengthwise, then begin rolling from the hem upwards.
- For expensive shirts, smooth and fold so that the shoulders align closely. Fold from the bottom upwards, then fold from the top down to layer over the bottom fold. Flip the shirt and press it flat. Slide your hands between the folds and press again. Finally, roll the shirt starting from the hem.
Fold dresses, skirts, and other skirts. Smooth them flat and roll while keeping them wrinkle-free. These types of garments are better protected when placed at the bottom of the laundry basket (another reason is because they are usually larger than T-shirts and undergarments).
- For well-made trousers, place them flat and press to eliminate creases. Stack the two legs on top of each other, then fold from the hem upwards. Press again, then start rolling from the knee crease.
- If it's a garment like a skirt or dress, lay it face down on a flat surface. Smooth out wrinkles or fabric strands. Fold the clothes lengthwise so one half overlaps the other, then press to smooth it. Next, fold from the bottom upwards so that the skirt hem meets the back of the skirt (or collar of the dress). Begin rolling it from the bottom.
- For jackets, zip them up and lay the jacket face down on a flat surface. Fold the sleeves back, then fold the jacket in half lengthwise. Next, roll it from the hem to the collar, pressing to expel air to reduce puffiness. You may secure it with an elastic band or large ribbon.
Hang your clothes as soon as you arrive. Hanging them (or at least the nicer pieces) will help prevent wrinkles. A common cause of wrinkles in our clothes is when people leave them in bags and rummage through them when searching. Hanging your clothes will reduce this issue.
Pack your clothes into a bundle.
Arrange the clothes in layers around an item to form a bundle. Use a flat rectangular bag as the 'core.' The size and placement of the 'core' depend on the amount of clothing you are packing.
- Basically, it's just a rectangular bag where you can store smaller items that are prone to getting lost in the suitcase.
Create a pillow shape with the bag. Stuff soft items like underwear, swimwear, or laundry bags into the bag to puff it up like a pillow. Avoid overpacking, as this can make the bag too bulky and unwieldy.
Start arranging the clothes to wrap the 'core.' Use a heavy item, like a jacket, and lay it flat on a bed or floor. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles on the jacket.
- The other items should be placed with the front side facing up. The jacket should be laid face down, with the sleeves hanging naturally. This helps avoid wrinkles in the shoulder seams if you flip it over.
Place skirts and dresses on top of the jacket. Fold the skirt vertically in half. Alternate placing them on the left and right sides of the jacket.
- Continue alternating between long-sleeve buttoned shirts and T-shirts. The collar of one shirt should align with the armpit of the next shirt.
- Next, add trousers (dress pants) or khakis, alternating the left and right sides.
- If you're packing a sweater or jacket, arrange them similarly. Place shorts on top of everything else.
Finally, place the 'core' in the center of the stack of clothes. Try to align the edges of the bag with the collar of the shirt and the waistband of the skirt. This ensures that the bundle of clothes stays intact when you place it in the suitcase.
Wrap the pant legs around your bundle and tuck them in. Pack them gently to avoid creases, without stretching the clothes. Wrap the sleeves and the bottom of each shirt around the bag. Tuck the sleeves underneath and around the 'core'.
Place your bundle of clothes into your suitcase. Secure it with straps inside the bag. Now, your suitcase and all your clothes are ready to go without the worry of wrinkles.
- The only downside of this method is that you'll need to unroll the bundle to access anything inside. It’s best to hang them up once you arrive at your destination.
Pack Your Shoes
Bring the heaviest pair. The largest and heaviest shoes can be tricky to pack. You could leave them behind (unless you're heading to a very cold and damp place), or wear them during travel.
Use a shoe bag. A shoe bag will keep your shoes from touching and dirtying your clothes. You can place the shoes at the bottom of your suitcase, which will help protect them and prevent discomfort while traveling.
Stuff socks into your shoes. Don’t waste the space inside your shoes. Pack them tightly with socks, or place small fragile items inside. Many people overlook this handy space.
- You could also bring shoes you no longer like or are about to discard. Then leave them behind when you’re repacking for the return trip.
Tie your shoes to the outside of your backpack. This doesn’t work if you have to check your luggage at the airport, but it’s a great space-saving option when traveling with gear or using other modes of transportation.
- Try to tie the shoes in a way that prevents them from constantly bumping into you or other people.
Tips
- Keep delicate items like underwear and bras in a mesh laundry bag. The mesh material also allows security officers to see the contents without opening the bag.
- Stack several T-shirts and roll them up to reduce wrinkles.
- Consider splitting your belongings with a travel companion. Pack half of their clothes with yours, just in case your bag gets lost, you’ll still have some of their things.
- If your clothes get a little wrinkled after arrival, hang them in the bathroom and run hot water. The steam will help smooth them out.
- It’s a good idea to pack outfits together that you plan to wear.
- Always pack your pajamas so you can access them anytime.
- Pack shoes last, placing them on top of everything else in your luggage.
Warning
- Avoid using rubber bands to tie clothing rolls, as they may leave marks from pressure. You can use packing tape or a storage bag instead.
- Don’t pack too many pairs of shoes; be selective and choose only the ones you’ll actually wear.
- Try not to bring heavy clothes. Layer up instead (you can leave that bulky coat at home). A thermal shirt and long underwear can keep you warm when traveling to cold climates, without the need to pack a heavy jacket.
