As a Travel Editor, This Packing Tip Revolutionized My Life

I’ll admit, I have a tendency to overpack—sometimes to an extreme. While others might pack light for a two-week European adventure, I’d bring the same amount for a simple weekend getaway. For instance, on a short trip to Philadelphia, I once packed seven pairs of shoes. Did I need that many? Absolutely not.

I’m aware that I could always purchase forgotten items at my destination or find a laundry facility. Friends, family, and partners have repeatedly reminded me of this. Yet, even when I make a conscious effort to pack less, my luggage still ends up overflowing.

The real challenge is squeezing everything into a carry-on—after all, who enjoys checking luggage? Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless tricks to cram more into my bag: tightly rolling clothes, using packing cubes, vacuum-sealing sweaters, and even enlisting friends to sit on my suitcase while I struggled to zip it shut. These methods worked decently, but everything changed when I discovered the ultimate solution: vertical packing!

Here’s how it works: Instead of folding clothes and stacking them horizontally in your suitcase, I fold each piece and arrange them side by side, with just one edge exposed. Imagine standing your suitcase upright and stacking your clothes vertically—that’s the idea. This approach lets me see every item instantly (no more digging through layers) and significantly increases the amount I can pack. I’ve seen this technique used in clothing drawers for years, but it only recently dawned on me that it could revolutionize suitcase packing too.

This simple adjustment has made packing stress-free and lets me bring along more of my favorite items, like extra T-shirts. Try it out during your holiday travels and share your thoughts with me!