- Gather your clothes
- Gather all the garments you may need on your trip, then edit down your choices so you DON'T overpack. Put back at least half of the items you think you need.
- Tip: Pack double-duty garments, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas. A sarong can double as a wrap.
- Gather all the garments you may need on your trip, then edit down your choices so you DON'T overpack. Put back at least half of the items you think you need.
- Roll your clothes
- Tightly roll softer, wrinkle-resistant garments, like T-shirts and cotton pants (jeans too), and place them along the base of the bag.
- Place folded items on top
- Fold stiffer and/or wrinkle-prone garments like starched cotton shirts and blazers. Layer these folded items over the rolled clothes.
- Drape longer pieces like pants and skirts
- Fold longer items in half, filling the length of the bag with them, alternating waists with hems at the ends.
- Tip: Pick bulkier items to wear on the plane or in the car so they don’t take up precious luggage space.
- Fold longer items in half, filling the length of the bag with them, alternating waists with hems at the ends.
- Add smaller items
- Look for nooks and crannies to fill with smaller items, like bras and socks.
- Tip: Stuff the cups of your bras with rolled-up socks or undies to maintain bra shape.
- Line suitcase with belts
- Line belts around the perimeter of the bag.
- Tip: You can then cover the whole pile with a dry-cleaning bag. Thanks to the bag’s slippery surface, folded clothes won’t stay in one place long enough for creases to set.
- Line belts around the perimeter of the bag.
- Choose shoes wisely
- Pick three pairs of shoes, like a casual sandal or loafer, sneakers, and an evening shoe –go for styles that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear the heaviest pair en route and pack the others along the sides of your suitcase in resealable bags.
- Pack your jewelry
- Stow inexpensive jewelry in a seven-day plastic pillbox or a 35-millimeter film canister. Wear any fine jewelry en route to ensure it won’t get lost or stolen.
LifestyleJan 05, 2017
Tips to Packing a Suitcase
Things I've learned by losing or forgetting everything I own.
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