Introduction: Packing a Suitcase - How To

For those of you that find packing to be the worst part of vacation, hopefully these few tips will help out!

It is recommended that instead of folding your clothes in a suitcase, you should actually roll your clothes to save space. For this scenario I will be packing a small, carry on size suitcase for two nights, and three days. I will also be packing for more of a formal night with a button up shirt and a pair of dress pants.

Step 1: Step 1: Lay Everything Out

  • Make sure you will be dressed for the weather
  • When laying everything out, it doesn't hurt to plan out outfits
  • Be sure to double check everything!
    • You don't want to get on vacation and find out you forgot something at home

Step 2: Step 2: Shoes

  1. Lay your shoes out in the way they came in the box
  2. Wrap them in a plastic bag (to prevent any dirt or anything on the bottom of shoes to get clean clothes dirty)
  3. Lay them down at the bottom of the suitcase, try to pack them close to the wheel base to keep the case from getting top-heavy.

It is recommended that you only plan on taking no more than three pairs of shoes on vacation.

Pack two no more than two pairs, and the pair you're wearing to travel.

A great tip is to tuck socks in your shoes to save space and keep your shoes shape

Step 3: Step 3: Get a Roll on It

Clothes that are wrinkle resistant can be rolled to save space
To roll shirts:
  1. Fold the shirt in half so that sleeves are together
  2. Tuck the sleeves in so that you get both sides to form a straight line
  3. Roll from either side (I like to roll from the collar down, so that I have a more solid "core" to roll around)

  • The tighter you roll, the less likely you are to have wrinkles
  • Jeans can also be rolled

Step 4: Step 4: Pack Everything So Far

You can now go ahead and pack everything you have rolled. I like to use my shorts and shoes to create a "bottom layer." Then go ahead and add any sleeping clothes and the rest of your shirts. Additional clothing can be used to form a "second layer."

Step 5: Step 5: Packing Dress Clothes/Dresses

This step works fantastically with any dress pant, skirts, or dresses.

  1. When packing dress pants, put the waist band up again one end of the case. And let the legs hang over the other end.
  2. If you're packing more than one pair, go ahead and alternate pants, dresses, or skirts.
    1. If you put the waist of the first pair at the bottom, put the waist of the second pair at the top.
  3. Now fold in the legs
    1. Alternate folding in the legs for more than one pair as well.

Step 6: Step 6: Folding Button Up Shirts

Now we are going to attempt to fold our more formal shirts so that they do not wrinkle.

The hope is to fold them as similar as possible like they come from the store.

  1. Go ahead and stretch and smooth the shirt, face down on a flat surface
  2. Take a piece of paper and center it on the shoulder seam line.
    1. It is recommended to use either magazine paper, or newspaper
      1. Newspaper is much bigger and easier to fold around. It is also said that a chemical in newspaper is said to prevent wrinkling.
  3. Fold in the sides even to the sides of the paper
  4. Now fold in the sleeves
  5. Fold in half and pack on top of any dresses, skirts, or dress pants.

Step 7: Step 7: Don't Forget the Toiletries!

Again, double check that you have EVERYTHING you will need.

P.S. some dentist offices provide these really great tooth-cases that come in a reusable pouch. Including a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste!

  • If you are packing lots of toiletries, use a traveling toiletry case
  • If you're only packing for yourself for a couple of days, you can pack toiletries in the front pocket if possible.

Step 8: Tips for Making Packing Easier

  1. When laying everything out, freeze and put about half of it back. (Try to avoid over-packing if possible.)
  2. Know pants cane worn more than once.
  3. Wear thick, heavy clothes while traveling
  4. Plan on wearing the expensive jewelry while traveling. (To make sure that nothing gets lost.)
  5. Pack socks in shoes
  6. When packing liquids,place plastic wrap on the opening, then tighten up lid. (Helps to protect from spills.)
  7. Press 'n Seal wrap works great for necklaces
    1. Place one sheet down, and spread necklaces out
    2. Place another sheet on top and seal
    3. Roll the plastic and store it in a safe bag
  8. If you're taking earrings, fasten into a button.