Do you fold or roll your clothes when you pack your suitcase? I’ve never been someone who always sticks to one method…that is, until now! My latest assignment for the Travel Hack blog was to discuss space-saving tricks in your suitcase, you can read it here. I decided I should do a little research before giving any advice on these methods, so I created a folding vs rolling challenge for myself!
Before my last work trip I packed my suitcase twice. I tried out both methods using the same clothes and the same suitcase and (drum roll, please)…
Rolling the clothes won by a long shot! If you look at the picture I took below, I had about two extra inches in my luggage with the rolling method!
If you’re looking for more packing tips, here are a few other tricks that I love:
- Jewelry – I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thrown jewelry into a bag only to find that my necklaces have tangled together on arrival. I have an amazing trick for you! If you unfasten the necklace, thread it through the tube of a straw, and then re-fasten it together, your necklace won’t get tangled. Note – You may need to cut the straw in half if it is too long.
- Prevent Wrinkles – If you’re traveling with delicate blouses or dresses fold your items with tissue paper to prevent wrinkles. I’ve also found that if I hang a wrinkly dress or shirt in the hotel bathroom while I’m showering the steam will work some of the wrinkles out. If you want to avoid the hotel iron, but need your clothes to be wrinkle free this is an excellent travel steamer.
- Cross-pack – Unfortunately, airlines have a bad reputation for losing luggage. Although I fully believe in positive thinking, especially while on vacation, I also believe in being prepared! That is why Mike and I like to cross-pack when we travel together. All you need to do is pack half of your stuff in your travel companion’s suitcase and half of their stuff in yours. That way if you do lose your luggage at least you will both have some of your things.
- Hot Irons – Do you ever find yourself waiting for your hot iron to cool down before you check out of a hotel? A friend suggested that I pack an oven mitt so I can put the hot iron inside to prevent it from burning anything in my bag. I haven’t tried this yet, but I love this idea! Have you ever tried this?
- Lint Roller – The airline luggage stickers work great if you don’t want to pack a lint roller. These stickers have come in handy for me several times–especially with black dress pants.
If you’d like to read some more packing tricks, check out my 10 Space Saving Tips on the Travel Hack blog.
Happy travels!
-Jenny
You are so right about this Jenny! I’ve been experimenting myself and I really feel the rolling method is a space saver! Your cross pack hack is a good one. We don’t typically do that (unless my bag is too full;) but I like the idea.
Great tips!! Our Lifestyle Linkup goes live again on Monday-please share some of your fab links!
xx, Heather
Thanks, Heather! I will check it out on Monday! Yay!
YES! I rolled my clothes when I studied abroad and it gave me so much other room!
Yah, I bet it’s super helpful when you have to bring a lot of stuff for an extended trip! Thanks for reading!
Great tips here! I love your style. I’m a big fan of rolling my clothes to fit more. I often put them in ziplocks to reduce space, but that isn’t so helpful for wrinkles haha.
Thanks, Rachel!! I’ve heard the ziplock bag trick works pretty well! I might have to try it one of these days!
Great answer to my question, plus great tips offered as well!