Let's Roll: Packing Techniques Put to the Test
Whether you're traveling to be with family over the holidays or setting off to explore the globe, there's a whole host of techniques you can use to squeeze more into your suitcase and get more out of your travels!
From folding and rolling to compressing and shoe stuffing, every travel veteran has their own techniques and tactics which they swear by when it comes to fitting your life into a suitcase, but which packing tips really work? And which should you be using to stash your stuff extra snugly?
We've compiled a list of the best packing techniques and pitted them against each other to help you achieve your very own "perfect pack". So, let's roll!
1. Folding
Let's kick things off with the classic packing technique: folding. This is a common approach packers take because it's how you'd usually stash your clothes away in drawers. However, when it comes to travelling, this is not the most space-efficient tactic. This is because folding all of your clothes into rectangular shapes is a recipe for space wastage. From gaps along the side of your suitcases, to uneven layers, folding and then horizontally stacking is a fast approach, but won't maximize your luggage allowance.
The results:
- Ease of technique: 10/10
- Space efficiency: 5/10
- Clothes creasing: 6/10
2. Vertical folding
If you do want to fold your clothes but also want to get more out of your suitcase, try stacking each folded garment vertically, as if in a filing system. This saves a considerable amount of space and means you can easily see every item when you open your suitcase, preventing disruptive rummaging.
The results:
- Ease of technique: 7/10
- Space efficiency: 8/10
- Clothes creasing: 6/10
3. Rolling
This is the military's chosen packing technique of choice for a reason - it's highly efficient. Wrapping your garments up in neat little rolls dramatically reduces how much space they take up and makes it easy to find the perfect spot for them in your suitcase, minimizing wasted space. In terms of battling creases, if you get the technique right, you'll notice no difference between rolling and folding.
The results:
- Ease of technique: 5/10
- Space efficiency: 10/10
- Clothes creasing: 6/10
4. Compressing
If you're serious about getting even more into your suitcase, you might want to investigate compression options. There is a range of compression products out there which suck out the air from bags containing your clothes, thus eliminating space wastage. Some of these bags require a vacuum to suck out the air, while others aim to create a vacuum when rolled in a specific way.
The effectiveness of compression varies from solution to solution but for bulky items, such as blankets and coats, this technique will save much more space than either folding or rolling - handy for trips to colder climes.
The results:
- Ease of technique: 3/10
- Space efficiency: 8/10
- Clothes creasing: 5/10
5. Bundling
Turning your clothing into one big bundle may feel counter-intuitive, but many travelers swear by this approach. Starting with items which don't wrinkle (such as socks and underwear), create a tightly wrapped "core" using a t-shirt. Next start stacking your clothes strategically, in preparation to fold up your bundle.
Starting with the most tailored pieces, stack shirts and dresses vertically, with trousers and skirts horizontally. Once everything has been stacked, add your "core" to the center of your pile and tightly wrap each piece of clothing around it. Here's a quick tutorial:
It's not the most straightforward technique and it does take longer to complete. However, if your priorities are wrinkle-protection and space-saving, bundling could well be the Holy Grail of packing techniques.
The results:
- Ease of technique: 2/10
- Space efficiency: 9/10
- Clothes creasing: 8/10
So which technique should you use?
Your packing technique of choice will very much depend on your priorities. Vertical folding is the best compromise for those short on time, while bundling is the ultimate technique if you have an hour or two at your disposal and want to maximize space without creating wrinkles. If you're heading to a colder destination, compression will make it much easier to stash bulky coats, while rolling is ideal for speed and space, as long as wrinkles don't worry you.
The choice is yours!