Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?

Both methods have their pros and cons, says Wirick. "Rolled clothes can be easier to access, especially in smaller bags. However, folding may be preferred for items that wrinkle easily, such as dress shirts or delicate fabrics."

What is the best method for rolling clothes?

Wirick recommends laying the item flat and smoothing out any wrinkles before you begin. "Fold in half lengthwise. Then, roll tightly, starting from the bottom of the garment and working your way up," she says.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method?

This method provides a structured, streamlined packing list, says Wirick. "It involves packing five tops, four bottoms, three accessories (such as scarves or belts), two pairs of shoes, and one outer layer (like a jacket or sweater)," she says. "This method works well for trips lasting around a week or less, depending on the variety of activities and climate at your destination."

What are the best ways to maximize space in a suitcase?

Compression bags and packing cubes help you condense your items into smaller packages, leaving more room in your suitcase. Items that don't fit into the cubes can be stuffed into shoes or tucked into spaces between other items. Another tip: "Consider multi-purpose items, like a scarf that can double as a wrap or a beach towel that can also be used as a picnic blanket, to save space and reduce the number of items you need to pack," Wirick says.

How to Pack a Suitcase to Ensure Everything Arrives Looking Neat and Tidy

Knowing how to efficiently pack your luggage will help you stay organized from your departure to the return flight.

By

Madeline Buiano

and

Blythe Copeland

Updated on April 22, 2024

Whether it's an overnight trip or a week-long getaway, few things are more exciting than going on vacation. The one downside to any respite? Packing. From shirts and pants to loungewear and shoes, it can feel daunting to find a place for everything in your luggage. Knowing how to pack your suitcase doesn't just give you more room for the items you want to bring on your trip; It also keeps chaos to a minimum when you arrive at your destination. Ahead, we spoke to organizing experts for their tips on how to pack the right way.

Joanna Wirick, professional life and home organizer and owner of Joanna Organize
Anna Bauer, organizing expert and owner of Sorted by Anna

Let Your Trip Guide Your Packing Decisions

Packing your suitcase correctly begins before any items are put into your bag. Start by asking yourself a few simple questions, like, "What type of trip am I taking?" Pinpointing the intention of your getaway—whether it's a leisurely vacation to the beach, a trip to explore a city on foot, or a backpacking adventure—will help you decide which garments to bring, as well as how many, says Joanna Wirick, a professional life and home organizer.

You should also consider what the weather will be like and what your packing parameters are—do you have a carry-on and checked luggage or just one or the other? Additionally, ask yourself if there is a place to do laundry during your trip. "This will inform the number of items you need to take," says Wirick.

How Many Garments to Pack

The number of apparel items you bring will depend on how long of a trip you're taking and what the climate is like, but for a seven-day trip, the following recommendations will give you a good sense of what you'll need.

Pants

Three bottoms should be enough for a week-long vacation. "Selecting three bottoms that have variety in color and texture ensures each outfit you put together will be fresh throughout the week," says Anna Bauer, organizing expert and owner of Sorted by Anna. Also consider day-to-night temperature changes when choosing pants for your trip—during the day, shorts might suffice, but if it gets cold in the evening, you'll need longer pants.

Tops, Dresses, and Jackets

Pack about four tops for a seven-day trip. "Select pieces that can be layered or easily re-worn," says Bauer. "And if you're going to a warmer climate, mix in dresses as well."

In the same vein, if you're going somewhere cooler, make sure to bring one jacket to protect you against the elements, as well as tops with various sleeve lengths and thickness—think sweaters, tank tops, button downs, and beyond.

Undergarments

Undergarments are one area of your suitcase where you don't want to be stingy. For seven days, pack eight pairs of underwear, seven pairs of socks, and two bras. Of course, if you're going somewhere tropical where you plan to primarily wear sandals, you may want to bring fewer socks.

Sleepwear

Whether you sleep in t-shirts and sweatpants or complete pajama sets, about two pairs of pajamas will be enough for a weeklong vacation. However, if you're someone who likes slipping into fresh pajamas every night, then you may want to pack extra loungewear, space in your luggage permitting.

Shoes

Pack two to three pairs of shoes that each serve a different function. "Sneakers for travel days and exploring, sandals that can be worn for the beach and or casual outfits, and one nice sandal or heel for nice outfits," says Bauer.

illustration of clothes and accessories packed in a suitcase — Grace Canaan

How to Pack Your Items

Now that you know which items you're bringing with you on vacation, you can begin the packing process. Think about your suitcase's layout—be intentional about the items you place on the non-roller and roller side for hygienic purposes and a secure fit.

Non-Roller Side

Pants: The non-roller side is where your main garments will go, like your pants, tops, and pajamas. Place pants at the bottom of your suitcase. "Stack pants on top of each other in alternating directions so that the thicker waistbands are not directly on top of each other," says Bauer.
Tops: Use the rest of this side to pack your tops. These items should be file-folded, rather than rolled. "People are pretty divided on this, but trust me, rolling ends up taking up more room and can cause your clothes to become more wrinkled," says Bauer. "You'll want to fold your clothes into thin compact folds, so you save room and avoid wrinkles."
Undergarments: Most suitcases come with a middle section with a mesh compartment—this is where you should keep socks, underwear, bras, and other undergarments. ("If you're using a backpack or weekender bag, you can pack socks into your shoes. Undergarments can be packed in a packing cube or fit tightly on the side of the bag next to your clothing," says Bauer.)

Roller Side

Shoes: Keep your shoes at the bottom of the roller side of your luggage. "That way, if they are dirty, it's just going on the luggage and not your clean clothes," says Bauer. "If you have a packing cube, shoe bag, or even a grocery bag, you can place shoes that have dirty soles within them."
Accessories: Keep jewelry in designated bags or packing cubes and stash them above your shoes. "A travel organizer for jewelry is a good option, albeit they can be a tad bulky," says Wirick. "Simple plastic bags can keep jewelry separated and will fit neatly into a toiletries bag." Bigger items—think hats and belts—can be stored loose on the roller side of your luggage.
Toiletries: Keep toiletries, like skin care products and makeup, in packing cubes and place them at the top of this side of your suitcase. "Be realistic about your beauty routine on vacation," says Bauer. If you're not someone who does your hair or wears a lot of makeup on vacation, you can edit out items like a straightener and a big eyeshade palette. "Opt for products that pull double duty, like a moisturizer that has SPF," she says.

Dirty Clothes: Don't forget to leave room in your suitcase for dirty clothes, which should be stashed on the roller side of your bag when it's time to come home from your vacation. "We often come back with dirty clothes from vacation, and we have a few pieces that are still clean," says Bauer. "Packing a travel-size laundry bag or even a grocery bag helps keep dirty and clean clothes separate, which is a must."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?

Both methods have their pros and cons, says Wirick. "Rolled clothes can be easier to access, especially in smaller bags. However, folding may be preferred for items that wrinkle easily, such as dress shirts or delicate fabrics."
What is the best method for rolling clothes?

Wirick recommends laying the item flat and smoothing out any wrinkles before you begin. "Fold in half lengthwise. Then, roll tightly, starting from the bottom of the garment and working your way up," she says.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method?

This method provides a structured, streamlined packing list, says Wirick. "It involves packing five tops, four bottoms, three accessories (such as scarves or belts), two pairs of shoes, and one outer layer (like a jacket or sweater)," she says. "This method works well for trips lasting around a week or less, depending on the variety of activities and climate at your destination."
What are the best ways to maximize space in a suitcase?

Compression bags and packing cubes help you condense your items into smaller packages, leaving more room in your suitcase. Items that don't fit into the cubes can be stuffed into shoes or tucked into spaces between other items. Another tip: "Consider multi-purpose items, like a scarf that can double as a wrap or a beach towel that can also be used as a picnic blanket, to save space and reduce the number of items you need to pack," Wirick says.