Packing your bags for a trip seems like a simple thing, but if you don’t do it carefully, you’ll find find a mess inside of your hand luggage suitcase when you arrive at your destination. Wrinkled clothes can be easily prevented, but only if you pack properly.
Lay everything you want to take with you on your bed, and don’t forget to add a few plastic grocery bags, some white tissue paper, and some ziplock storage bags to the pile. Place the tissue paper between layers of clothing to reduce wrinkles, and stash some of you plastic bags in a side pocket. (You can use these later to transport wet bathing suits and dirty clothes.)
Set aside the shoes that you are planning to wear on the first day, and place any others in the suitcase. (Some people like to wrap each individual shoe in a plastic bag before placing it into the suitcase, because it eliminates the chance that your shoes will soil your clothes.) It is most efficient to place one shoe on each side of the suitcase to evenly distribute weight. Do this with every pair.
Other heavy items and wool fabrics can also be placed at the bottom of the suitcase: This is ideal for any books or gifts you may be carrying, and wool fabrics are easiest to keep wrinkle-free. The key is to balance your heaviest items along the sides of the suitcase for ease in carrying.
Remember to make as few folds as possible. You can roll lightweight knits, underwear, socks, swimwear, and pajamas loosely, which keeps creases out, and gives you more room in your suitcase. These items can be laid on top of other things along the sides of the suitcase. Make sure you fasten any buttons on your garments prior to packing them, and place denim at the bottom of the pile.
Dresses, jackets, blouses and shirts, and sweaters should be folded lengthwise, in thirds, turning in each side, including the sleeves. Full-length dresses will fit well into a suitcase if you fold it once, in the middle. Pants should be folded crosswise once only. Take the waist of the pants, and place it at one end of the suitcase, then take the waist of the next pair, and place it on the opposite end. (This will keep weight evenly distributed, as well as reduce bulkiness in a particular area.)
If you are taking any items that are pleated, you’re going to want to pin the pleats before packing the garment. This way, the pleat will lie flat, and not look squashed from other items resting on top. Many items need no preparation or folding, and can lie across the top of the suitcase. These are items like straight skirts, lightweight shorts, sleeveless shirts or blouses, and ties.
When packing, if you find that you’re running out of room, get creative! Stuff small items like rolled pantyhose and underwear in shoulders of shirts, and belts can go in shoes. This also helps maintain the shape of your garments.
Use the ziplock bags to carry cosmetics and medications, placing them in an accessible place inside a pocket in your suitcase. Place a small travel iron in your suitcase if you need your clothing to look fresh for a dinner or a meeting. (These are lightweight and inexpensive.)
Finally, think about what clothes you’ll be wearing each day, and pack accordingly. If you know what outfits you’ll need for a particular day, you can place those items closer to the top, and you won’t have to ruin your perfectly packed suitcase to find what you need!