• Work & Life

How To: Pack a Suitcase

Follow These Eight Easy Steps:

1. 1Gather your clothes

   Gather all the garments you may need on your trip, then edit down your choices so you don’t overpack—a common mistake. Put back at least half of the items you think you need.
   
   Tip: Pack double-duty garments, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas. A sarong can double as a wrap.

2. 2Roll your clothes

   Tightly roll softer, wrinkle-resistant garments, like T-shirts and cotton pants, and place them along the base of the bag. Jeans should be rolled, too.

3. 3Place folded items on top

   Next, fold stiffer and/or wrinkle-prone garments like starched cotton shirts and blazers. Layer these folded items over the rolled clothes.

4. 4Drape longer pieces like pants and skirts

   Fold longer items in half, filling the length of the bag with them, alternating waists with hems at the ends.
   
   Tip: Pick bulkier items to wear on the plane or in the car so they don’t take up precious luggage space.

5. 5Add smaller items

   Look for nooks and crannies to fill with smaller items, like bras and socks.
   
   Tip: Stuff the cups of your bras with rolled-up socks to maintain bra shape.

6. 6Line suitcase with belts

   Snake belts around the perimeter of the bag. Then cover the whole pile with a dry-cleaning bag. Thanks to the bag’s slippery surface, folded clothes won’t stay in one place long enough for creases to set.

7. 7Choose shoes wisely

   Pick three pairs of shoes, like a casual sandal or loafer, sneakers, and an evening shoe –go for styles that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear the heaviest pair en route and pack the others along the sides of your suitcase in resealable bags.

8. 8Pack your jewelry

   Stow inexpensive jewelry in a seven-day plastic pillbox or a 35-millimeter film canister. Wear any fine jewelry en route to ensure it won’t get lost or stolen.