Try Rolling Your Clothes
Traveling can be a great way to explore different destinations and immerse yourself in new cultures. However, packing for a trip can be a tedious task. Rather than cramming your clothes into your suitcase, consider an alternative: rolling your clothes. By rolling your clothing, you can maximize space in your suitcase, reduce wrinkling of clothes, and add to your overall ease and efficiency when it comes to packing for a trip.
Let’s take a closer look at why rolling clothes is a great way to prepare for travel, and how to make it work for you.
Why Roll Clothes When Traveling?
Rolling your clothes has many benefits that can appeal to the frequent traveler. The first is that it can help to maximize the available space in your suitcase. Taking clothing items and rolling them up into tighter cylinders can help create more space than traditional folding. This can be especially beneficial as you don’t have to feel concerned when it comes to packing lighter items like t-shirts, shorts and socks.
As well, rolling your clothes can help reduce wrinkles. With traditional folding methods, the weight of the clothing items may cause you to go back and iron or steam them once you reach the destination. Rolling your items can help to keep them wrinkle-free, meaning you can wear them sooner after arrival.
Finally, rolling your clothes can help to save time when packing. Rolling your items and placing them into the suitcase does not take as much time as we traditionally may think. If you plan ahead and sort your items into categories, packing can be achieved quickly and efficiently.
How to Make Rolling Your Clothes Work for You
Rolling your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple steps to make the process work for you:
1. Choose the right suitcase
The right suitcase is key when it comes to making the most out of rolling your clothes. Look for a suitcase that has maximum room, while being lightweight and fairly flat – this will give you the greatest range to work with.
2. Divide clothing into categories
Take the time to separate your clothing into categories such as shirts, pants, and lightweight pieces. This will make the packing process much more organized and efficient.
3. Roll items tightly
The goal is to minimize volume when you roll your items. Lay an item out flat and then roll it towards the top from bottom to the edge. Make sure to roll the smaller pieces the tightest as they can bring the greatest amount of space-saving.
4. Place larger items first
Place the larger items such as jeans, trousers and a blazer, close to the wheels of the bag. This will help to create stability and a base for you as you place more items above it.
5. Utilize the corners
Stocking corners of the suitcase with rolled items will help to use space in the most efficient way possible. Placing the square items in the bag corners keeps them secure, while maximizing the shelf space in the meantime.
6. Place underwear and socks in the center
Place underwear, bras, socks and other small items in the center of the suitcase, on the top or the bottom. This will help to break up the structure of the bag, creating cushion for other items and more room.
7. Fill the bag
As you’re filling the bag with rolled items, shake the bag every once in a while to help create a balanced packing system. This will help to reduce the chance of wrinkled clothing and add more stability to your overall packing.
Rolled Clothes vs. Traditional Folding – Which is Better?
When it comes to travel, there isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to providing the best way to fold or roll your clothes. The trick is to find the method that works for you, and the one that you’re most comfortable with. Rolling versus folding is much of a personal preference.
The example of rolling clothes as described above is an effective system, and it’s something that you can tailor to your individual needs and preferences. Remember that a little bit of structure and organization can help you repack the suitcase on the way home.
For the holiday traveler, rolling clothes is an efficient way to pack clothes for any occasion. By following the steps above, you can make rolling your clothes work for you and make packing for your next trip a breeze.
