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I travel often and anyone that knows me, knows I used to be the queen of taking my entire house with me wherever I went. After too many events at the airport where I had to empty items out of my suitcase due to weight limits, and then had to magically find a place for said items, I decided it was time to learn some packing tips for traveling efficiently. After trial and error, I’ve figured out the best packing tips and tricks to pack light but still have all the essentials. Here’s what’s worked for me:
Roll vs. fold clothes
One of the best packing tips I’ve ever learned was to roll my clothes instead of fold them. The first time I heard this, I was skeptical, but believe me when I say it really does make all the difference! You can easily fit triple the amount of shirts, shorts, dresses, and pants by rolling vs folding.
Spread, don’t stack
When it comes to those last few items that you want to throw into your suitcase, such as books, coats, shoes, etc, it’s best to spread them out. Whatever you do, don’t stack them! Stacking will make your suitcase extremely bulky, and if you’re using only a carry on, it will most likely be too bulky to fit in the overhead, causing you to have to check in your bag at the last minute.
Utilize organizers
Invest in a multi-use organizer for small items. Although it may not sound very efficient, something small with many compartments will actually allow you to easily pack a set of jewelry to match each outfit. Who wouldn’t want that!?
Bring only the essentials
Do you really need multiple pairs of heels and sandals? No, you don’t! Stick with safe neutrals that can go with different outfits and you’ll have room to pack a pair of flats, heels, and tennis shoes!
Stack your bras
There’s one exception when I say you should roll your clothes, and that’s for bras! To efficiently pack bras, it’s best to lay them flat and stack them on top of each other. This will save plenty of space since the cups can get bulky if folded and then stacked. 
Put all liquids in bags
If items like shampoo, toothpaste, contact solution, shaving cream, or soap are going in the same area as your clothes, be sure to pack them in sealable bags in case they leak. This will preserve your clothes from getting ruined in the event that something spills.
Utilize space inside items already packed
For smaller items, instead of taking up space in the suitcase, see where they can fit in-between items already packed. For example, underwear, socks, and chargers can sometimes fit between bras and inside shoes to save space.
Bring a bag for dirty laundry
When it’s time to re-pack to head back home after a trip, the last thing you’ll want to do is mix your dirty worn clothes in with clean clothes that may not have gotten worn. An extra bag for dirty laundry doesn’t take up any space and will surely come in handy!
Don’t forget the essentials
Items of priority should get packed first to avoid forgetting them. This can include anything from medicines to special products you must have while traveling. A few things I’m picky with are my hair products and detergent so those always come with me!
I know you’re probably wondering why I pack laundry detergent of all things, but I have my reasons! First off, depending on the duration of a trip, it’s sometimes much easier to pack less outfits and just wash and re-wear them again. I have very sensitive skin and not all laundry detergents are my friend, so I bring my own so I can have one less thing to worry about. When I’m free of skin worries, I’m free to be!
I prefer to use the #1 detergent recommended by Dermatologists, all® free clear liquid detergent (for at home) and all® free clear Mighty Pacs® (for on the go), since it doesn’t have dyes, perfumes, certain chemicals, or irritating residues. It fights tough stains, whitens whites, and brightens colors all while removing 99% of everyday and seasonal allergens*. The Mighty Pacs® are very convenient for traveling! Be sure to follow the directions listed on the package exactly for use. This is what’s worked best for me!
Are you a pro packer or over packer? Share your packing tips for traveling below!
If you have skin allergies like I do and want to give this a try, you can buy all® free clear at Target!
*Please note the products mentioned are not intended to treat or prevent allergies
Michelle says
Totally going to have to try the rolling clothes option!! Thanks for the advice!!
Mike C says
I suck at packing, especially when I’m packing after a camping trip. All thought of rolling and saving space goes out of the window, it’s a strictly a stuff all my smelly, dirty clothes in as quick as possible time for me.
Taylor says
Love this! I learned the rolling trick when I was packing for Ireland last year and it made all the difference! I also love that jewelry organizer! I have a small one, but I’d love to get my hands on one like that.
Molly says
I’m totally an overpacker and I am going on a trip on Thursday so I’m happy I read your post and found your great tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Willow says
Great tips! I have used the rolling clothes method for years and I love it! I packed too much for one trip and learned my lesson. I only take the essentials now!
Joanna @ Strong Girl Collective says
Rolling clothes has saved so much space for me when traveling! I wish I would have learned that trick sooner;)
Natasha says
Loved this! Thanks for the help! 🙂
Rachel says
These are great tips! It’s crazy how much of a difference rolling makes vs. folding!
renee says
Great tips! Especially rolling and bringing a bag for dirty clothes!
Elaine McKellips says
Loved this! Rolling my clothes changed my life, haha. I’m such an over packer – still need to work on that! 🙂
Heather with WELLFITandFED says
Simple but true. I pack a suitcase almost every week! i love the packing cubes the best. Keeps things so organized.
K says
I agree. They keep clothes of the same kind together and less wrinkled plus you don’t have to hang them or put in drawers.
K says
I have two checklists in my computer – one for things to pack and one for things to do before leaving. Sure makes traveling less worrisome!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
So helpful! I use a lot of these tips when traveling, too. The extra bag for laundry is key when you have kids! 🙂
Jenny says
Great tips! Keeping them in mind for the upcoming honeymoon.
xoxo, Jenny
Sarah Zerbe says
Packing is a lot of work thanks for sharing your tricks.
Sarah || http://www.stylishsassyandclassy.com/
Becky says
Yes roll not fold. I always forget to bring a bad for dirty laundry. Always hoping the hotel has one.
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
I travel quite a bit myself, and I have to say the rolling the clothes thing was a game changer for me when packing! 🙂 Saves so much space! These are all great tips!
Ashley - The Traveling Gals says
I am a terrible packer haha I always over pack. It’s weird though because rolling my clothes does not work for me. Not sure why. But I always bring a laundry bag as well!
Adaleta Avdic says
These are excellent tips that took me YEARS to figure out. If I stack this, more should fit right? Wish I had read this post years ago because packing would’ve been less difficult and annoying! 😉 xx Adaleta Avdic
Emily says
I am a pro packer, like you! My husband, on the other hand, brings twice as much stuff as he needs! #client
Mary says
I love the tips. For those who said they like the bag, find cute bags for jewelry and other items Thirty-One Gifts. You can view a current catalog when you visit my FB page for customers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/organizingwithmary/
Mary says
I keep a bag with all my toiletries ready to go all the time. Refill when I get home. So less to remember to pack when it’s time to go again. I have a clear bag so they can be easily inspected at airports. You can also use your shampoo to wash clothing with. (Did this on mission trips). When I’m on a road trip with several different stops I pack matching outfits separately in bags. Then I just grab that bag and toiletries for the hotel instead of dragging the whole suitcase in.
Roselyne Nobles says
My husband has always rolled his clothes and I have always stacked mine. I am going to try rolling. He even rolls his clothes to go in the laundry bag to bring back!
Fran Patterson says
My go to travel idea is utilizing clothes you are tired of and are considering throwing out. Pack those for long trips. After they have been worn, fold neatly and place on top of the trash can. You have gained extra space for souvenirs! And the maid has something new to her.