Things You'll Need:
- plastic bags from the dry cleaners
- plastic grocery bags or zip-loc bags
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Step 1
Select Your Clothing
Choose your clothing and separate it by fabric and weight. For example, put your heaviest fabrics (denim, khaki, etc.) in one pile, medium fabrics in another and continue until you have ended with the lightest and most delicate fabrics. -
Step 2
Folding Your Clothing
Now that you have separated your clothes, fold each item using the fewest folds to accommodate your suitcase. The fewer the folds, the better the results. Folding in half is the goal, but if the item is too large for the suitcase, try folding the bottom up a few inches to fit. -
Step 3
Layering your Fabrics
Once you have separated your clothing items by weight and fabric, begin by lining the bottom of your suitcase with a plastic bag (the kind you get from the dry cleaners. Place your heaviest fabric in the bottom of the suitcase. For instance if you have denim, or a thick fleece jacket, place it first. After you have placed about six-10 items of a certain fabric in your suitcase layer another plastic bag and continue. Always remember to layer a plastic bag in betweeen fabrics and if you have more than 6-10 items without a plastic. -
Step 4
Miscellaneous Items
When you get to the middle of the suitcase you can place shoes in the corners carefully. Please place your shoes separately in a plastic bag (from the grocery or a zip-loc bag) and tuck them around the edges, they should mold into the corners. Do this before you place the lighter fabrics nearer to the top. Undergarments, purses, hats, etc. should also be placed in plastic or zip-loc bags and nested in corners. -
Step 5
Finish Packing
After you have layered, press down gently and make sure the suitcase items are snug. You do not want them to move around. If your suitcase has a clip belt closure, snap it shut. If it does not place a towel or more plastic bags to make it snug. When you unpack you can use the plastic bags for drawer liners in your hotel room.
