This bag lying next to the door is a time bomb. Honestly, how can one go on a vacation with such stress of broken zip in the airport? There is only one way out to make sure your bags will have enough space and you won’t get any wrinkles. This strategy is called the Roll, Fold and Layer. With it you will leave amateurs behind.
Let’s go through basic rules. You do not just throw things into your bag; you create a masterpiece.
First, all heavy stuff should go to the bottom of the bag, close to the wheels. This way your bag will stay upright if you decided to place it vertically; otherwise, it would look ridiculous. Place there all your folded suits and blazers. As we know, gravity works against us and we definitely want it to press our strong clothes instead of delicate linens.
Now let’s talk about the essence of the strategy – The Hybrid Roll. Rolling is for backpackers and folding is for your grandfather. But we will use the best of both worlds.
Fold your dress shirts in the following way. Roll up the sleeves and sides and make the long rectangle. Roll your shirt up starting from the bottom. The Ranger Roll will preserve the collar and placket and make your shirt look like a compact cylinder. The same goes for your chinos and t-shirts.
Now, pack all your t-shirts and gym clothes as tightly as possible. These things will fill all empty spaces between your cylinders.
Arrange your rolled clothes in the middle of the case. Place them tightly and fill all the gaps with socks and belts. And you get a flat surface for the next step.
The top layer is for presentation. This step involves Fold technique that should be used for all clothes that you cannot afford to get wrinkled. Fold your remaining trousers once lengthwise and hang it over your rolled clothes so that the waist and hems are above the edge of the case.
Place your toiletries and shoes above the packed layer, but below the hanging trousers. Fold trouser legs over the middle of the case. This way you made the protective layer. Your shirts are hidden now under the flat surface of your pants.
Listen, nobody wants to look like a homeless person at the arrivals. This technique will take five minutes of your time at home. But you will save thirty minutes of stressful ironing at the hotel.
Moreover, this technique makes additional space for the extra tie or casual suit jacket. Space is the most important thing in carry-on bag. Take care of it as of your investment portfolio.
Do not forget about your shoes. Place them into the dust bag or plastic bag from the dry cleaner. Place them heel to toe at the bottom of the case. Stuff your socks into the shoes. This way you will gain some space and your shoes will keep their form during transportation.
Last piece of advice for today. Wear the heaviest stuff while traveling. This means your sport coat and boots. This way you will save some weight and will stay warm if the cabin becomes cooler.
Unpack the bag in the hotel room. No wrinkles, no troubles.
This is how you pack like a pro.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin