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What’s the best way to pack your clothing: folding or rolling? Some people swear by rolling because it’s quick and allows them to see all of their items clearly, while others fold because it prevents clothing from wrinkling and is easy to unpack. If you’re unsure if you should be folding or rolling clothes for packing, find out what our readers have to say!
Should You Roll or Fold Clothes When Packing?
Table Of Contents
A common debate between travelers is whether or not one should roll or fold clothing in luggage. Every traveler wants to save space, but not at the cost of wrinkled clothing or messy organization.
The video below demonstrates rolling vs. folding methods with actual clothing items and ways to gain space and remain organized while packing. Take a look:
See this video for examples of rolling vs. folding packing methods
Overall, there isn’t one right or wrong answer. It can depend on a few things, including the type of clothing and your itinerary. Readers have shared their insights so you can decide on the best technique for you!
The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
One way to help with wrinkles is to bring a travel clothes steamer to smooth out clothing.
Folding Your Clothing
Folding is the most popular packing style among TFG readers. While rolling is said to be a great space-saving packing technique, many readers have shared that after trying it, they’ve gone back to folding.
Folding your garments (neatly) and stacking them flat will result in less wrinkly clothing when you unpack. It also makes for easy unpacking, which is handy if you’re only traveling to one destination rather than hopping around.
Pros
- Fewer wrinkles: Readers say that packing their clothing flat leaves them mostly wrinkle-free upon arrival or with light wrinkles that are easy to fluff out. This means you can have a bit more freedom with the specific items you choose to pack rather than focusing solely on wrinkle-free pieces.
- Saves space: Many readers share that packing things as flat as possible and using either compression straps or packing cubes is the ultimate way to save space in your suitcase.
- Easy to unpack: Everything is already folded and ready to be transferred to a drawer or hung in a closet.
Cons
- Not ideal for multi-destination trips: Folded clothing can get quite messy throughout multi-destination trips.
- Lack of Visibility: It’s harder to see everything you have packed when your items are stacked on top of one another. You might mess up other items in the process of searching through your bag or even forget about certain items that are out of sight.
- Takes Time: In order to reduce wrinkles, you’ll need to fold your pieces in a precise and neat way, which can be a bit more time-consuming if you’re in a hurry.
Packing cubes are great for rolling clothing–see how they can change your life in this article!
Rolling Your Clothing
While not as popular as folding, many TFG readers swear by rolling their clothing! One reader says she’s been a faithful roller for over ten years, and always travels carry on only.
Rolling is a more common technique when traveling with a hardside suitcase, as the dual sides allow you to see each item more clearly, rather than having stacks of rolled clothing on top of each other. This technique is definitely favored for its organization!
Pros
- Better organization: You’ll be able to see each item clearly and reach for it easily without accidentally unfolding other clothes.
- Easy to do: Some readers have noted that if you’re packing in a hurry or are not particularly skilled at folding, rolling your clothing is a quick and easy way to get everything neatly packed!
- Versatility: Rolling allows for more versatility when packing, as you can orient your items however they fit best, tuck certain items into the indentations of your suitcase, and even stuff items into your shoes or hats.
Cons
- Can take up more space: Rolling may take up more space, especially if you’re packing thicker items like jeans and sweaters.
- Wrinkles: Rolling may lead to more wrinkles in clothing, especially if they’re not rolled carefully.
- Harder to unpack: When at your destination, you’ll likely have to re-fold your items if you plan on unpacking them.
- Might unroll: If you’re not packing your items tightly into packing cubes or if there’s a bit of extra space (due to the efficient packing!), then your rolled items may actually start to unroll, which can create some disorganization.
Choose the best packing technique to keep your clothes organized for your needs and preferences.
Folding vs. Rolling: Final Verdict
The majority of readers agree that folding their clothing is the most space-saving AND the best technique for reducing wrinkles. It’s an option that works for various fabrics and suitcase styles, too.
Rolling can be a better tactic at times. If you’re heading to a hot climate and will be packing lightweight and wrinkle-resistant clothing (or clothing you plan on steaming upon arrival), rolling will allow you to stuff plenty of clothing into your suitcase!
While folding gets the top vote, you may want to incorporate BOTH folding and rolling into your packing strategy. Many readers have shared that while most of their clothing gets folded, they will roll items like underwear and pajamas and tuck them away into the nooks and crannies of their suitcases. Other readers like to roll their jeans and jackets that won’t wrinkle and lay their folded clothing on top.
There are big fans of both packing strategies in the TFG community! One reader sums it up perfectly, saying that it’s simply about what works for you, the clothing you’re bringing, how you travel, and the type of suitcase you have when it comes to deciding which method to go with.
Left: Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes | Right: Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes
Folding vs. Rolling With Packing Cubes
If you’re looking to maximize your packing potential even more, then packing cubes are a must!
In fact, many TFGs use Compass Rose Packing Cubes because they’re the only packing cubes on the market with a number and color-coded system. Whether you’re folding or rolling, this system of using packing cubes will save tons of space and make organizing easy.
The Compass Rose cubes are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase, and you can mix and match both sets into one suitcase!
Compass Rose Medium Carryon Packing Cubes in Medium
When it comes to folding, the medium-sized Compass Rose cubes are great for this purpose and work well for bulkier items in general. Yet, they hold a large amount of items.
A reader impressively shares her experience with packing cubes, saying she was able to pack 14 dresses, 11 tops, 7 bottoms, undergarments, a sweater, 2 swimsuits, 5 bras, and 5 pairs of shoes in a small carryon suitcase, all by packing flat inside packing cubes!
One reader says that rolled clothes work best when packed into a packing cube. Otherwise, they unroll and create a bit of a mess.
The Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes can be used in something like the Nomad Lane Bento Bag for short stays or the Away 21” Carry On Suitcase for longer trips by using the rolling method!
But just as folding is the most popular packing style in the TFG community, folding is also very popular when it comes to packing cubes. Another reader says that packing her clothing flat into packing cubes is way more efficient for her than anything else she’s tried.
If you don’t use packing cubes, folding may be a better way to arrange your clothing, depending on what you’re bringing. However, if you plan to use packing cubes and want a more thorough example of how to pack a full capsule wardrobe, see the video below:
Watch this video to see how to use packing cubes with a capsule wardrobe
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. Because packing cubes compress clothing, these strategies have helped thousands of women travel carryon only!
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the never-ending debate about whether you should fold or roll clothes for packing. Remember, the goal is to efficiently use your suitcase space in a way that’s most organized for your needs. The whole point of packing well is to make sure you make the most out of your trip.
Here are some extra tips to help with your packing strategies:
- Packing light and efficiently starts with your suitcase; check out our massive suitcase category to see which one best suits your trip and needs. (Hint: you’ll find everything from hardside, softside, international luggage to luggage sets!)
- To help you organize your clothes, this article on packing organizers can get you started, and for shoes, here are the top shoe bags to keep items protected from worn shoes.
- You should downsize your toiletries and decant your favorite products. Many readers choose one of these top toiletry bags to pack them.
- After you’ve packed everything, it’s a good idea to use a luggage scale to ensure your suitcase isn’t overweight. This is especially true nowadays when airlines constantly change baggage allowance restrictions. See this article for the best ones!
What do you prefer: folding or rolling clothes for packing? Comment below!
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I just read the folding vs rolling article and watched the packing cube video. I can’t wait to try this for my next trip.
Love the rolling method with compression cubes.
Love, LOVE, LOVE this website! Even though I consider myself a fairly seasoned traveler, I continue to learn every single time I read other travelers’ posts. So many wonderful tips are shared each and every day.
So many great tips! I always get lost in your website reading one article and finding another. Great information and I love the testimonials from other travellers.
I have learned so much from this blog. My packing has totally changed and we look forward to traveling light and smart.
I roll virtually everything and use packing cubes – absolute game changer! Can’t believe how much more I can fit in and how organized doing this keeps it all. My husband and I and another couple are going to Italy for 2 weeks in June and using these packing strategies, we are traveling with only carry on bags! Thanks for your travel articles – so helpful!
Have the most amazing time in Italy Diane, and I’m so glad the blog has helped you with your packing ❤
I tried folding Marie Knodo style so my cloths were in a neat row in the packing cubes. I could easily see what I wanted without needing to digging around. Thanks for the tip!
Rolling clothes and using the compass rose packing cubes is my go to method, except for bigger, bulky items. I love how many pieces of clothing I can fit in just one cube, how they compress, and how easy it is to keep things organized during trips. I will never go back.
I tried the rolling method with packing cubes on a 3 week trip to Germany. I packed A LOT!!! I am prone to overpacking so this gives me so much more room to do so!! EEK!
These suggestions have been an absolute game changer for this former over packer! Thank you for helping to simplify my life and my travels!!
I too am debating using packing cubes or not. I favor rolling except for things like jeans & shorts- folding seems to work better.
So helpful! I am new to packing cubes so really appreciate the video and explanation of your thought process. I am a die hard roller, but will now give consideration to folding in some cases. Your site is really interesting and SO educational!
I love the roll method along with packing cubes! I can fit so much in my suitcase!
Thanks for teaching me how to pack and roll my clothes!
love rolling my clothes-
i limited myself to the medium and small sized packing cubes; i found myself overpacking the large ones (they got really densy and heavy really fast!)
Best advice I got from this blog was to purchase a digital luggage scale. It has saved me from being overweight on my carry on, especially when traveling on budget airlines in Europe.
Summer 2019 for our trip to Europe. I started rolling my clothes when using the compass rose packing cubes. It makes it much easier to find clothes. I bought two sets of compose rose packing cubes for my family. Assigned each person a # for their clothes. It worked great!
Great advice! I personally use a combination of rolling and KonMari folding in packing cubes. I also try on everything I am packing to ensure I am comfortable in it and will wear it
I learned how to roll my clothes a few years ago and prefer to roll all of my clothes. Now with a family of 5 (3 pre-teen / teenage boys), I typically roll clothes together per individual, this way, when I get to my destination and kids need to put their stuff in their drawers, I can just hand them rolls instead of having to take out piece by piece.
The packing cubes are instrumental on a long trip and you can separate the clean clothes from dirty as the trip continues! I saved so much room rolling and compressing clothes that I had extra room for souvenirs to bring home!
Use your packing cubes all the time…more for my son than for me, but they work very, very well.
Your Compass Rose Packing Cubes are great. Used them to pack for a cruise and will never do it any other way.
Lately I’ve been rolling and compressing into a packing cubes – but I’m definitely more tidy on the outbound than when I return – then it all gets squished, squeezed and compressed into the tiniest crevice available.
If you can’t afford packing cubes, try doing a “ranger roll” with your clothes. I came across a video on YouTube about it, and it has been a game changer.
I use packing cubes and I do both, depending on the shape of the cube. For the long thin ones, I roll (underwater, socks, t shirts). For the small rectangles, I fold and stack shirts and pants.
I roll most clothes for packing cubes. Jeans I lay flat in cube. All great info!
Packing cubes disciple here! Have given cubes & folders as gifts for years. I mix it up with folding & rolling depending on the material. And the debate continues… 😉
I’m a roller all the way!
I’m heading to Europe for 21 days and can’t wait. I’ve gotten down to a roller bag and underseat bag for my other trips, so I’m pretty confident i can stick to it. I’ll be traveling through various countries and temperatures, so getting the wardrobe and pushing down will be very important.
Thanks for all your insights!
Thanks to this wonderful website and all of the great suggestions on how to travel light, I was able to travel through Switzerland for 10 days using a backpack carry-on and under the seat bag. You made is SO easy, and the concept of packing cubes is nothing short of a miracle! Keep up the great tips! More trips are in my future. The capsule wardrobe concept works like a dream. I even convinced my husband to try it! Thanks!
This article has been so helpful when packing for my last few trips! Thank you so much for sharing!
I used similar packing cubes after seeing this blog/video, I didn’t find the Compass Rose brand. I took a carryon with ease for a 5 day trip for the first time. I couldn’t believe how much I was able to fit in my carryon suitcase. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your continuous useful tips.
My daughter taught me how to roll my clothes and showed me how to maximize the space in a carry on only. There were many tips in this blog that I will be adding to my packing routine. Thank you for the great ideas.
Thanks for sharing I’ve always been a roller! Now I roll them into the compass rose packs!
I try to roll but sometimes do a combo of rolling and folding. Thanks to TFG I’ve recently purchased some compressible packing cubes! Cannot wait to try them out!
Lately I’ve been rolling and compressing into a packing cubes – but I’m definitely more tidy on the outbound than when I return – then it all gets squished, squeezed and compressed into the tiniest crevice available.
Capsule wardrobes, packing cubes, and rolling my clothes changed EVERYTHING about how I pack. The cubes function as “mini-dresser drawers.” Each cube is sorted by item type, so it’s easy to find all my tops, all my bottoms, all my underwear and PJs, and so forth. I SOOO wish I would have known about this method back in the 80s and 90s when I was lugging very heavy luggage (higher weight limit then) up and down metro stations and on trains.
I prefer rolling most items and stuffing them into packing cubes to fit the most garments into the least amount of space. I learned how from Alex’s videos!
I am so impressed with Travel Fashion Girl and the always timely tips for taking to the skies and traveling in style. I downloaded the Ultimate Travel Packing List and relied on it to pack a streamlined rolling carry-on bag that brought me through a week in Switzerland and a week in New York City with just one laundry stop!
A set of packing cubes have long been my go-to “secret” to traveling light, but many tips on clothing choices and fabrics that I’ve gleaned from Travel Fashion Girl have been time-savers while on the road.
Please keep the great ideas coming. In these post-pandemic times, the lure of travel is upon us all and it’s reassuring to have a knowledgable, sensible guide along the way.
Over the years I have used both methods. Before the invention of packing cubes, I would use the plastic that you get a the drycleaners, cut it to fit the size of the clothing and I would roll my clothes in it. My clothes never wrinkled and it also helped keep my clean clothes separated from my dirty clothes. It was a lot of work, thank goodness for packing cubes!
I have been following Travel Fashion Girl travel tips and packing lists for more than four years and the packing tips as well as the recommended bra wallet, Anatomie pants and other wardrobe suggestions are AMAZING; providing for stress-free travel all over the world. Thank you so much for making my travel easy and relaxed!
Always a source for great packing tips! I’m sold on packing cubes and I mostly roll, but fold button-up shirts so they don’t wrinkle too much and lay them on top of the rolled clothes. I find rolling allows me to see everything in the cube at a glance so I’m not moving things around so much.
I am definitely a rolling packer! I lover your packing cubes and roll like items together – undies in one, tops, bottoms, dresses etc. larger outerwear if needed is folded to lay on top of the cubes. Thanks Alex & TFG crew for all the tips over the years!!!
I’ve always rolled. In addition, I use rubber bands, and packing cubes.
Thanks for.all the great advice! I learn so much from this site!
Really love your packing cubes!! I mainly roll my clothes and have used the technique of pushing down from one end to get more in. Bought them one Christmas as gifts and family has used them ever since. Allows us to keep luggage much more organized, and if you have to open up anything in the airport, you know everything won’t fall out. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
I like the idea of rolling clothes and have used packing cubes. I’m going to look into compression cubes. Thanks for all the helpful info on the site!
Thanks for the always-helpful tips! I tend to roll most items and compress them in packing cubes. I’m intrigued by some of the folding strategies, though, and may try a new approach for an upcoming work trip that involves more business clothing than my usual travel.
I tend to roll most of my clothes and pack in packing cubes. I find that pants, shorts and maxi dresses are more efficiently packed flat and also put into packing cubes. Then I tuck a few items in the corners that are empty. When I discovered this, it was life-changing. Now I only travel with a carryon size suitcase, even if I’m checking it! Thanks for the videos.
I roll the clothes, then put in packing cubes fit my suitcase like a glove. I save a few smaller items to place between the extra space created by the handles. Good advice!
This is such a great question. I tend to roll but if it’s an outfit that wrinkles easy I’ll fold it on top of the rolled. But Everything always go into a packing cube for ease.
Love your tips. Very helpful.
I am a huge fan of packing cubes! I fold mostly but will have to give rolling a try.
I use my packing cubes and either roll or fold depending on the fabric and size of the garment. Love all the advice and ideas!
I am 70 and am preparing for a 6 week European trip with a number of independent segments where my husband and I will be taking short flights or a train. First time ever we are going with carry-on only. This group and all the helpful information are making this possible ! Thanks!
This will really help with an upcoming 70-day trip!
Packing cubes definitely make traveling more organized!
Since following your blogs and Facebook page, I have been able to define a system that works for utilizing both rolling and folding. Compass rose packing cubes for the win!
I need suggestions for a Paris trip on 2 weeks, what and how to pack
I need to think outside of the box, I never thought to roll with my cubes! Thanks for the great idea!
On my last trip, I used the combination of folding and rolling. I folded like-items together and then rolled them. I had read about this technique on the FB group. It did create more room in my carry-on, however, everything was so wrinkled. I loved the extra space but not the wrinkles.
I have become a roller. I still worry about wrinkles, but there are wrinkles either way.
Just got back from a 10 day Europe trip. Absolutely loved the tips from travel fashion girl! I traveled carry on only for the first time because of the clothing capsule information, cubes and rolling my clothes. I had more than enough clothes for a multi destination trip. I am hooked on carry on only after the much needed flexibility with canceled and rebooked flights. I was so glad that I didn’t need to worry about my luggage! Thank You Travel Fashion Girl!!!
I’m a huge fan of rolling and packing cubes! They’ve both changed my habits forever. Now I’m usually the traveler in the group with the least “baggage”. But I’m also the one who has everything I need.
Thanks for this info. I also use a combo.
I’m going to try packing cubes for the first time as I get ready to go to Ireland for the first time using carryon only — also for the first time! 16 days in October! Cannot wait!!
Thank you for all the tips! I have been sharing them with both of my daughters who are avid travelers. I have sold them both on using packing cubes. Now to learn how to pack carry on only. 🙂
I really thought the various pros and cons of rolling vs folding were very helpful. I am glad that I can actually combine the two for the most effective and organized carry on luggage for an upcoming trip to Italy! Thank you!
I’ve always been a “folder”, but in light of all of the comments in favor of rolling, I’m finally going to give it a try!
Thanks!
Absolutely a convert to rolling clothes. I don’t know itlf it saves space but it does save on wrinkles.
I’m going to try rolling and folding both into my cubes!
I have been rolling my clothes recently and find it works much better for me. I also love the packing cubes that you recommended. Thank you for all the wonderful info!!!
Thank you for all the travel and packing info. I purchased the packing cubes you first recommeneded a long time a go and love them!!! Also I have started rolling my clothes and have found it to be much better than folding. Thank you!
I have been using Compass Rose packing cubes ever since I learned about them! The video demonstrating how to use them helped so much! I was able to use 3 packing cubes with enough clothes for a long 5- day weekend in a personal underseat bag on Spirit Airline, so I had No additional luggage fees!!! Your packing advise has really helped me pack lighter and still be fashionable!! Thanks Alex!!!
I’m team roll all the way! 🙂
Love my cubes. I roll my clothes then put into the cubes. They come out with few wrinkles.
I am a true believer in rolling now! I just got back from a 16-day trip in two different climates. I packed my warmer, dressier clothes in one packing cube by rolling them, and my cold climate clothes in another packing cube and rolled those also. I had so much room I actually packed too much. I never thought I’d say that while just taking a carry-on bag. I guess that saved me from buying too many extra clothes while there.
I’ve used the roll method for years. Now I’m going to start using packing cubes to make even more room in my luggage. Love these tips!!
Thanks for all the great tips, I’m always looking for ways to pack more efficiently.
I really appreciated this post! I’ve gone back and forth on packing and rolling without ever coming to a decision. I loved how you explained how each can work for different fabrics. As for packing cubes, I love them and can’t imagine not using them. It’s so easy to unpack at my destination now – I just place each cube into drawers. When packing to come home, I zip up my cubes and put them back in my suitcase. My dirties are in a compression bag (another TFG tip!). Your blog and Facebook group have become my favorite read each morning. You’ve helped me so much in my travels. Thank you!
We are going to Italy for my daughters wedding. I’m hoping this will help me make it carry on only!
Need this badly. Never fold or roll correctly – lol!
I’m a converted folder. I use packing cubes for my underwear only. Everything else I hang up!
Love using the cubes and rolling!! Worked well for me going to Europe for 12 days. Thanks TFG!!
I’m a roller and love that it makes every piece easy to identify and select. I always use packing cubes. The are like having drawers in your suitcase and easily transfer to actual drawers during hotel stays.
I’ve been a “roller” for years. New to packing cubes, though, so excited to try them!
I am a huge fan of packing cubes and love my compass rose cubes. I have become team carryon not only from these cubes but from all the great tips and tricks on your blog! Thank you for the wealth of information. Great blog!
I have learned so much from TFG! I am still experimenting with the best way to pack, but the Compass Rose packing cubes have been very helpful. Thank you TFG!
Love packing cubes! They are great for organizing, as well as saving space. I have multiple sizes, but find the smaller sizes work best for most items.
Great information! I tend to fold mine but I really think I’ll have to try rolling next time!
I have slowly become a roller but still a folder for items that easily wrinkle! I also like to pack my bag with outfits organized together. I’m definitely going to invest in some packing cubes.
I recently tried the “bundle” method. It’s working well together with some small packing cubes. Works and treat!
I’m turning into a roller. Found TFG recently and there’s so much helpful info here—thank you!
Love packing cubes! I need cubes to keep things organized and easy to find.
I’ve been rolling for years, but there’s some great ideas in here. Thanks for doing all the hard work and letting us benefit from your experience.
I’ve been a roller ever since watching Alex’s videos on using packing cubes. I love the ranger roll style where the ends are tucked in like a burrito so nothing unrolls until I want it to.
I roll clothes for the packing cubes. But sometimes there is room to put something folded on top of them. I use both methods.
I find that rolling takes more time than folding, so I’m torn between these two methods. I did an experiment once, folding and rolling the same items and there didn’t seem to be much of a difference. I like folding for compression cubes and rolling for non.
I am new to packing cubes and on the two trips we’ve taken so far, rolling has been my friend!
Always great packing tips! I prefer to roll very tightly then use my compass rose packing clothes.
Starting another packing project today and your advice is always helpful! This trip has lots of linen that I usually layer with dry cleaning bags and soft items before folding to minimize creases. Thinking about rolling with dry cleaning bags to see what happens. We’ll see!
Team Roller!
I started rolling my clothes after seeing how organized everyone seemed to be as well as how much more fit in my luggage. I’m sold!
I’ve tried packing a few different ways, but rolling has been the clear winner for me. I’m able to roll quite tightly and have even come up with a “sweep” as I roll, using my fingers to rid the roll of any wrinkles.
I have rolled my clothes on every trip for years. Keeps clothes in place better than folding. I’ll roll item together for organizing.
We have used packing cubes and the roll method. Helps keeps everything organized at our destination. My husband has been won over and always uses them
Team Roll all the way!!
I’ve never used packing cubes, but after watching your video and reading your blog I’m sold. I’ll be heading back here for my next vacation 🙂 thank you! I’ll be trying both methods while packing to see what works best. I’ve always just folded into a suitcase.
I’ve rolled for years and am excited to try some packing cubes to make the space hold even more!!
I typically roll into a packing cube, but I honestly get a ton of wrinkles whether I roll or fold – haven’t found a good way to avoid it.
I just stared using packing cubes and it is a life changer
I have been using packing cubes for several years. I started using them for international travel and now use every time I pack!
I had always folded my clothes for travel, until I found this blog and now I rolled my clothes and I even bought the packing cubes.
Really appreciate all the packing and other travel tips!
Love these tips! I only travel with a carry on so this will help a lot with packing.
I a big believer in packing cubes! I do a combo of folding and rolling!
I’ve always like packing cubes but I also can’t always fit everything inside my suitcase if I solely use them. I use both the folding and rolling methods depending on what I have to pack.
Great article! I have learned using packing cubes and rolling my clothes to be the best.
I’ve rolled. I’ve folded. I’ve burritoed. I’ve interlaced. With packing cubes and without. For me, a tall somewhat plus-sized person, the best seems to be a combo of rolling and folding, using packing cubes for most things and laying bigger items (like fleeces or sweaters) folded in the suitcase.
I prefer to roll most of my items & put in packing cubes.
A luggage scale is a staple in my travel supply kit.
I think both are good options. For me it depends on what I’m packing but for sure packing cubes is the only way. I been using them for over 10 years. But thank you for your great tips.
These are great tip as I tend to travel with a carry on and need to maximize my space!
Rolling my clothes has been a lifesaving tip for me. With your help I’ve also learned I don’t need as much as I think! I will never check a bag again!
Thanks for this post. I love packing cubes and use them every time I travel.
I’ve never really given much thought to packing. I’ve now gone down a rabbit hole! Hope to get to Italy in the next year, and will definitely be changing the way I pack!!
This tips were super helpful on my last trip! Thanks for sharing!
I tend to roll most of my stuff into packing cubes. Especially with knit fabrics, it really keeps stuff from getting wrinkled!
I have been reading your posts since we went on a cruise in 2018. I have found many posts so very helpful! I did buy some packing cubes and that helped keep me organized!
As a plus sized traveler, I’ve been using the rolling method and packing cubes for years to help me stay carry on only. It’s a great way to fit all your clothing, see what you have when you pack, and save some of the wrinkles.
I’ve tried rolling but it always seems to introduce more wrinkles than I care to deal with for sone things so combo is the way to go for me.
Thanks Travel Fashion Girl for this very helpful article!
I’ve been a compression cube packer for many years. One more advantage I like to tell my non packing cube friends is that you can take them straight from your suitcase to your hotel/AirBnB drawers to keep things organized. They act like mini drawers within a drawer so that I can find whatever I am looking for in a snap.
I used to roll but now I have tended to fold. I think because I changed suitcases and now that I use the Away Luggage, the compression piece that goes over all my packing, folding actually seems to work much better. I use their (non) compression cubes as well so the whole system seems to have worked the best for me and how I pack. I will roll things like a dress/skirt/pr of jeans and place those in the empty space after I put in my cubes with the other items I’m taking and that has worked really well too.
I roll and use packing cubes. I am always amazed at how unwrinkled the clothes are when I take them out. I am working on a ways to label the bags so I don’t have to open them all to find one item!
I agree – your carry-on can be as heavy as a regular suitcase, which defeats the purpose of “packing light”. The same w packing cubes or vacuum bags – yes, you can fit more clothes – but that isn’t packing light.
I have always folded my clothes. This article has me rethinking how I should roll my clothes on my next trip. Thank you!
The never ending debate. I’m a folder-my son is a roller. The videos were super useful. Definitely going to up my packing game doing it your way. Thanks for the insight!
Thank you for clearing up and helping us understand the roll vs. fold debate. Will take this insight with me on my next travels.
I’ve been a roller for years. Even as a plus sized curly haired gal I’ve been able to get over a weeks worth of clothing,shoes, hair needs, and more in a carry on suitcase thanks to rolling and packing cubes.
Such great tips here! I’ve totally revamped/created my capsule wardrobe(s) since I’ve begun following this blog! I’ve always shopped Eddie Bauer, but your reminder that this is the last day of their “up to 60% off” sale, I found 3 items, including 2 blouses, that I really needed ! 🙄
I lay dresses flat in the bottom of the suitcase, then put my packing cubes with rolled t-shirts, underwear, pj’s, bathing suits on the dresses and fold the tops of the dresses over the cubes. Pants and jackets go on top to weigh the pile down and shoes and toiletry bags go in awkward corners or between the ridges for the handles. My dresses hardly get wrinkled at all this way.
Hi Joanna, thank you for sharing how you like to pack your suitcase with us, sounds awesome!! Happy travels!
Love the great tips. Trying to go carry on only to Europe so need all the tips.
Thanks, this is something I always debate when packing. Great tips.
I’m glad you found it useful!
You’ve pretty much said it all. The only thing I’d add is that knits – regardless of fabric, including wool, often work best rolled. Some wovens tend to work better either folded or bundle wrapped. This latter is neither folded nor rolled, but wrapped around packing cubes, undies etc (but not shoes). It’s quite a good way for trousers and skirts.
Thanks for the tips Jennifer!
I rolled my clothes for a trip to Europe but instead of horizontally I stood the clothes up (vertically). It worked out really well because I had the heaviest at the bottom (Jeans etc) and worked my way up to shorts, long sleeved tops to singlet tops. I could see what each item was without taking it out.
Thanks for sharing Anne!
Just learned the Ranger roll technique and found it very helpful!
I roll some clothes like night shirts and t shirts in packing cubes to save space for items that I don’t want to roll. Some heavier pants I fold and lighter pants I roll. I play it by ear, with the goal being to travel as lightly as possible.
I’m on a 6 week trip with carry on right now and finding the ranger roll is the way to go. It makes my clothes smaller and means I can dig through my suitcase without all of my clothes unrolling and ruining my bag. When I’m too lazy to ranger roll, my clothes definitely don’t fit as well