Tips for packing a suitcase: the Stack method

Packing a suitcase correctly has frustrated many travelers! But it’s not too complicated if you know the tips. The goal, as always, is to maximize space and avoid a suitcase full of wrinkled and useless clothes. Fortunately there are several ways to achieve this. This article discusses the stack method.

1) Calculate in advance how much and what type of clothing you will need for your trip. Clearly, a week-long break in the city requires more than a weekend in the country. Ask yourself: What does the weather report say? Will you have laundry facilities where you are going? Needless to say, you won’t need hiking boots for a beach vacation or a suit on a camping trip!

2) Pack only small toiletries if possible. Be sure to seal them in plastic bags to protect against spillage. If you really need larger bottles or packages, at least make sure they’re a practical shape: flat rather than round or irregular. Choose bottles with screw-tops or secure ones that won’t snap open.

3) Before you start packing, make a list. Then narrow this list down by 10% or so. It helps if you determine your outfits beforehand, so you know if all the items are really necessary. Once you’re sure you’re not taking too much unnecessary stuff, you’re ready to pack.

the stack method

1. Start with shirts, t-shirts, and tops. Stack them all on top of each other without folding them. Make sure the ones that wrinkle the easiest are at the bottom.
2. Now fold all the sleeves together.
3. Fold the shirts in half. You should end up with a roughly rectangular shape. Because they are in a large package, your blouses are more resistant to wrinkles and the shape means they fit nicely in your suitcase.
4. Individually fold pants and jeans in half and stack them back in wrinkle order!
5. Hold this stack in the middle as you did with the shirts and place your pants rectangle in the suitcase next to the stack of shirts.
6. If you have skirts and dresses, place them in the suitcase on your two rectangles. Tuck the ends around the piles to save space.
7. Stuff your shoes with underwear and socks and place them in the holes in your suitcase.
8. Do the same for toiletries and any other possessions, but if possible, keep them toward the center to avoid excessive bumping and potential spillage.