When your vacation includes navigating bumpy cobblestone streets and schlepping up four flights of stairs to reach your top-floor Airbnb apartment, traveling with just a carry-on is basically the only option. On a recent trip to the south of France, I knew that lugging around XL checked luggage would be way more trouble than it’s worth. Leading up to this trip, I had also spent weeks meticulously curating the perfect lineup of vacation outfits. So, when it came time to pack, I was resolved not to have to leave anything behind due to lack of space. That meant I needed to think long and hard about the best way to pack my suitcase.
From classic folding to rolling to the KonMari method, there are tons of different ways to go about packing a suitcase. But which one actually gives you the most packing space? Determined to find out, I spent a whole afternoon packing and re-packing my suitcase to figure out the very best method. And spoiler: One packing method was far superior to all the rest.
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How I tested each packing method
Ahead of my 8-day trip to France, I laid out all the outfits I planned to pack. That included five tops, three dresses, one maxi skirt, two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts, one cardigan, one jacket, one set of pajamas, and one comfy outfit for the plane ride home.
For the sake of this test, I packed all my clothing into one side of my hard-shell suitcase. I left the other side empty, planning to use it for shoes, toiletries, and other odds and ends. I also left undergarments (including socks, underwear, and bras) out of this test, assuming I would pack those in the other side of my suitcase as well.
I ranked each packing method on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories:
- Ease of use: How quickly and easily can you pack using this method? And when you get to your destination, how easy is it to find the clothes you’re looking for?
- Wrinkle resistance: Does this method cause a lot of wrinkles or creases in clothing?
- Space maximization: How well does it utilize all the available suitcase space?
Classic folding
The most basic way to pack a suitcase is to fold your clothes like you would if you were putting them away in a dresser or on a shelf. Nothing complicated here! With this folding method, the goal is to fold your clothes into relatively consistent square shapes, which you can then stack in your suitcase.
How it went
This was by far the fastest packing method with the smallest learning curve. Everyone knows how to fold a T-shirt the old-fashioned way, right? But that’s about where the positives end. I only had room in my suitcase for two stacks of folded clothes, so once everything was packed, I could only see the two topmost items. For someone like me who prefers not to fully unpack when I get to my destination, that makes choosing an outfit for each day difficult.
The stacks also reached well above the level of my suitcase, so zipping up (without breaking the zipper in the process) probably would have been quite difficult. Plus, there was a lot of dead space leftover, so it’s definitely not the most efficient way to pack a suitcase. Not to mention that everything came out of my suitcase with pretty deep creases along the fold lines. Overall, this method is simple and easy, but kind of a flop.
My rating
- Ease of use: 3/5
- Wrinkle resistance: 2/5
- Space maximization: 1/5
Rolling
Rolling your clothes is a widely recommended method for those looking to save suitcase space. Compared to the basic fold, this method compresses your clothes down much more compactly. You just need to make sure you roll everything as tight as possible so you end up with neat little bundles. I started by folding each item in half vertically and tucking in any sleeves (as if I were doing a classic fold) before rolling from the top down.
How it went
I’ve always heard that rolling your clothes supposedly helps prevent wrinkles, but that was definitely not my experience with this test. Because I had to roll each item so tightly to get everything to fit, the wrinkles were next-level upon unpacking. Like, not just a crease or two here and there, but serious wrinkles all over each piece. I definitely would have had my work cut out for me with steaming and ironing on my trip.
On the plus side, the actual rolling part was fairly quick and easy, and it allowed me to fit everything neatly in my suitcase without too much bulging. I ended up stacking my rolled-up clothes in two layers, so while I couldn’t see everything I packed in one glance, I had easy access to a good portion of my clothing. However, I will note that not all clothing is conducive to rolling. I had a hard time rolling up my canvas barn jacket neatly, and I’m sure other bulky pieces (like jeans and sweaters) would have a similar issue. These items might be best packed flat to save the most space.
My rating
- Ease of use: 4/5
- Wrinkle resistance: 1/5
- Space maximization: 4/5
KonMari folding method
Marie Kondo made a name for herself in the mid-2010s with her “spark joy” approach to organizing, but her method of folding clothes is the thing that has stuck with me several years later. I still use her KonMari folding method to organize my dresser drawers to this day! The idea is to fold clothes into small rectangles that you can stand upright instead of stacking.
For garments like tops and dresses, start by folding the sides in toward the center and tucking in any sleeves to create a long rectangular shape. For pants and shorts, just fold in half vertically. Next, fold the item in half lengthwise—leaving a small gap at the edge—and then fold it again into halves or thirds to achieve a small rectangular shape. When you go to pack your suitcase, stand all the folded rectangles up vertically and line them up in rows, like you’re filing paperwork.
How it went
It’s important to note that I’ve been using the KonMari folding method for years, so I had a pretty good head start. But if you’re totally new to this folding technique, it can be a little tricky to figure out. Even for me, it took quite a bit longer than the classic folding and rolling methods. However, the extra effort pays off when you can easily see every single item you packed, all lined up in neat rows inside your suitcase. The result is so satisfying! I also think this method helps you pack clothes down just as compactly as the rolling method, without causing nearly as many wrinkles. It was very easy to fit all my clothes into my suitcase, using all the available space without having to jam things in toward the end.
My rating
- Ease of use: 3/5
- Wrinkle resistance: 3/5
- Space maximization: 5/5
Bundle method
In my research to figure out the best way to pack a suitcase, I came across this new-to-me method and was instantly intrigued. The idea is to lay all your clothes out flat on top of your suitcase and then wrap them individually around a central “core.” Your core should be something small and somewhat soft, like a packing cube full of socks or a travel toiletry pouch.
Start with long items (like pants, maxi skirts, and dresses) and lay those garments out horizontally, alternating which side the waistband is on and extending the legs out to either side. Then lay out your tops vertically, again alternating them 180 degrees each time. You’ll end up with a kind of crisscross pattern of clothes. Then, starting with the topmost layer, wrap each piece of clothing around the core until you end up with one compact bundle. Because the garments are wrapped instead of tightly rolled or folded and stacked, this method is intended to minimize wrinkles.
How it went
This packing method is definitely not for those who like to pack on the fly. You need to have a clear plan for exactly what you’re going to pack before you get started. That’s probably the biggest downside: Double-checking what you’ve packed or adding something in last-minute is basically impossible. And when you get to your destination, you’ll need to fully unpack in order to access any of your clothing.
I also don’t think it did the best job of maximizing all the available space. By the end, my bundle was mounded up over the level of my suitcase, while leaving some dead space around the sides. However, I do think this method was effective at preventing wrinkles, so that’s one major positive! The bundle method could be a decent option if you really hate ironing (or won’t have access to an iron or steamer at your destination), but overall, I don’t think it’s worth the effort.
My rating
- Ease of use: 2/5
- Wrinkle resistance: 5/5
- Space maximization: 2/5
Packing cubes + KonMari method
Packing cubes are a classic travel hack for keeping things organized inside your suitcase. Instead of having all your clothing mixed together, you can use the packing cubes to sort items by category or keep specific outfits together. The tricky part is figuring out the best way to fold your clothes before loading up the packing cubes. Since the KonMari method seemed to be the best method for maximizing space so far in this test, I decided to pair these two techniques together.
How it went
As with the regular KonMari method, this packing strategy requires some extra time and care. Mastering the folding technique is the biggest challenge; actually loading up the packing cubes is super easy. I will note that I ended up modifying the classic KonMari method just slightly. In order to get my folded rectangles small enough to stand upright in the packing cubes, I added one extra fold in half before the final fold into thirds.
I ended up using one large packing cube for bulkier items like my jacket, cardigan, and pants. I then used a medium-sized one for the dresses and maxi skirt, and another one for my tops. It was really handy being able to sort my clothes into categories like this, so much so that I gave this method an extra point in the “ease of use” category. It was similar to the traditional KonMari method in terms of reducing wrinkles and maximizing space, so those scores remained the same. I loved the added boost of organization that the packing cubes provided, making it easy to keep track of what you packed and pick out outfits once you get to your destination. I think it’s absolutely worth investing in a set (and using this folding technique) if you like a tidy, well-organized suitcase.
My rating
- Ease of use: 4/5
- Wrinkle resistance: 3/5
- Space maximization: 5/5
The final verdict
When it came time to pack for my actual trip, I reloaded my suitcase one last time using the overall winning strategy: packing cubes + the KonMari method. I really appreciated the extra organization once I reached my destination and saw the tiny sliver of hanging space available in the closet of my Airbnb. Because my suitcase was so neatly organized, I had no problem keeping most of my clothes packed away. Choosing an outfit for each day was as simple as unzipping the right packing cube and pulling out the item I wanted, which was clearly visible thanks to Marie Kondo’s genius folding technique. I did end up having to iron two particularly wrinkle-prone garments, but otherwise, all my clothes came out of my suitcase ready to wear. I can confidently say I’ll be using this packing method on all my trips going forward.
Common Suitcase Packing Questions, Answered
What is the best way to pack a suitcase?
After testing five popular packing methods, we found that using packing cubes combined with the KonMari folding method made the best use of space while keeping clothes organized and relatively wrinkle-free. It made it easy to see every item at a glance and fit more clothing without overstuffing the suitcase.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?
It depends on your priorities. Rolling clothes typically saves more space than traditional folding, but in our test, it also created the most wrinkles. If you want a balance of space savings, organization, and fewer wrinkles, the KonMari folding method performed better overall.
Do packing cubes actually save space?
Yes, especially when paired with an efficient folding method. While packing cubes don’t magically compress every item, they keep clothing organized, prevent shifting during travel, and make it much easier to maximize every inch of your suitcase.
What is the least wrinkly way to pack clothes?
In our testing, the bundle packing method produced the fewest wrinkles because garments are wrapped instead of tightly rolled or folded. However, it’s more time-consuming and makes it difficult to access individual items without unpacking everything.
How do you fit more clothes in a suitcase?
To maximize suitcase space:
- Plan outfits before packing.
- Use packing cubes.
- Fold clothes using the KonMari method.
- Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket while traveling.
- Pack heavier items near the wheels of your suitcase.
- Leave a little room for souvenirs instead of filling every inch.
What should you pack first in a suitcase?
Start with shoes, bulkier items, and heavier clothing near the wheels of your suitcase to help distribute weight evenly. Then add folded clothing, toiletries, and smaller accessories around the remaining gaps for the most efficient use of space.
How can I keep my clothes organized while traveling?
Packing cubes are one of the easiest ways to stay organized. Group clothing by category, outfit, or day of your trip so you can quickly find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase.
Are packing cubes worth it?
If you travel more than once or twice a year, yes. Packing cubes help organize your suitcase, compress clothing, and make unpacking at your destination much easier. They’re especially useful for carry-on travel and longer trips where staying organized matters.
What is the best packing method for a carry-on suitcase?
For carry-on travel, packing cubes paired with the KonMari folding method are our top choice. This combination maximizes limited space, keeps everything easy to find, and helps you avoid digging through your suitcase every time you need a different outfit. It also leaves room for shoes, toiletries, and souvenirs on the return trip.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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