Is it better to roll or fold travel clothes? When I Googled the topic of “rolling or folding” I received 11,600 hits.
Rolling or folding clothes in your suitcase a topic debated by many travelers for years. Suitcase manufacturers argue and promote various methods. Today I offer reminders and my thoughts on “roll or fold.”
You could spend hours and hours online looking at advice from suitcase manufacturers. Basically, there are four options. 1) Fold 2) Roll 3) Pack in Compression Bags and 4) Packing Boxes for inside the suitcase. It’s easy to read about the bags and boxes with a little Internet research.
I am a believer of packing light. I wear my jeans when I travel by air. They are always heavier than my pants. If I’m gone for ten days, I may wear jeans three or four times. They don’t get dirty as fast as other items. Comfortable jeans coming and going are a must for me.
I take two, maybe three, pairs of black pants, if I travel over a week or two. One main color of pants and colorful tops that will all go with the one color for mixing and matching. I fold the pants in half and lay them on the bottom, one way and then the other so the pile is not too thick. Shoes go into a plastic bag for the bottom of the suitcase as it rolls. Then I roll the rest of the items, placing them with last or least important tops at the bottom. Shirts or tops for the next few days stay near the top. I find rolling keeps many things from wrinkling and I don’t mess with starchy items. From my perception, I can pack more in the space allotted by rolling. Others will disagree. When sweaters and coats are not a problem, I save room for the makeup bag at the top. Medicine goes in my backpack, not the suitcase I check or carry-on.
Everyone claims his or her methods works best. I happen to like rolling best.
Try it different ways. I cannot imagine having room for the packing boxes and I don’t want to take the time to compress items during the trip. But, you decide. You may become a great fan of compressed bags or even the boxes.
Peter Greenberg, travel consultant and prolific writer states, “If you’re checking bags, take photos of all the items. Remember, bag thieves don’t steal bags. They steal individual items from bags.” Not a bad idea!
Friends tell me they cannot go anywhere without at least three suitcases. My arms are not strong enough to fiddle with that much luggage. I prefer one roll-around suitcase and a backpack. I’ll talk about what is in my backpack another time. Meanwhile, try both methods. See which fits you best.