Packing

how to pack a suitcase

How do you maximize suitcase space without wrinkling everything in the process? It's easy with the smart tips in this video guide to packing.

I find it annoying that the video started when the page opened. I have replaced it with a link tothe video so you can control the starting and stopping.


I've been noted for my ability to fit 10 lbs of clothes in a 3 lbs container for many years, but I'm sure that preparing for a semester away from home will put my skills to the test. Here's a video that helps with preparing for the process.



This video illustrates packing for a vacation of a normal length. For a longer trip, there are some things to be reinforced.

1. Really putting all your clothes on the bed, staring and thinking is a required first step. Pitch what you really don't need. Remember, London has shopping too. Do you really to pack six containers of deoderant and 20 sets of underwear?
2. Roll your clothes. The video gets this right, but the rolls shown are loose. Roll your underclothes tightly, fit socks round the internal rail if it is a roll-aboard suitcase. Roll as much as you can as tightly as possible. You can even roll shirts with a minimum of wrinkles if your are careful.
3. For this trip we're going to want only shoes that are good for walking. I plan to take two pairs of shoes. Wearing one pair means that I only pack one.
4. Wear your heavy coat on the plane, don't try to pack it. You'll need it when you arrive and probably before your get to the airport here as well.
5. While you are unlikely to have fragile items to pack going to London, you may well have them coming home. The trick here is to to pack your case full and tight and put the fragile items in the center where they are well padded. I've packed jewelry, pottery, and dishes this way without breakage.
6. If anything you pack has space inside it, fill that space as well. Use it all.
7. As noted in the video, put belts and such around the edges. Edges and corners are often wasted space. put your charging cords for cameras and phones here. When all the big stuff is in, go through your carry-on luggage and see what small items can fit in here to lighten your load.
8. If you suitcase is packed full and tight, then there is less need for the use of dry cleaning bags since nothing can move.

Finally, when you get your suitcase fully packed and ready to go, pick it up and step on the bathroom scales. Subtract your weight and see if the suitcase is under the maximum allow by the airlines (it's on their web site). Better to know now that you need to repack than when you are standing in line at check-in. I'd even remove something if I'm close to the limit since the calibration of your scales could be off  a couple pounds.