How to Pack

By Stefanie Michaels

      I know what a nuisance packing can be for that well deserved vacation you've been waiting for or that last minute business trip that popped up. By the time you get to the airport, somehow--some way--you always end up with ten pieces of luggage, when you swore you started with two! Hey, those ten pairs of Manolo's take space! Throughout my years of traveling, I had to learn to pack quickly and efficiently. I came across this great trick that helps to do just that and cut down on suitcases and wrinkled clothes. Here's how...

Bulky Items: Always start with your bulkiest items first. Let's start with a sweater. Lay the sweater on a flat surface. Fold the arms in like you would to fold for your drawers. Begin at the neck and shoulders. When you begin to roll, make sure you roll even and tightly as possible. When finished rolling, you should have a large sized "tootsie roll" sweater. Place the sweater against the interior side of your suitcase. Begin with another favorite. Pants. Do the same, except this time watch for your crease marks at the pockets and down the legs. Make sure they are even. Roll.

Small Items: Smaller items such as socks, undergarments, t-shirts can be rolled and tucked into the suitcase last and in between the larger rolled items all ready placed in the case. You can also tuck them into your shoes and boots for additional space saving. Keep reading...that's next!

Shoes: Shoes should be separated in a different piece of luggage! But, if you're up to the challenge and can only take one case, try this.

Let's start with boots. Place the boots on their sides and place them lengthwise into the case (match the length of suitcase with length of boot). To help you separate your shoes and their soles from your clothes, I like to use plastic bags from your grocery store. They also can double for dirty clothes bags! Just remember to bring them home to recycle them. Next, place each shoe in a bag and set them next to the already packed boots. Work toward the center. Then place your clothes on top of the shoes (as if it is the bottom of your suitcase) and follow the rolling and placement directions from above.

That's it! Simple! Now you know a simple secret to make packing a little less tedious. You'll get almost double the space and less stress at the airport's baggage claim!

Extra Tip: Depending on some fabrics such as silks or certain sweaters, I like to use tissue paper (the kind that comes in gift boxes) before I start to roll. This helps with wrinkles and protects the delicate fabric. Just lay the garment flat, arms in, place the tissue down and begin to roll!