This Smart Packing Strategy Keeps Your Outfits Compact And Ready To Wear

With checked baggage fees soaring, many travelers are trying to fit everything they need for a trip into a carry-on bag. While that's fine for a weekend getaway, if you're traveling for a longer stretch, it could leave you with a messy, disorganized suitcase. Add in the possibility of overpacking, and you have a recipe for some pretty wrinkled clothing. However, one traveler on Instagram has a solution that could change everything for you. 

Lauren, better known to her followers on Instagram as @lauren.clutter, suggests that you set out your clothing by outfit and then roll each outfit together. According to the clip, each "roll" should include a top, shorts/pants/skirt, underwear, and socks. This way you're not digging through your suitcase, wrinkling everything you brought in search of that one pair of socks that matches your shirt. On top of the outfit rolls, Lauren also recommends placing your pajamas, jackets, and swimsuits so that they're easily accessible. Finally, your shoes can go in the side pockets located inside of your suitcase. 

Claiming this brilliant method is her favorite packing hack for kids, she notes that adults can benefit from this as well. We've all been there: packing a couple of pairs of pants and throwing in a ton of shirts "just in case," only to end up with three tops that don't go with anything and clothes strewn all over the hotel bed when you're trying to get ready for dinner. By using the roll method, you can have each outfit planned out, with everything in easy reach. Better yet, you can also save space in your suitcase — meaning there will be even more room to bring something back.

Once you have your pre-planned outfits rolled up, you can combine this hack with some handy packing cubes, a luggage accessory that travel pro Samantha Brown says is a game changer for organized packing. To do that, simply pack one or two rolled outfits per cube, depending on the size, to make things even easier for yourself. Then, as Brown suggests on her website, you can put the cubes directly into the drawer at your accommodation so you don't have to worry about anything touching the surface. You don't have to spend a fortune on them, either, as Dollar Tree actually sells this travel essential. Ultimately, using packing cubes goes beyond setting up each outfit beforehand. You can also use them to organize your toiletries, or putting your own spin on the rolling method by putting all of your socks or underwear in a single cube. 

Whether you use cubes or not, there's no doubt that pre-planning your outfits keeps things organized. Plus, it also saves you time. Instead of trying on everything and wasting time that could be better spent on some vacation relaxation, put together a little fashion show for yourself before you pack by trying on each outfit at home in the mirror. That way, you'll know exactly what everything looks like, especially if you've bought new items for your trip. In addition, it's also a good idea to pack a laundry bag so that you're not shoving dirty clothes in with your clean and rolled outfits. You can do this by throwing in a couple of plastic grocery bags, which can also help keep your shoes from getting the rest of your clothing mucky.