Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Expert Opinions on the Most Efficient Travel Packing Methods
Imagine you're packing a suitcase for a trip!
Some people like to fold clothes like they normally do, which keeps them neat.
Others try rolling clothes like a sleeping bag to save space, but it can be slow.
There's also a way to stand clothes up in the suitcase, but it didn't save much room and made clothes wrinkly.
Experts think folding is best for keeping clothes nice, but a mix of rolling and folding works well too.
There's also a clever way to pack using just 5 outfits, 4 pairs of shoes, 3 accessories, 2 special items, and 1 fun extra item, so you don't bring too much stuff.
Digital creator Shashank Arora tested three packing methods: normal fold, viral vertical, and rolling.
The normal fold method fit the most items neatly, while vertical packing saved minimal space and caused wrinkles.
The rolling method saves some space but is time-consuming and less organized, best for casual wear.
Costume designer Shilpa GNS suggests the normal fold is best for keeping clothes wrinkle-free, but a hybrid approach of rolling thin clothes and folding heavier ones is most efficient.
The article also introduces the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method for limiting the number of items: 5 clothing pieces, 4 shoes, 3 accessories, 2 specialty items, and 1 wildcard.
- Who
- Digital creator Shashank Arora and costume designer Shilpa GNS
- What
- Testing and recommending different packing methods for travel.
- When
- Recently (implied by 'recently came across')
- Where
- Testing conducted in one small bag; general travel context.
- Why
- To find the most efficient and least stressful way to pack for travel.
Normal Fold Method
Rolling or Vertical Packing
Space Efficiency
Normal Fold Method
The normal fold method fits a good amount of clothing neatly and accessibly.
Rolling or Vertical Packing
The vertical method fit only one extra shirt and required a bigger suitcase. The rolling method saves a little space but is time-consuming and less organized.
Wrinkle Management
Normal Fold Method
The normal fold method helps keep clothes clean and relatively wrinkle-free.
Rolling or Vertical Packing
The vertical method can lead to wrinkles and crushed collars. The rolling method is not ideal for structured clothes.
Best Use Case
Normal Fold Method
Considered to work best overall for keeping clothes neat and wrinkle-free.
Rolling or Vertical Packing
Rolling works best for casuals like t-shirts and jeans. The vertical method is not great for formal clothes.
- Normal Fold Method Capacity
- 5 shirts, 4 t-shirts, 3 pants, 2 towels, 2 shorts, plus shoes, socks, slippers, and boxers.
- Vertical Packing Method Space Gain
- Only fit one extra shirt compared to normal folding.
- Rolling Method
- Saves a little space but is time-consuming and less organized.
- Recommended Hybrid Approach
- Rolling thinner clothes and folding heavier ones for optimal space.
- 5-4-3-2-1 Method Components
- 5 clothing items, 4 pairs of shoes, 3 accessories, 2 specialty items, 1 wildcard item.