How to Pack a Suitcase with These Notoriously Hard to Pack Items

Have you ever stared at your suitcase with a sense of utter dread, wondering how on earth you’re going to fit that impeccably tailored suit, your favorite knee-high boots, or that delicate silk dress without ruining them? Packing can be tricky, especially when it involves items that are notoriously difficult to pack neatly and safely.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your stuff safe during your trip. Whether it’s learning how to fold a dress shirt for travel or how to keep your heels safe in your bag, here’s how to pack a suitcase while keeping your favorite items organized and wrinkle-free.

Suits

First on our list is the classic suit—a staple in many wardrobes, but a notorious challenge when it comes to packing. The main difficulty lies in its often delicate fabric and structured design, which are prone to wrinkles and creases.

How to Pack a Suit:

1. Turn your suit jacket inside out. This protects the outer fabric from any potential damage and helps to prevent wrinkles.
2. Next, fold the jacket in half, lining up the shoulders and the collar. This maintains the shape of the jacket and keeps the internal structure intact.
3. Lastly, gently roll the jacket and trousers together. Rolling, rather than folding, reduces the chance of creases forming.

Outerwear

Outerwear, like jackets or coats, can be bulky and take up a lot of suitcase real estate. These items can be difficult to pack without taking up too much space.

How to Pack Outerwear:

1. Start by laying your outerwear flat on a clean surface. This helps to minimize any potential wrinkles or creases.
2. Fold the sleeves inward, aligning them with the body of the garment. This keeps the sleeves from getting wrinkled and taking up unnecessary space.
3. Finally, roll the outerwear from the bottom up. Rolling not only saves space, but also helps to maintain the shape of the garment.

Dress Shirts

Dealing with dress shirts can be tricky. These are usually made of materials that wrinkle easily, making them challenging to pack. You’ll also want to keep the collar and cuffs intact to maintain the shirt’s crisp look.

How to Pack a Dress Shirt:

1. Start by buttoning up the shirt and laying it flat. This helps maintain the shirt’s structure during packing.
2. Next, fold the sleeves inwards, aligning them with the body of the shirt. This keeps the sleeves from wrinkling and reduces the space they take up.
3. Finally, fold the shirt in half from the bottom up and then in half again. This compact fold not only saves space but also helps to keep the shirt wrinkle-free. And that’s how to pack a dress shirt.

Jewelry

Next, we have jewelry. These delicate items can easily get tangled or damaged if not packed correctly.

How to Pack Jewelry:

1. First, separate your jewelry by type (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc.) This helps to prevent tangling and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
2. Secure each piece in a separate pouch or compartment. This protects each piece from damage and loss.
3. Lastly, make sure to store your jewelry in a secure, hidden part of your luggage. This protects your valuables from potential thieves.

Shoes

The right pair of shoes can completely transform your look, but when it comes to packing a suitcase, shoes present their own unique set of challenges. They’re bulky, often dirty, and if not packed properly, can damage other items in your bag.

How to Pack Shoes:

1. Always give your shoes a good clean before packing them to avoid transferring dirt onto your clothes.
2. Invest in shoe bags or use old grocery bags to keep your shoes separated from your clothes. This not only keeps your clothes clean but also helps to maintain the shape of your shoes during transit. You can also use a shower cap if you don’t have a shoe bag.
3. Use socks or other small items to fill the inside of your shoes. This not only saves space but also helps to keep the shape of your shoes.
4. Place your shoes in the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels. This provides a stable base for the rest of your items and keeps the weight distributed evenly, making it easier to roll your suitcase.

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If you’re wondering how to pack a suitcase when you’re bringing notoriously tricky items, don’t worry. This article will teach you everything you need to know about overcoming those packing challenges.