| Packing a suitcase properly has thwarted many a | | | | unnecessary stuff, you're ready to pack. |
| traveler! But it's not too tricky if you know the | | | | The Stack Method |
| tips. The goal, as always, is to maximize space | | | | 1. Start with shirts, t shirt and tops. Stack them all |
| while avoiding a case full of wrinkled and | | | | on top of each other without folding them. Make |
| unwearable clothing. Luckily there are several | | | | sure the more easily wrinkled ones are at the |
| ways to achieve this. This article looks at the | | | | bottom. |
| Stack Method. | | | | 2. Now fold the sleeves all in together. |
| 1) Figure out ahead of time how much and what | | | | 3. Fold the shirts in half. You should end up with a |
| kind of clothing you'll need for your trip. Clearly a | | | | roughly rectangular shape. Because they are in a |
| week-long city break requires more than a | | | | big bundle, your tops are more wrinkle-resistant |
| weekend to the country. Ask yourself: What | | | | and the shape means they will fit nicely into your |
| does the weather report say? Will you have | | | | suitcase. |
| laundry facilities where you're going? It goes | | | | 4. Fold trousers and jeans individually in half and |
| without saying that you won't need hiking boots | | | | stack them again in order of wrinkliness! |
| for a beach holiday or a suit at a camp site! | | | | 5. Hold this pile in half like you did with the shirts |
| 2) Pack only small toiletries if possible. Make sure | | | | and place your trousers rectangle into the |
| to seal them in plastic bags to protect against | | | | suitcase alongside the shirts pile |
| spillage. If you really need bigger bottles or | | | | 6. If you have skirts and dresses, lie them down |
| packages, at least make sure they are a practical | | | | in the suitcase over the your two rectangles. |
| shape - flat instead of round or uneven. Choose | | | | Tuck the ends around the piles to save space. |
| bottles with screw-on or secure caps that won't | | | | 7. Stuff your shoes with underwear and socks |
| suddenly burst open. | | | | and fit them into the gaps in your suitcase. |
| 3) Before you begin packing, make a list. Then cut | | | | 8. Do the same with toiletries and any other |
| down this list by about 10% or so. It helps if you | | | | possessions - but if possible, keep them towards |
| figure out your outfits beforehand, so you know | | | | the center to prevent excessive bumping and |
| if all the items are really necessary. Once you're | | | | possible spillage. |
| made sure you're not taking too much | | | | |